The following parks and trails are free and open dawn to dusk unless otherwise indicated.
A.L. Anderson Park, 1095 Tookes Road, Tarpon Springs (727-943-4085). This 128-acre site includes a boardwalk and nature trail, boat ramp, playground, picnic shelter and restrooms.
Alderman's Ford, State Road 39, south of State Road 60 in Hillsborough County (813-757-3801). This 1,141-acre site marks the branching of the Alafia River into its north and south prongs. The Ford is one of the area's most popular canoeing sites and features several picnic areas connected to a hiking/biking trail and a self-guided nature tour. The park is open daily from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Anclote Key State Preserve, offshore, three miles west of Tarpon Springs. Call Caladesi Island State Park office for additional information (727-469-5942). The northernmost barrier island off Pinellas County, Anclote Key offers beach lovers the beauty of undeveloped, less-traveled shoreline. There's a few tables and barbecue grills, but no running water or other amenities. Accessible only by boat.
Boyd Hill Nature Park, 1101 Country Club Way S., St. Petersburg (727-893-7326). This 245-acre area includes group camping, picnic and playground facilities, though the focus of the park remains the nature trail and environmental education study center and library. Open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, and until 8 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday.
Brooker Creek Preserve, 1001 Lora Lane, Tarpon Springs (727-943-4000). This 8,000-acre wilderness preserve is located in northeastern Pinellas. It's only sort of open to the public, namely horseback riders; however, volunteers offer two-hour organized hikes on Saturdays at 9 a.m. Tour size is limited; call 727-943-4003 to reserve a spot and get directions.
Caladesi Island State Park, 1 Causeway Blvd., Dunedin (727-469-5918). 650-acre Caladesi Island features a largely undisturbed beach on the Gulf side and a dense mangrove shallow on the bay side. The island is covered with windswept dunes topped with sea grasses and pine, scrub palmetto and large, moss-draped oak trees. A concession store offers some snacks and supplies, while a ferry service ($7) from the shore provides access for those without a boat.
Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge and Crystal River State Archaeological Site, 3400 N. Museum Point, Crystal River (352-795-3817). The clear, spring-fed waters around this refuge are a favorite among scuba divers and manatees, fish and bird watchers. The archaeological site includes a museum of artifacts and some of the largest Indian mounds found in Florida. Guided walking tours are available (call the museum), but require reservation two weeks in advance.
Dade Battlefield State Historic Site, 7200 C.R. 603, Exit 63 off I-75, (352-793-4781). This site marks one of the bloodiest battles of the nation's Indian Wars during the 1800s. A museum contains artifacts and exhibits about the battle. The surrounding park contains horseshoe and shuffleboard courts, a picnic ground and a large rental hall and kitchen. Camping is not allowed. The park is open from 8 a.m. to sunset; museum is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is $2 per car.
De Soto National Memorial, off 75th Avenue in northwest Bradenton (941-792-0458). This site commemorates the landing of Spanish explorer Hernando De Soto in 1539. The visitor's center shows a 21-minute film, De Soto in America, throughout the day, and there's a half-mile, self-guided nature trail through a mangrove swamp. Open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Eureka Springs Park, at I-4 and U.S. 301 in Hillsborough County (813-744-5536). This 31-acre botanical park features a greenhouse, trellised walks, interpretive trails and a picnic area. The prime attraction remains the large collection of rare and unusual plant life collected and nurtured by the late Albert Greenburg, who donated the property to the county over a quarter-century ago. The park's open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily.
Fort De Soto Park, 3500 Pinellas Bayway S., Tierra Verde (727-866-2484). This 900-acre park encompasses five islands at the mouth of Tampa Bay. Camping, fishing, boating and swimming are the most popular pastimes, and the park service offers most every modern amenity. Two fishing piers and a bait store attract anglers, while the remains of an early fort poke out of the sand at the southern tip of Mullet Key. There's a donation box for visitors, with money benefiting the Friends of Fort De Soto.
Fred Howard Park, 1700 Sunset Drive, Tarpon Springs (727-943-4081). This 155-acre bayside park offers fishing, swimming, playground activities, sheltered picnic area, and a ball field with restrooms and shower facilities. Open 7 a.m. to sunset.
Hillsborough River State Park, 15402 U.S. 301 N., Thonotosassa (813-987-6771). This nearly 3,000-acre park follows a good stretch of the Hillsborough River and offers visitors a deep glimpse into the charm of old Florida. Native flora and fauna — including alligators — abound in this area and are easily spotted by the quiet seeker. Canoe rentals and two large camping sites make this a popular, sometimes crowded, destination.
