• Menu
  • Skip to right header navigation
  • Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to secondary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

Florida Hikes logo

Hike Bike Paddle Camp Florida with authors Sandra Friend and John Keatley as your guides

  • Trails
  • Maps
  • Guidebooks
  • Search
  • Hike
    • Scenic Hikes
    • Loop Trails
    • Dog-friendly Hikes
    • Hikes for Kids
    • National Parks in Florida
    • Florida State Parks
  • Bike
    • Major Bike Trails
    • Paved Bike Trails
    • Off Road Biking
    • Biking Articles
  • Paddle
    • Canoe & Kayak Rentals
    • Paddling Destinations
    • Paddling Articles
  • Camp
    • Cabin Rentals
    • Car Camping
    • Primitive Camping
  • Florida Trail
    • Plan your Hike
    • Best Scenic Hikes
    • Best Backpacking
    • Section Hiking
    • Thru-Hiking
    • Trail Updates
  • Travel
  • Hike
    • Scenic Hikes
    • Loop Trails
    • Dog-friendly Hikes
    • Hikes for Kids
    • National Parks in Florida
    • Florida State Parks
  • Bike
    • Major Bike Trails
    • Paved Bike Trails
    • Off Road Biking
    • Biking Articles
  • Paddle
    • Canoe & Kayak Rentals
    • Paddling Destinations
    • Paddling Articles
  • Camp
    • Cabin Rentals
    • Car Camping
    • Primitive Camping
  • Florida Trail
    • Plan your Hike
    • Best Scenic Hikes
    • Best Backpacking
    • Section Hiking
    • Thru-Hiking
    • Trail Updates
  • Travel
View of creek from tall bluff

Doris Leeper Spruce Creek Preserve

Protecting miles of frontage along the sinuous path of Spruce Creek, Doris Leeper Spruce Creek Preserve offers a diverse collection of trails to explore.

New Smyrna Beach      ( 29.0709, -80.9886 )      

Few Central Florida destinations offer such a surprising contrast in elevation than you’ll find along the trail systems of Doris Leeper Spruce Creek Preserve.

From tall bluffs made taller by ancient middens to mangrove flats along Rose Bay, where the creek seeps in at high tide, the trails to trod, bike, or paddle provide an immersion in a scrim of wild dividing the spill of Daytona Beach south towards New Smyrna Beach.

Four prominent trail access points are easy to find along US 1. Three others, well hidden, offer a gateway to expansive trail systems that swarm along bluffs and ridges.

Scenic view of creek framed by trees Sunset Bluff at Spruce Creek Preserve


Resources

Resources for exploring the area. Our 50 Hikes book contains a chapter covering this preserve.

50 Hikes in Central Florida Central Florida Orlando Explorers Guide book cover Hikers Guide to the Sunshine State book cover

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: New Smyrna Beach
Trailhead: 29.0709, -80.9886
Address: 2317 Creek Shore Trail, New Smyrna Beach
Fees: Free
Restroom: Portable toilets provided at several locations
Land manager: Volusia County
Phone: 386-736-5953

Open sunrise to sunset. Leashed dogs welcome. Insect repellent strongly encouraged.

Trails open to hiking, off-road biking, and equestrian use except where exclusions are posted.

Some bike trails are one-way only. Hikers should be aware off-road bike traffic is heavy on weekends. For safety’s sake please follow one-way signs on singletrack bike trails when hiking them.

View of creek through sand pines


Directions

 
From Interstate 95 exit 249, New Smyrna Beach, take SR 44 east one half mile to Sugar Mill Dr. Turn left. Continue 1.3 miles and turn left on Pioneer Trail. Turn right on Turnbull Bay Rd, passing the Martins Dairy access (West Trailhead, which is at the end of a long, rough unpaved road) and continuing 2 miles to Creek Shore Trail, just before the railroad tracks. Turn left and follow this dead-end road for 1.1 mile to the park entrance on the left. Once you’re inside Kaye Access, there are several parking areas to choose from, depending on your destination. This complex includes access to hiking, biking, and equestrian trails; a disc golf course; a picnic area; and a launch for paddlers along the one way loop drive.

About the Preserve

Once providing home and sustenance for Florida’s original residents, Spruce Creek rises from marshes north of Maytown and flows northeast to empty into Strickland Bay, meeting the Halifax River just north of Ponce Inlet.

Extensive oyster flats and mangrove forests rise from the salt flats. Above where the tides dilute the freshwater, evidence of ancient villages exists atop the high bluffs.

Mangroves and blue water Mangrove forest at Sleepy Hollow


Known as the Spruce Creek Mound Complex, this nationally-significant archeological site lays under layers of dense hardwood forest.

