There are also trails in abundance for the naturalist adventure along the mangrove and pine forest ecosystems.Ĭanoeists and kayakers can explore the mangroves and intra-coastal waters for a true taste of this Sun Coast Florida treasure. Those exploring the island will find the Honeymoon Island State Park offers ample amenities and parking along with food, drink, nature center and observation deck. This slightly remote status allows the park to maintain much of the Old Florida natural character, attracting more than 700,000 visitors annually. White Springs.Although Honeymoon Island is close to the Tampa & Clearwater metropolitan areas, it is located just a bit off the beaten track northeast of Dunedin. ![]() Picnic area adjoining trailhead parking Trail MapĬategory: Central Florida, Day Hikes, Hikes, Loop Hikes, Trails Tag: Big Trees, Birding, Botanical, Clearwater, Clearwater Beach, Dog-friendly, Dunedin, Florida State Parks, Honeymoon Island State Park, Mangroves, New Port Richey, Scenic Hikes, Tampa, Tarpon Springs, Wildflowers Reader Interactions Turn left to cross the boardwalk back to the parking area, completing a loop of 2.5 miles. Your trail emerges at the rear of the picnic area, conveniently behind the restrooms. Keep to the left the trail to the right wanders a short ways out to Pelican Cove. At the next trail junction, there is a “Picnic Area” sign. Watch for catfaces on several of the larger slash pines. Turn right, following the wide jeep trail, as it becomes a soft, sandy track through the pinewoods. Once you’ve hiked 1.6 miles, you reach two side trails that allow you to retreat to the Osprey Trail in the drier pine flatwoods, if you so choose-a good way out if the trail ahead is badly flooded.Ĭontinuing forward on the Pelican Trail, watch for the tiny sand fiddler crabs that scuttle out of harm’s way as they sense your footfalls.Īt 1.9 miles, the trail climbs uphill, away from the salt marsh, rejoining the western side of the Osprey Trail. Within the next half-mile, black and red mangroves take over the waterfront, forcing the trail several feet back away from the cove, creating damp spots underfoot. Bench along Pelican CoveĪll along the waterfront are benches set as memorials, providing plenty of places to perch and watch birds along the shoreline. Looking to the left, you see more osprey nests in the trees. Turning left, the trail continues through the sea oats along the sparkling blue shallows of the cove. Take a moment to sit on the bench and contemplate the scene, as you look over to Anclote Key State Park, accessible only by boat. The narrow trail drops down into the mangroves, crossing a jeep trail before it emerges on a picturesque windswept beach. To enjoy a walk along breezy Pelican Cove, keep to the right. The junction with the Pelican Trail is just after the kiosk. If you want to see osprey tending their young, the best time to enjoy this hike is between December and April.Īfter a mile, you reach a kiosk that explains the osprey’s fishing behavior. A cluster of saw palmettos lifts their strong trunks skyward. Off in the distance, beyond the pines, you can see a wall of green that marks the mangrove marsh protecting the inshore side of the barrier island.Īt the half mile marker, keep to the right. Yellow draperies of necklace pod stir in the breeze beneath southern red cedar, and stands of sea oxeye – a sunflower-like flower that grows best in salty habitats – adds a dash of color to the understory. Stay to the right past the kiosk to keep on the westernmost side of the loop. ![]() This is an interpretive trail, with benches, signs, and small kiosks along the way. Sea grapes cluster under the massive slash pines, many of which have strange twists and turns to their trunks.Īs you hike, take the time to look for osprey nests in the tall bare pine snags.Ĭonstructed of loose sticks, the nests look like inverted wigs, and can be up to five feet in diameter and several feet thick.ĭon’t forget to look down, too, as you’ll see gopher tortoise burrows and, perhaps, even a tortoise making his own trail under the saw palmetto understory. ![]() After looking at the map, take the right fork. Your hike starts at the “Osprey Trail” sign. Hikeįrom the parking area, backtrack north along the pavement to the “Nature Trail” sign pointing you to the entrance of the Osprey Trail. After paying your entrance fee, follow the park road to its very end, beyond North Beach, to reach the picnic area and the trailhead for the Osprey Trail. Turn left onto Causeway Boulevard (SR 589), and follow it 2.8 miles to the park entrance. Drive north from downtown Dunedin along US 19A.
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