San Marcos de Apalache Historic State Park
Colt Creek State Park
Colt Creek State Park
Hike, bike, paddle, or horseback ride through 5000 acres of wild Florida.
Located in Lakeland, Colt Creek State Park is waiting to be explored.
Colt Creek State Park was purchased in 2006 and became Florida’s 160th state park. The land had previously been used as a cattle ranch, for silviculture, and for lime rock mining. A few of the large pits dug for lime rock mining reached the aquifer. Today, the water that flows up from the aquifer has created lakes that provide habitat for wildlife.
There are 15-miles of multi-use trails that lead you through wetlands, open vistas, and longleaf and slash pine forests. Discover an abundance of wildflowers and the pollinators who rely on them. Look for fox squirrels, turkeys, bobcats, otters, gopher tortoises, a variety of birds including eagles, and of course, alligators.
Rent a canoe or kayak or bring your own. Paddle Mac Lake, Middle Lake, or Little Lake as you share the water with wading birds and turtles.
Bring your horse and ride through creeks, and streams while admiring the beauty of the three lakes.
RV, tent, primitive, equestrian, and group camping sites are available. Star-gaze at one of the darkest sky sites in Florida. Pavillions are a perfect place to host your outdoor event.
Bring your lunch and cook it on one of the provided grills or simply enjoy it at one of the picnic tables. Dogs on a 6-foot leash are welcome. Be sure to bring your camera or binoculars since Colt Creek State Park is designated as a Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail.
Photo Credit: Andy Waldo
For more information: https://www.floridastateparks.org/par…/colt-creek-state-park
Fakahatchee Strand Preserve State Park
Fakahatchee Strand Preserve is Florida’s largest state park. The word “Fakahatchee” is the Miccosukee term for “forked river” referring to the water flow around the strand. This area has a canopy of bald cypress trees, royal palms, and occasional gumbo limbo trees. The area also contains more orchids and bromeliads than anywhere else in North America. There are 44 orchids and 14 bromeliads native to this area. Unfortunately, orchid poaching has been a large problem in the past. Keeping the Park Services number on hand and calling if you witness poaching could help protect the many endangered orchids that exist here.
The cypress trees were previously vulnerable to unregulated logging and very few old trees exist. You can also find small freshwater sponges on old floating tree branches. There is also an abundance of wildlife.
Fakahatchee Strand Preserve State Park is on the Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail. The strand offers biking, geocaching, canoeing, picnicking, and contains the Karen O’Neil Memorial Garden located at the entrance. Restrooms are available. There is so much to see in this beautiful swamp.
Hours are 8 a.m. to sunset. For more information, check out the website. https://www.floridastateparks.org/…/fakahatchee-strand-pres…
Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park
Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park
There’s something for everyone at Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park!
Nature trails, birding, equestrian trails, biking, walking, jogging, camping, cabins, picnic areas, horseshoe games, volleyball court, pavilions, and playgrounds assure your entire family will enjoy their day. You can even bring your dog on a 6-foot leash to the hiking or paved bike trail.
You can easily spend an entire day here as you explore this beautiful park of 8,300 acres located in New Port Richey. Take your time as you wander through the wilderness and discover an abundance of wild plants and animals who make their home there. Leave your cares behind while you spend quality time with your family and friends reconnecting with nature. Get Outside. Explore. Discover.
Learn more and/or make reservations here:
https://www.pascocountyfl.net/…/Jay-B-Starkey-Wilderness-Pa…
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