Homosassa Springs Wildlife Park, 4150 S. Suncoast Blvd., Homosassa (352-628-5343). This 166-acre state wildlife park features an underwater observatory, boat trips, nature trails, alligator programs, manatee programs and animal encounters. Creatures you can spot include manatee, alligators, crocodiles and Florida snakes. A stroll along the nature trails sometimes offers glimpses at bear, bobcats, otters and cougars (which remain at a safe distance). The park's name derives from its central attraction, a huge spring from which millions of gallons of fresh, clear water bubble every hour. Also includes a historical museum and children's education center. Open daily 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. (ticket gate closes at 4 p.m.). Admission costs $7.95 for adults, $4.95 for ages 3-12. Kennels and strollers are available.
Honeymoon Island State Park, 1 Causeway Blvd., Dunedin (727-469-5942). One of the few northern barrier islands accessible by car in Pinellas, Honeymoon Island features a popular beach and nature trail, plus facilities for fishing and picnicking.
J.B. Starkey's Flatwoods Adventures, 12959 S.R. 54, Odessa (813-926-1133 or 877-734-WILD). Discover the ecosystems found at the Anclote River Ranch via a 90-minute buggy tour. Learn about the history of Odessa, the Starkey family and cattle ranching. The tour includes a walk through a cypress swamp and costs $14.75 for adults, $7.75 for ages 3-12. Specialty tours include bird watching, native plants and photography, which vary in cost.
John Chesnut Sr. Park, 2200 Eastlake Road, Palm Harbor (727-669-1951). This 255-acre park on the eastern shore of Lake Tarpon features a canoe trail, two playgrounds and more than 3 miles of trails and boardwalks. Formerly known as Brooker Creek Park, Chesnut Park is entirely separate from Brooker Creek Preserve; a golf course is wedged between the two. The park is open from 7 a.m. to dark. Shelters can be reserved Monday through Saturday; Sundays and holidays are on a first-come basis.
Lake Park, 17302 N. Dale Mabry, at Van Dyke Road, Tampa (813-264-3806). This 600-acre park boasts five lakes, a cypress swamp and several pine and hardwood stands. In addition to fishing and boating, recreational opportunities include a BMX track, a radio-control car track, archery range, horse arena, picnicking and equestrian facilities. Open 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Lake Seminole Park, 10015 Park Blvd., Seminole (727-549-6156). This 255-acre park borders the eastern shore of Lake Seminole and offers boating, fishing, softball, jogging/exercise trails, playground facilities and sheltered picnic areas. Open 7 a.m. to dark.
Lettuce Lake Park, 6920 E. Fletcher Ave., Tampa (813-987-6204). This 240-acre riverside park offers a scenic boardwalk, fitness and biking trails and an observation tower for bird watching. This is a very popular, often crowded, destination. Open 8 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Lithia Springs Park, 3732 Lithia Springs Road, Lithia; 10 miles east of Brandon (813-744-5572). This Hillsborough County park sits on the Alafia River and offers overnight camping (water, electricity) fishing, canoeing (but no canoe rentals) and swimming. Food is sold on the weekends in the picnic area, while a bathhouse makes even a quick dip in the cool spring waters quite convenient. Open 8 a.m.to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.
Little Manatee River State Park, 215 Lightfoot Road, Wimauma (813-671-5005). This 2,000-acre park includes five miles of steep shoreline along the Little Manatee River, a 34-site campground (water, electricity) and horseback trails. Fishing, hiking and canoeing are the favorite pastimes.
Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, 811 S. Palm Ave., Sarasota (941-366-5731). Sarasota's world-renowned orchid and bromeliad center features 20 display gardens, including the Tropical Display House. Summer events include: the 20th annual Juried Photography Show through June 10; fireworks display July Fourth; Kid's camps and youth activities from July 28-Aug. 13 (including a Kid's Day on Aug. 11); free a dmission for moms and dads on Mother's and Father's days; and Free Admission Week Sept. 8-14. Open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Admission is $8.
Maximo Park, Pinellas Point Drive at 34th Street South, St. Petersburg (727-893-7335). At the tip of the Pinellas peninsula, this 70-acre waterfront park meets the shores of both Tampa Bay and the mouth of Frenchman's Creek. The park offers excellent boating and fishing opportunities, as well as historical and environmental points of interest. The beach area includes picnic and playground facilities.
Medard Park, 5726 Panther Loop, Plant City; 2 miles south of State Road 60 off Turkey Creek Road (813-757-3802). This 1,284-acre park has a collection of old mine pits that were converted into a large reservoir some 20 years ago. Most noted for excellent fishing, the park also features camping, playground, swimming, boating and horseback trails.
