3 Sawgrass Lake Park

This hike travels over a mile of boardwalk and more, winding above fascinating freshwater wetlands where huge ferns rise amid widespread maples and substantial sawgrass. Numerous shelters provide resting and relaxation spots. The hike then loops over terra firma in a hardwood oak hammock. The environmental education center at the trailhead is known for its live snake displays, which enthrall children.

Distance: 1.9 miles; two out-and-backs, each with a small additional loop

Approximate hiking time: 1.5–2 hours

Difficulty: Easy

Trail surface: Primarily boardwalks, with additional 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: Sawgrass Lake Park; USGS map: Saint Petersburg

Trail contacts: Sawgrass Lake Park, 7400 Twenty-fifth Street North, St. Petersburg 33702; (727) 217-7256; www.pinellascounty.org/park

Finding the trailhead: From exit 28 on I-275, head west on Gandy Boulevard for 1.4 miles to US 19. Head south on US 19 and travel for 0.9 mile to 62nd Avenue North. Turn left onto 62nd Avenue North and follow it east for 0.8 mile to 25th Street North, a residential street. Turn left onto 25th Street North to enter the park at 0.4 mile. Continue to the environmental education center; the trail starts behind the center. Trailhead GPS coordinates: N27 50.325' / W82 40.003'

The Hike

Sawgrass Lake is but one watery element of this park. It is also cut by canals that are popular alligator-viewing areas. But the main attraction may be the wetlands over which the boardwalks travel. All this water adds to the birding possibilities.

You will find other trail travelers relaxing and picnicking in the shelters. If you find one open, stop and enjoy it. In places like these, if you’re still, you can wait for the wildlife—especially birds—to come your way. The Sawgrass Trail, the first boardwalk, wanders through sawgrass and among other wetland vegetation in the junglesque swamp forest. You will find the number and size of the ferns to be simply amazing. The trail culminates at the observation tower overlooking Sawgrass Lake. A series of steps rise to a platform with a lake view. After backtracking, you can then enjoy the Maple Trail, which is another boardwalk exploring the park wetlands. The Oak Hammock Trail wanders amid verdant woodland of tall laurel oaks, palms, and ferns. Unfortunately, noise from I-275 can drift this way. Later, the Oak Hammock Trail straddles the margin between swamp and drier forest as it curves around while finishing its loop. The Maple Trail will return you to the trailhead. Try to find new flora on your return route.

Miles and Directions

0.0From the environmental education center parking area, travel on a sidewalk beneath live oaks to reach a shelter and a canal bridge. Cross the bridge and reach a trail junction. Here, the Sawgrass Trail turns left toward Sawgrass Lake and the Maple Trail turns right. Head left on the Sawgrass Trail.

0.2 Pass a shelter situated on the north side of the canal connecting to Sawgrass Lake.

0.3The boardwalk splits. Here, head left and pass another shelter, then reach the spur boardwalk leading to the observation tower overlooking Sawgrass Lake.

0.4Reach the observation tower. Backtrack to the loop, then curve left around its north side. Resume backtracking toward the intersection with the Maple Trail.

0.7Reach a junction. You are almost back to the environmental education center, but turn left on the Maple Trail. This boardwalk heads northeast toward an oak hammock.

0.8Pass a trail shelter on your left.

0.9Pass another shelter. Watch for a huge trailside oak just ahead.

1.0A spur boardwalk leads right, just after passing a third shelter. It is the continuation of the Maple Trail. Continue straight and join the Oak Hammock Trail. Pass underneath yet another shelter. Here, you will reach the natural-surface footpath portion of the Oak Hammock Trail. Stay left and begin the loop.

1.3The park’s outdoor classroom comes within sight. Keep looping around, nearing I-275. This area can be noisy.

1.4Pass directly in front of the outdoor classroom, briefly traveling over a brick path.

1.5Complete the Oak Hammock loop. Begin backtracking and join the Maple Trail.

1.9Reach the environmental education center, completing the hike.