Thanks to nonprofits coming together to help preserve the landscape — and local artist Doris Leeper championing the effort in the 1990s — this ribbon of wild persists within earshot of a regional airport and Interstate 95.

Sand trail in scrub forest Trail through scrub habitat


Between the East and West Trailheads off Turnbull Bay Rd, local equestrian clubs and mountain bike clubs carved out extensive trails across the undulating upland landscapes.

Off US 1, Volusia County provides several gentle access points, with easy-to-follow short trails frequented by anglers.

Hiking is permitted on all trails found within Spruce Creek Preserve, but do pay careful attention to one-way signage to avoid collisions with cyclists.

Signage along trail Pay attention to signage along the trails


Hiking

Rose Bay

Accessed via Spruce Creek Park (29.0945, -80.9723) along the southbound lanes of US 1 south of Port Orange, the Rose Bay Trail offers a 1.9-mile round-trip walk through coastal habitats.

It starts at a picnic pavilion with restrooms just inside the park on the right, with a grand, broad bridge marking the transition from county park to preserve.

Tower Tower overlooking Spruce Creek basin


Built and maintained by school students, the trail and its facilities provide an outdoor classroom. A major highlight of the trek is the Bird Observation Tower.

Spruce Creek Park itself is circled by a 0.7-mile multi-use trail through coastal hammock, providing access to a launch point and a long boardwalk to a curve on the creek.

Old piers in marsh Remains of a former pier at Spruce Creek Park


Sleepy Hollow

Along northbound US 1, Sleepy Hollow (29.0804, -80.9552) juts out into the mangrove marshes. While the trails are not explicitly blazed, they are breezy and scenic.

Enjoy a half-mile loop with several spur trails to scenic spots. A large picnic pavilion anchors the complex, which may be busy with anglers.

Palms and Cedars Cedars framing palms at Sleepy Hollow


Bayou Bay

Just north of Spruce Creek Park along northbound US 1, Bayou Bay (29.0969, -80.9701) has a 0.4 mile loop that connects to a linear segment of old US 1 along the marshes.

From a set of benches just south of the loop, you can see the Ponce Inlet Lighthouse in the distance to the east.

Trail in half shade Along the loop at Bayou Bay


Kaye Access (East Trailhead)

The address /coordinates provided on this page are for Kaye Access (East Trailhead) which offers the largest parking area with the longest attached trail mileage.

On the left where the entrance road turns right past the picnic area, the Ford Loop provides an easy to follow 1.7 mile loop through mature scrub and hardwood hammock.

It connects to the Kaye Loop, a mile walk on a dirt road in an old-growth hammock close to Spruce Creek, via a 0.4-mile linear trail called Our Trail.

Our Trail offers a gateway to the off-road bike system as well as access across the marshes via a causeway to the trail system extending from the West Trailhead.

Hardwood forest Hiking the Ford Loop


Martins Dairy Access (West Trailhead)

While road access to the West Trailhead (29.0671, -81.0013) can be dicey at times, this smaller trailhead offers direct access to the Overlook and Sunset Bluff Trails.

Both hikes lead to outstanding views on tall bluffs above Spruce Creek, with side trails that loop through the forest where an ancient village once stood.

Trailhead map and signs Trail map at the West Trailhead


Hikers wanting to ramp up the miles can string together any number of named singletrack or double-track trails to extend the two hikes, which are round-trips.

The first overlook of the Overlook Trail is a half mile from the trailhead, or you can continue out to see them all for a 2.5-mile round-trip.

For Sunset Bluff, follow the Overlook Trail as above until you get to the trail junction at 6 Corners. Turn left onto the Bluff Trail, which makes a beeline for the bluffs, a 2.4-mile round- trip.

Hikers at scenic spot Hikers taking in the view at Sunset Bluff


Stanaki Tract (West Trailhead)

Starting at the same West Trailhead, the trails of the Stanaki Tract came about as an addition to extend the trail system for equestrians all the way out towards Interstate 95.

Follow the side road past the West Trailhead map to where it dips down to cross a creek on a bridge. The trail system begins on the other side.

The singletrack loop starts at a prominent intersection and is marked open to horses and hikers. It runs clockwise south of its intersection with the main equestrian trail, a one-way 5.3 mile loop that makes an excellent hike.

North of the equestrian trail, the Stanaki Trail is twisty, windy singletrack that hugs close to a large pond with a campsite where equestrian and singletrack trails meet.

There are steep dropoffs along the trail’s edge. It doubles back on itself to add another 2.2 miles to the ride.

The forest road route for equestrians adds connectivity between the various pieces of the Stanaki Trail, letting you tailor your distance on foot or by bike.