Moccasin Lake Nature Park, 2750 Park Trail Lane (off Drew Street, east of U.S. 19), Clearwater (727-462-6024). This nature park offers 50 acres of wooded area, a large educational facility with nature classes and sheltered picnic facilities. At 8 a.m. the first Saturday of each month, the park offers a guided birdwalk; on the second Wednesday, at 8 p.m., visitors can take night walks through the park. Open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.
Philippe Park, 2525 Philippe Parkway, Safety Harbor (727-669-1947). Named for Count Odet Philippe, who introduced citrus culture to Florida, this 122-acre park is one of the prettiest in the area. It offers a boat ramp, fishing, picnic facilities, a nature trail, two playgrounds and ball fields with restrooms. Part of the original Philippe plantation, the park also claims a large Indian mound, where one can sometimes find old arrowheads, implements and other artifacts left from the earliest natives of the Bay area. There's also a great view from the top of the mound.
Pinellas Trail, 12020 Walsingham Road, Largo (727-549-6099). Converted from an unused railroad corridor, this 47-mile paved trail is a favorite among hikers, bikers, skaters and more. The trail begins in St. Petersburg and winds northward through Largo, Clearwater, Dunedin, Palm Harbor and Tarpon Springs. The trail includes mile markers, water fountains, benches and other various amenities.
Sand Key Park, 1060 Gulf Blvd., Clearwater (727-588-4852). This 95-acre beachfront park is overwhelmingly popular during the sunny, temperate seasons and offers a stunning view of the sun setting across the Gulf of Mexico. Open from 7 a.m. until dark, and lifeguards are on duty every day from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. In addition to swimming and fishing, the park features a boardwalk, a playground, a picnic area, great bird watching, restrooms, showers and umbrella/cabana rentals. Metered parking is 75 cents per hour.
Sawgrass Lake Park, 7400 25th St. N., St. Petersburg (727-217-7256). This site boasts nearly 400 acres of natural park land that encompasses both Sawgrass and Arrow lakes and features a boardwalk/nature trail, an outdoor classroom, environmental education center, and lots of trees and squirrels. Picnic facilities and restrooms are also available. Open 7 a.m. to dusk daily.
Simmons Park, 2401 19th Ave., 2 miles northwest of Ruskin on Tampa Bay (813-671-7655). This 500-acre bayside park features mangrove shallows and beach line along the shore, making it a popular area for water sports. A boat launch and a 60-site campground with water and electricity are available.
John S. Taylor Park, 1100 Eighth Ave. S.W., Largo (727-588-4847). Surrounding the Taylor Reservoir and Lake, this 128-acre park offers boating, fishing, exercise trails, ball fields and a playground. A sheltered picnic area with restrooms is available, and there's also an entrance to Pinellas Trail from the park. Open from 7 a.m. to dark daily.
Upper Tampa Bay Park, 8001 Double Branch Road, Tampa (813-855-1765). This 2,144-acre preserve includes an environmental study center jointly operated by the county Parks Department and Hillsborough Community College. The site includes brackish and salt water marshes, oyster bars and a mangrove forest — all available for viewing from the boardwalk. Though most of the area is preserved, three nature trails, a playground and picnicking facilities are available.
Weedon Island State Preserve, 1500 Weedon Drive, St. Petersburg (727-217-7208). This 1,300-acre shore preserve is complemented by a half-dozen surrounding islands. Mangroves, birds and abundant sea life make Weedon most popular with nature watchers, though visitors also enjoy fishing from the preserve's pier.
Wilderness Parks, a series of parks spread throughout Hillsborough County (813-987-6210). The 17,000-acre Wilderness Parks offer picnic areas, fishing and canoeing opportunities, and trails for biking and hiking. The area is noted for abundant wildlife, including many rare or endangered native species. Open 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Withlacoochee River Park, 12449 Withlacoochee Blvd., seven miles east of Dade City in Pasco County (352-521-4182). This heavily wooded 406-acre area features picnic shelters, playgrounds, a fishing dock, primitive camping area, an observation tower and 12 miles of nature trails. Swimming and water recreation are popular, too.
Withlacoochee State Forest, Forest Headquarters at U.S. 41 and County Road 476 in Hernando County (352-754-6896). The Withlacoochee State Forest is actually several separate sites surrounding the town of Brooksville. The Croom district is the largest and most developed for camping and recreation and includes one of the nation's finest motorcycle parks (permit required), and a large area for dog field-trials. Informative brochures describing the many features of the various districts and areas are available from the forest headquarters.
This article appears in May 17-24, 2001.