Hiking George McGough Nature Park

Donated by to the city by members of his family, George McGough Nature Park is named after a conservationist who served as the mayor of Largo.

Preserving a variety of ecosystems along the Intracoastal Waterway, this property abounds with opportunities to learn about Florida’s natural habitats.

A recycled-tire loop trail provides an easy hike less than a mile in length, with side paths and boardwalks to explore.

Animal exhibits are on display at the nature center, where friendly volunteers are eager to answer questions about plants, animals, and the outdoors.

Boardwalk in a coastal hammock

Resources

Resources for exploring the area

Central Florida Orlando Explorers Guide book cover

Hikers Guide to the Sunshine State book cover

The Hiking Trails of Floridas National Forests Parks Preserves 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: Largo
Length: 0.8 mile loop
Trailhead: 27.881937, -82.840918
Address: 11901 146th St N, Largo
Fees: Free
Restrooms: Yes, inside the nature center
Land manager: City of Largo
Phone: 727-518-3047

Open 9 AM to 5 PM. No pets permitted.

Directions

From the intersection of SR 19 ALT and SR 60 in Clearwater, head south on SR 19 ALT for 4.6 miles before turning right onto Ulmerton Rd. Continue for 3.8 miles, then turn right at 146th St N. The parking area is on the left after 400 feet.

Hike

At the nature center entrance, turtles bask along the edge of a small pond that is one of the most popular attractions in the park.

Small cups of food are available, and folks gather to watch the turtles bob, gobbling up treats.

Turtles sunning on a raft in a cypress lined pond

Turtle pond

A padded walkway winds around the left side of the building towards an open area with picnic tables, a pavilion, and stage for presentations.

At an intersection of paths, turning to the right leads behind the building to an impressive exhibit featuring dozens of birds of prey.

Pathway past a row of wooden bird enclosures

Path past the bird exhibit

As the pathway meanders away from the nature center, it passes a pollinator garden filled with flowering plants, many of which are native.

Continuing along the peculiarly cushioned surface made of recycled tires, the main trail curves around a playground before entering a dense subtropical jungle.

Pollinator garden

Palmettos line the corridor alongside clusters of tall coffee plants under a shady canopy of cabbage palms.

As the hammock transitions to flatwoods, sunlight filters onto a trailside bench through needles of thick, gnarled pine trees.

Pine duff on rubbery trail through woods

Shaded pathway

Reaching a trail crossing at 0.3 mile, the padded section continues to the east where another pathway leads towards a boardwalk into the salt marsh.

For a scenic view of the intracoastal waterway, head straight down this mangrove-lined wooden walkway as it extends for nearly two-hundred feet over tranquil waters.