BOYD HILL NATURE PRESERVE FORT DE SOTO PARK JOHN CHESNUT SR. PARK that wind through one of the largest maple swamps on Florida’s Gulf Coast. You’ll need to leave the pups at home, though – dogs aren’t allowed. Hiking the Osprey Trail empowers you to explore the gorgeous barrier island that Honeymoon Island State Park calls home. The 3-mile trail twists and turns through one of the last remaining virgin pine forests in the U.S. – and, as you likely guessed, it’s an ideal place to encounter nesting ospreys. The park’s Pelican Trail works its way around the edge of the peninsula along the Gulf of Mexico, offering glimpses of shorebirds and unforgettable water views. The vast Lake Seminole Park features a paved trail that snakes through pine flatwoods in 1-or 2-mile-loop options. Benches are situated at scenic spots along the way if you need a quick moment of zen. Aside from its hiking trail, the park is also ideal for picnicking, biking and freshwater fishing. Pack your gear and head over to the campgrounds in Fort De Soto Park (yes, this gargantuan park has shown up a couple times in this section – and for very good reason). Fort De Soto has nearly become world famous among camping aficionados for its fantastically beautiful waterfront views, easy access to the park’s stunning beach and plenty of amenities (on-site restrooms, showers, laundry and store). Just make sure to reserve your spot early. For more primitive beachfront camping, Anclote Key Preserve State Park is a perfect island retreat. Named a “Best Hidden-Gem Beach” by USA Today, Anclote Key spreads over 400 acres, with miles of striking white-sand beaches and an 1887 light-house that guards the southern end of the island. Fire up the grill for a cookout near the beach, leave your cares on the mainland (the park is only accessible by ferry from the Tarpon Springs Sponge Docks) and drift away to sleep with the sound of waves. This is the life. The uninhabited Shell Key Preserve offers a rare opportunity for primitive camping near the beach. Accessible only by ferry from Pass-a-Grille or Fort De Soto Park, Shell Key is one of the best places in the area for snorkeling and shell collecting. SEE WILDLIFE It’s wild out there: Gators, ospreys, dolphins, white-tailed deer, hot pink roseate spoonbills, gopher tortoises and armadillos are only a few of the interesting creatures you may see while exploring our parks and nature preserves. The best way to see them? Go early or late, move slowly and quietly, and, occasionally, be still. With nearly 9,000 acres of forested wetlands and pine flatwoods, the Brooker Creek Nature Preserve is the largest of its kind in the county. Located in Tarpon Springs, Brooker Creek is home to nearly 5 miles of wildflower-adorned trails, stellar birdwatching and the award-winning, state-of-the-art Brooker Creek Preserve Environmental Education Center (a school field trip favorite). The preserve protects a mosaic of fragile habitats, and is a great place to see white-tailed deer, bobcats, wild turkeys and even otters. Meanwhile, Boca Ciega Millennium Park is for the birds. In fact, the park regularly wins high praise from birdwatchers and has earned a Great Florida Birding Trail designation. This is due to more than GO CAMPING Ready to set up camp and enjoy killer sunset views? 54 AMERICA’S BEST BEACHES
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