Tannic waterway Waterway crossed for access to the Stanaki Tract


Biking

Off-road biking is permitted at all of the access points for hiking with the exception of Rose Bay. Please follow all directions for one-way trails and Leave No Trace by not utilizing wet/muddy trails until they dry.

The biking trails of Spruce Creek Preserve are maintained by the Spruce Creek Trail Hogs, a chapter of Flagler Area Biking SORBA. Look for detailed maps on their website.

Spruce Creek Biking


Narrow singletrack Causeway linking East and West trailheads


Paddling

On southbound US 1 south of Spruce Creek Park, the Divito Access trailhead at 90 Divito Dr is explictly set aside for hand-launch of watercraft.

Paddlers can also put in at Spruce Creek Park itself, and along the Kaye Trail at the Kaye Access Tract. It’s possible to launch at Sleepy Hollow, but a longer carry for your watercraft.

Broad waterway Spruce Creek is broad and open at the Divito Access


Trail Map

Doris Leeper Spruce Creek Preserve Trail Map
Upper right: Spruce Creek Park / Rose Bay / Bayou Bay. Right: Sleepy Hollow. Left: East & West Trail systems and Stanaki Trails.

Explore More!

Slideshow

See our photos from Doris Leeper Spruce Creek Preserve


Nearby Adventures

More worth exploring while you’re in this area.

Turtle Mound view

Canaveral National Seashore

Canaveral National Seashore protects 58,000 acres of maritime hammocks, dunes, and coastline surrounding Cape Canaveral, a natural sandy cape that formed where ocean currents meet.

East Central Regional Rail Trail

East Central Regional Rail Trail

Spanning 36.2 linear miles across southern Volusia County, the East Central Regional Rail Trail offers a long ride that also makes up a portion of several major Florida bike trails

Rolling oceanfront dunes with palms

Smyrna Dunes Park

At Smyrna Dunes Park, this 2.4-mile hike scenic coastal hike is largely along an accessible boardwalk, with side trips off to the sea and inlet via more rugged approaches.

Peeking through an arch in the coquina walls

Sugar Mill Ruins Park

At Sugar Mill Ruins Park in New Smyrna Beach, an interpretive trail tells the story of the Cruger-dePeyster Sugar Mill, established in 1830 and abandoned in 1835 after a Seminole raid

Trail Map (PDF) Official Website

Category: Access by water, Biking, Central Florida, County Parks, Day Hikes, Equestrian, Hikes, Launch Points, Loop Hikes, Natural Lands, Nature Trails, Off Road Biking, Paddling, TrailsTag: Archaeological Sites, Dog-friendly, Fishing, Hilly, Mangroves, New Smyrna Beach, Picnic, Port Orange, Scenic Hikes

Have an update? Contact us.

Primary Sidebar

CENTRAL FLORIDA

CENTRAL FLORIDA OVERVIEW
East Coast Greenway. Florida Trail

Brooksville. Coast to Coast Trail. Cocoa Beach. Cross Florida Greenway. Crystal River. Dade City. Daytona Beach. Kissimmee. Lakeland. Leesburg. Ocala. Ocala National Forest. Orlando. Sanford. St. Petersburg. Tampa.

Our Newest Books

The Florida Trail Guide

The Florida Trail GuideOur definitive guidebook to planning backpacking trips on the Florida National Scenic Trail, now in its fourth edition. Full data charts and maps. B&W, 356 pages. $19.95 + tax & shipping.

Order Now


Florida Trail Hikes

Florida Trail Hikes 2nd edition coverFifty of the best day hikes, overnights, and weekend trips on the Florida Trail. Full hike descriptions and maps, full color. 376 pages. $24.95 + tax & shipping.

Order Now


Discovering the Florida Trail

Florida Trail mini coffee table book cover of trail into palm hammock
A visual journey the length of the Florida Trail, covering more than 1,500 miles from the Everglades to Pensacola Beach. Hardcover, 196 pages. $24.95 + tax & shipping.
Order Now


50 Hikes in Central Florida 3rd edition
Five Star Trails Orlando guidebook
Explorer's Guide North Florida & The Panhandle guidebook

Florida Trail Apps

Farout GuidesFarout Guides Comprehensive logistics and offline maps for the
Florida National Scenic Trail (1,500 miles), the Florida Keys Overseas Heritage Trail (108 miles), and the ECT Florida Connector (92 miles).

