Florida Hikes

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Boardwalk framed by live oaks and saw palmetto

George McGough Nature Park

Introduce the kids to nature at George McGough Nature Park in Largo, where they can feed turtles, watch hawks, and bound along a bouncy accessible trail through a coastal forest.

Largo (27.881937, -82.840918)   0.8 miles  

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 open woodland Boardwalk in a coastal hammock

Resources

Resources for exploring the area
50 Hikes in Central Florida 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 Hiking the Gulf Coast book cover Paddlers Guide Florida
 
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.

Signage and a gate in a garden 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.

Boardwalk edged and shaded by white mangroves Intracoastal boardwalk

Leaving the water, turn left at an intersection to remain on the boardwalk as it travels through an oak hammock.

Curtains of Spanish moss sway in coastal breezes, suspended by an array of branches arching over the elevated walkway.

Spanish moss laden oak and saw palmetto next to boardwalk Oak and palmetto boardwalk

At a half mile, the boardwalk ends and the trail enters a mesic hammock carpeted with ferns.

Canopies of oak and cabbage palms shade a sandy path for a quarter mile before you reach the main padded trail again.

Fern lined footpath under oaks Mesic hammock

High-pitched chirps of the resident bald eagle might be heard nearby as the loop concludes in a tenth of a mile at the nature center.

The building houses educational displays alongside exhibits of live animals and is certainly worth a visit if the center is open.

Animal tanks, bones, and taxidermy in a building Inside the nature center

Trail Map

George McGough Nature Park Trail Map

Explore More!

Video

A virtual walk at George McGough Nature Park

Nearby Adventures

More worth exploring while you’re in this area.

Lengthy boardwalk heading towards mangrove flats John R. Bonner Nature Park A hidden gem surrounded by neighborhoods, John R. Bonner Nature Park offers excellent birding opportunities along short loop trails and a scenic boardwalk.
Wetlands with water lilies on open water Eagle Lake Park Now an urban forest in the heart of Pinellas County, Eagle Lake Park is the legacy of the Taylor family, early citrus growers who helped to found Largo
Mosaics in a garden niche Florida Botanical Gardens Walk through the garden gates into a wonderland of sensory stimulation. With nearly 180 acres in the heart of Largo, the Florida Botanical Gardens is a place for peaceful immersion.
Paved path between pines Walsingham Park An accessible network of paved trails circles Walsingham Lake, offering a variety of views of open water and forested woodlands along an easy walk.

Official Website

Chris Stevens
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