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Boardwalk at Clam Bayou

Clam Bayou Nature Preserve

Along an environmentally significant estuary of Boca Ciega Bay, Clam Bayou Nature Preserve offers well-established trails with several overlooks and a kayak launch

St. Petersburg      ( 27.74054, -82.69452 )      1.0 miles

To transform into Clam Bayou Nature Preserve, Osgood Point underwent a major restoration project in 1995.

The effort was a collaboration with the City of Gulfport, Southwest Florida Water Management and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection.

Native vegetation was planted, and a system of boardwalks were installed, providing a glimpse into coastal Florida’s undisturbed past.

Trail between cabbage palms Columns of cabbage palms


Resources

Resources for exploring the area

Orlando & Central Florida: An Explorer's Guide 50 Hikes in Central Florida Hiker's Guide to the Sunshine State

Disclosure: As authors and affiliates, we receive earnings when you buy these through our links. This helps us provide public information on this website.


Overview

Location: Gulfport
Length: 1 mile loop
Trailhead: 27.74054, -82.69452
Address: Miriam St. S, Gulfport, FL 33711
Fees: Free
Restroom: None
Land manager: City of Gulfport
Phone: 727-893-1000

Open from one hour before sunrise to one hour after sunset.

Leashed dogs welcome.

Footpath between boardwalks


Directions

 
From Interstate 275, head west on 22nd Ave S for a mile. Turn left at 45th St, and continue a half mile, taking a right at the end of the road. Turn left, and the parking area is immediately on the left.

Hike

Beginning at the parking lot, take the wide crushed shell path to the east through a tunnel of sabal palms.

Large beautyberry bushes border a right turn in the trail, just before the first overlook.

Beautyberry bushes next to trail What a beauty


Turn left at the intersection and take a short stroll down the boardwalk for a scenic view of the bayou.

Head back to the main trail and take a left. Native firebush and coontie can be spotted to the right before a little boardwalk goes over a low spot in the marsh.

observation deck in mangroves First overlook


Continuing down the shell path, a covered pavilion is available alongside the trail before it descends around the corner to another boardwalk.

This boardwalk really showcases the natural vegetation of the estuary, as it is thickly lined with mangroves and sea grapes.

Boardwalk at Clam Bayou
Jungle boardwalk

A bridge offers passage through this salt marsh jungle to two overlook platforms on a small island.

After taking in the views, head back to the main shell path and turn left.

Among the sea grapes Under the sea grapes


The trail winds slightly, bordered by stout sabal palms and a bench. At the next intersection, turn left towards another boardwalk lookout point.

Tall sea grape trees reach up and over the path, clusters of fruit dangling from their branches.

Crushed shell path through grassy area under palms Palm pathway


Follow the boardwalk to the end for a more open view of the bayou where it meets the bay.

A bench is available, and a half-sunken boat named “The Grateful Dad” can be seen in the distance.

View of bay with stranded boat in foreground Bay view


Head back to the shell path again, taking a left through a forest of sea grapes to the last lookout point.

This deck offers a scene of open water, with boats passing by, entering and leaving the marina.

Follow the path north, past the end of the street and back through the stout palms, then make a left, heading back towards the parking lot.

Footpath under sea grapes Sea grape forest


At this point the trail can be followed straight, or take one more turn to the right, then left.

The path goes over a dune with a bench at the top. Either route will return to the beginning of the hike.

launch point with kayak wash Kayak launch


The kayak launch is adjacent to the parking area and being on the water offers a unique perspective of the bayou.

If launching a canoe or kayak, immediately turn right and head through a mangrove tunnel.

Tunnel under mangroves Mangrove tunnel


Around the corner, the estuary is dotted with small islands thick with mangroves.

Timid roseate spoonbills and yellow-crowned night herons take cover within the branches, and the calm waters make for an easy paddle.

Roseate spoonbill flying overhead Roseate spoonbill



Trail Map

Clam Bayou Nature Preserve Trail Map


Explore More!

Nearby Adventures

More worth exploring while you’re in this area.

Footpath leading through ferns

Sawgrass Lake Park

Explore a maple swamp and an oak hammock on a pair of family-friendly loops along boardwalks and footpaths that lead to a tower on Sawgrass Lake

Weedon Island Preserve

Tunneling through mangrove forests and palm hammocks to overlooks on Tampa Bay, the trails of Weedon Island Preserve offer unique perspectives for birders while interpreting one of Florida’s ancient settlements.

Path at Boyd Hill Park

Boyd Hill Nature Preserve

Once a zoo in St. Petersburg, Boyd Hill Park has 3 miles of trails looping through a mosaic of natural habitats and tropical landscapes along Lake Maggiore.


Official Website

Category: Access by water, Central Florida, City Parks, Day Hikes, Hikes, Launch Points, Loop Hikes, Nature Trails, Paddling, Trails, Water Management AreasTag: Birding, Boardwalks, Dog-friendly, Family-Friendly, Mangroves, Observation Decks, St. Petersburg, Tampa Bay

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Joe Maciejny

    September 11, 2020 at 7:27 am

    We enjoy walking the clam bayou with our two mini doxies. Gulfport is such a treasure and we look forward to visiting as much as we can. Thank you for the memories of seeing the trails .

    Reply

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