Explore More

Our recent park & trail updates in this region

Lengthy boardwalk heading towards mangrove flats

John R. Bonner Nature Park

John R. Bonner Nature Park
Boardwalk framed by live oaks and saw palmetto

George McGough Nature Park

George McGough Nature Park
Leaning sand pines in scrub

Balm Boyette Nature Preserve

Balm Boyette Nature Preserve
Dock edged by mangroves

Maximo Park

Maximo Park

Footer

FIND A TRAIL OR PARK

NORTHWEST FLORIDA
Apalachicola. Apalachicola National Forest. Blackwater River State Forest. Blountstown. Bonifay. Bristol. Cape San Blas. Carrabelle. Chattahoochee. Chipley. Crawfordville. Crestview. DeFuniak Springs. Destin. Ebro. Eglin Air Force Base. Fort Walton Beach. Freeport. Gulf Islands National Seashore. Madison. Marianna. Milton. Monticello. Mossy Head. Navarre Beach . Niceville. Panama City Beach. Pensacola. Ponce De Leon. Port St. Joe. Quincy. Sopchoppy. South Walton. St. Marks. St. Marks NWR. Tallahassee. Vernon. Wakulla. Wewahitchka

NORTH FLORIDA
Alachua. Amelia Island. Baldwin. Branford. Bunnell. Cedar Key. Chiefland. Crescent City. Dowling Park. Ellaville. Fernandina Beach. Flagler Beach. Gainesville. Green Cove Springs. High Springs. Jacksonville. Keystone Heights. Lake Butler.Lake City. Live Oak. Mayo. Macclenny. Micanopy. Olustee. Orange Park. Osceola National Forest. Palatka. Palatka-Lake Butler Trail. Palm Coast. Perry. Salt Springs. St. Augustine. Starke. Steinhatchee. Suwannee River Wilderness Trail. Suwannee Springs. Talbot Islands. Timucuan Preserve. Trenton. Welaka. White Springs. Williston

  • Facebook
  • Flickr
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter
  • Vimeo

MULTI-REGION
Big Cypress Swamp. East Coast Greenway. Everglades National Park. Florida National Scenic Trail

CENTRAL FLORIDA
Apopka. Belleview. Brandon. Brooksville. Bushnell. Canaveral National Seashore. Christmas. Chuluota. Clearwater Beach. Clermont. Coast to Coast Trail. Cocoa Beach. Cross Florida Greenway. Crystal River. Dade City. Daytona Beach. De Leon Springs. DeBary. Deland. Deltona. Dunedin. Dunnellon. Frostproof. Geneva. Inverness. Kenansville. Kissimmee. Lake Mary. Lake Wales. Lakeland. Largo. Leesburg. Longwood. Melbourne. Melbourne Beach. Merritt Island. Merritt Island NWR. Mims. Mount Dora. New Port Richey. New Smyrna Beach. Ocala. Ocala National Forest. Ocklawaha. Orlando. Ormond Beach. Osteen. Oviedo. Palm Bay. Ridge Manor. Sanford. Silver Springs. Spring Hill. St. Cloud. St. Petersburg. Tampa. Tarpon Springs. Titusville . Walt Disney World. Weeki Wachee. Winter Springs. Withlacoochee State Forest. Withlacoochee State Trail. Yeehaw Junction

SOUTHWEST FLORIDA
Bradenton . Charlotte Harbor. Ding Darling NWR. Englewood. Estero. Fort Myers. Immokalee. Naples. Pine Island. Port Charlotte. Punta Gorda. Sanibel Island. Sarasota. Venice

SOUTH FLORIDA
Arcadia. Basinger. Big Cypress National Preserve. Big Cypress Seminole Reservation. Clewiston. Everglades City. Fisheating Creek. Lake Okeechobee. Lake Okeechobee Scenic Trail. Lake Placid. LaBelle. Lakeport. Moore Haven. Okeechobee. Pahokee. Port Mayaca. Sebring. South Bay

SOUTHEAST FLORIDA
Big Pine Key. Biscayne Bay. Biscayne National Park. Boca Raton. Boynton Beach. Coral Gables. Davie. Delray Beach. Northeast Everglades Natural Area. Florida Keys. Fort Lauderdale. Fort Pierce. Hobe Sound. Hollywood. Homestead. Islamorada. Jensen Beach. Jupiter. Juno Beach. Key Biscayne. Key Largo. Key West. Marathon. Miami. Ocean to Lake Greenway. Overseas Heritage Trail. Palm Beach. Port St. Lucie. Redland. Sebastian. Stuart. Vero Beach. West Palm Beach

  • Trails
  • Parks
  • Beaches
  • Gardens
  • Springs
  • Ecotours
  • Attractions
©2006-2022, Sandra Friend & John Keatley | Disclosure | Site Index | Work with Us | Advertise with Us
Terms of Service and Privacy Policy | Florida Hikes PO Box 93 Mims FL 32754| Contact