Hiking/Nature Trails and Parks

Immerse yourself in the wonders of Florida’s hiking/nature trails offering amazing wildlife viewing, botanical diversity, and different levels of difficulty from a leisurely stroll to some tougher trails. Those nature trails offer a wonderful opportunity to explore the natural beauty of these areas. From lush forests to scenic waterways, there are plenty of options to choose from. Whether you’re an avid hiker or simply enjoy a leisurely stroll, these trails cater to a variety of preferences.

There are some unique features, flora, and fauna of each trail, that you might want to check out which one would be the one for you, to experience the natural wonders that Sarasota and Charlotte County have to offer.

Don’t be fooled by Florida’s seemingly flat terrain, it is anything but boring. Florida ranks third in the nation for botanical diversity, boasting over 80 distinct plant communities. Just a few inches of elevation change affects, the surrounding mix of habitats, so the sheer variety of what you see on a day’s hike can be downright impressive.

It won’t always be a walk in the park, but there are some like that too. The ground beneath your feet can vary from rugged limestone outcroppings to slippery clay, hard-packed fossilized shells, sticky marl mud, soft sugar sand or rotting leaves beneath knee-deep water. Use a hiking stick for balance, wear comfortable shoes appropriate to the terrain, and take along a dose of common sense. Know the habitats you’ll encounter. On the other hand, there are trails that are more like a park like setting. You have plenty of choices.

You will also find Trails that have paved areas for easier access. Take advantage of opportunities to hike, fish, paddle and observe wildlife in the park’s many natural communities, including enchanting mangrove forests, marshes, scrub habitats and pine flatwoods. Some of the parks have shallow water fringed by mangroves, providing amazing opportunities to view wading birds, manatees, dolphins and other wildlife. For a truly immersive experience, consider accessing certain parks by kayak or canoe.

Prepare to be enthralled by the captivating beauty and adventure that awaits you on Florida’s hiking and nature trails in Sarasota County and Charlotte County. Let the wonders of nature guide your journey as you create unforgettable memories in these remarkable destinations.

Here are just a few of them:

Charlotte County

• Myakka Islands Point Preserve
• Audubon-Pennington Nature Park
• Charlotte Harbor Preserve State Park and Nature Park
• Cape Haze Pioneer Trail Park
• Amberjack Environmental Park
• Punta Gorda Nature Park
• Piece River Preserve
• Live Oak Point
• Larry Taylor Kiwanis Park
• Ann & Chuck Dever Regional Park
• Cedar Point Environmental Park
• Gasparilla Island State Park
• Duisberg Trail

Sarasota County

• Ted Sperling Park Nature Trail
• South Lido County Park
• Heron’s Nest Nature Park
• Myakka River State Park
• Culverhouse Nature Park
• Half-Mile Trail at Arlington Park
• Phillippi Creek Levee Trail
• Walton Ranch Reverse
•  Oscar Scherer State Park
• Shamrock Park and Nature Center
• Rothenbach Park
• Curry Creek Preserve

For sure those are just some of all the Trails/Parks, and this gives you some information of what Florida has to offer.