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1 Boy Scout Loop at Weedon Island

Natural surface trails lead through a lesser-visited section of Pinellas County’s premier bayside preserve, Weedon Island. The hike curves around mangrove-encircled Boy Scout Lake, then traverses upland freshwater forest communities before extending eastward to reach the shores of Old Tampa Bay, where Lookout Point awaits. Your return trip travels the south side of Boy Scout Lake. Be apprised: A power plant north of the trail can lend noise to the experience.

Distance: 2-mile loop with out-and-back extension

Approximate hiking time: 1.5–2 hours

Difficulty: Easy

Trail surface: Natural surfaces

Best season: Nov–Apr

Other trail users: None

Canine compatibility: No dogs allowed

Fees and permits: None required

Schedule: Open year-round sunrise to sunset

Maps: Weedon Island Trails; USGS map: Port Tampa

Trail contacts: Weedon Island Preserve Cultural and Natural History Center, 1800 Weedon Drive Northeast, St. Petersburg 33702; (727) 453-6500; www.weedonislandcenter.org

The Hike

This trailhead is reached before you come to the cultural and natural history center at Weedon Island Preserve. The entire Weedon Island experience, including a trip to the cultural and natural history center, is a major Pinellas County outdoors event. The hike follows a dirt, sand, and crushed shell track through numerous environments. At first you will be on a sun-splashed, fire-dependent palmetto plain bordered by scrubby flatwoods. Boy Scout Lake is a major contrast, a salty tidal pond with mangroves crowding its shore. The trail travels a man-made berm, and bridges cross old mosquito control ditches. Beyond the lake the trail’s terrain once again reverts to upland freshwater forests. Upon heading toward Lookout Point, you’re once again in primarily mangrove woodland while traveling another man-made berm that extends due east through a tunnel of mangroves. The salty tang of seawater drifts into your nose. Freshwater plants grow on the slopes of the berm, even a pine or two. The berm ends at Lookout Point, where you can hear the sea lapping the shore while your eyes gravitate seaward. Your return trip contains a few surprises, including a palm/fern marsh, just one more element of the Weedon Island ecosystem.

Weedon Island Cultural and Natural History Center is the jumping-off point for exploring Weedon Island. Guided hikes and paddling trips on canoe trails, educational programs, and other events can add to your experience. Check ahead and try to combine your hike with an event here. At least take a look around inside before or after your trek. The center is closed on Monday and Tuesday, but the trails are open.

Miles and Directions

0.0Leave the parking area on Weedon Island Drive and descend just a few feet before reaching a trail junction. Stay left here, circling around the north side of Boy Scout Lake.

0.1 Reach a junction. Boy Scout Lake is dead ahead. Turn left here, traveling under mangroves and palms, with the lake off to your right and a dug canal off to your left.

0.4Reach a trail junction after turning away from Boy Scout Lake and crossing a short boardwalk. Here, a spur trail leads left 0.1 mile to Picnic Area 2. This hike heads right, away from the picnic area.

0.5Cross the Five Foot Over Bridge, then reach a trail junction. Your return route heads right, but you stay forward, heading for the boardwalk. Enter upland flatwoods of palmetto scrub with tree islands of pine and oak.

0.7Reach another junction. Here, a trail leads right toward the natural history and cultural center trails, which include extensive boardwalks. This hike keeps left, heading out toward Tampa Bay.

1.0Reach Lookout Point. Here, a picnic table provides a good relaxation or lunch spot. Note that the table is attached to a hunk of concrete to keep it from floating away during very high tides or waves. Backtrack.

1.3Reach a junction. Keep right, going toward the Boy Scout Loop in upland flatwoods.

1.5Complete the backtracking portion of the hike. The Five Foot Over Bridge is just ahead. Turn left before reaching the bridge; you’re now on the Boy Scout Loop, cruising through oaks. Shortly cross the Mound Bridge.

1.6Pass through a palm/fern flat in a wetland.

1.7Come alongside Boy Scout Lake. Join a palm-lined berm traveling astride the lake. Shortly leave the lake after making an abrupt left turn. Cross a bridge and continue in upland woods.

1.9Reach Weedon Island Drive. Turn right and follow the road.

2.0Reach the trailhead after bridging a tidal stream feeding Boy Scout Lake.