Part of the larger Weekiwachee Preserve, Aripeka Sandhills Preserve is a joint effort by Pasco County and the Southwest Florida Water Management District.
It protect over 200 acres of natural communities among remnants of mining operations.
Ridge of limerock spoilsA sandy ridge on the southern end of the property descends towards swampy hammocks that drain towards the salty waters of the Gulf of Mexico, less than two miles away.
The trail system presents two loop options, with the northern route providing more landscape variety and an optional climb onto the limerock spoils.
Prominatory above a former limerock pitResources
Disclosure: As authors and affiliates, we receive earnings when you buy through our links. This helps us provide public information on this website.
Overview
Location: Hudson
Length: 1.6 miles
Trailhead: 28.417778, -82.658444
Address: 18000 Aripeka Road, Hudson
Fees: Free
Restrooms: None
Land manager: Southwest Florida Water Management District
Phone: 352-796-7211
Open 30 minutes before sunrise to 30 minutes after sunset. Leashed dogs welcome.
Directions
From the intersection of US 19 and SR 50 in Weeki Wachee, head south on US 19 for 8.6 miles before turning right onto Aripeka Rd. In 0.6 miles, the parking area will be on the right.
Hike
Starting at the northwestern corner of the parking area, follow a crushed shell pathway past the trailhead kiosk, rounding a bend flanked by cabbage palms.
Wildflowers emerge from a field covered with wiregrass to the west as a prominent hill comes into view ahead.
Trailhead fenceStay to the right at the first junction of paths, following the trail as it traces an edge of a small lake bordered by two tall mounds of limestone and clay.
While the official route branches off to the left in another hundred feet, an obvious social trail curves towards the larger rock pile, climbing towards a steep ridge at the top.
Limestone mountainWhile the air isn’t thinner at the summit, the limestone mountain does provide panoramic views of the preserve.
Carefully descending the other side, turn left, following the grassy shoreline to a slight dip in the trail that may require wading across depending on recent rains.
View from the topAscending ever so slightly, the pathway enters a scrubby sandhill habitat where sand pines, hog plums, and wooly lupines emerge from stark white soils.
The sand takes on a yellower tint while crossing an open area to a bench made of logs at the next trail intersection.
Scrubby sandhillsTurning right, a grassy pathway bordered by dense shrubs leads northward, passing the dark, glassy waters of a small wetland along the way.
At 0.6 mile, the trail takes a sharp turn onto a raised berm heading towards the northeast corner of the loop.
Cypress knees in the swampNearing one mile, a trail marker indicates a turn to the south, where the path follows fence lines of neighboring properties for 0.2 miles.
Curve westward across high ground dotted with turkey oaks and paw paws.
Emerging from the woods next to the old quarry, turn left to follow the trail for another quarter mile back to the parking area.
Beautyberries at the trail markerTrail Map
Explore More!
Learn more about Weekiwachee Preserve
Weekiwachee Preserve Named for the river defining its northern boundary, the 11,000-acre Weekiwachee Preserve is a mining restoration area fringed with natural habitats.Video
Hiking Aripeka Sandhills Preserve
Nearby Adventures
Weeki Wachee Springs State Park Surrounding a sparkling first-magnitude spring, Weeki Wachee Springs State Park has been a draw for tourists since its mermaids first started wooing visitors in the 1940s. 
Upper Pithlachascotee River Preserve With a long boardwalk over the Pithlachascotee River floodplain showcasing ancient cypress, Upper Pithlachascotee River Preserve delights with its variety of habitats.
Crews Lake Wilderness Park Popular for picnics under the live oaks and fishing on the placid waters of Crews Lake, this wilderness park shares beauty and shade along its nature trails.
Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park Explore an expansive landscape of pine flatwoods, prairies, scrubby flatwoods, and open scrub along over 16 miles of hiking trails east of New Port Richey.
- Oscar Scherer Green Trail - November 11, 2026
- Sandhill Preserve - November 9, 2026
- Calusa Heritage Trail - November 5, 2026