A partnership between the City of Dunedin and Pinellas County, Gladys E Douglas Preserve was saved from development in 2021 with overwhelming support from the local community.
This sand pine scrub is a haven for wildlife and a biological hotspot surrounded by residential neighborhoods.
Due to the endangered ecosystems protected within the preserve, much of the trail system is fenced to protect sensitive vegetation.
In 2022, an adjacent parcel was acquired alongside Jerry Lake and the city has plans to include a nature center, fishing pier, and observation deck in the future.
Fenced pathwayResources
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Overview
Location: Dunedin
Length: 0.8 mile
Trailhead: 28.005778, -82.759417
Address: 1900 Virginia Ave, Dunedin
Fees: Free
Restrooms: Privy at trailhead
Land manager: City of Dunedin
Phone: 727-812-4530
Open 7 AM to sunset. No pets allowed.
Directions
From the intersection of Main St and Frontage Rd at the US 19 overpass east of Dunedin, head south on Frontage Rd for 0.4 mile before turning right onto Countryside Blvd. In a half mile, make another right onto N Belcher Rd, continuing for 0.3 mile, then turn left onto Greenbriar Blvd. Make a right onto Virginia Ave in a quarter mile, and the park entrance will be on the right in less than a tenth of a mile.
Hike
Beginning at the north end of the parking area, head down a wide, crushed shell pathway lined with tall grass and saw palmettos.
Slender sand pines tower above clusters of Florida rosemary, scrub oaks, and a carpet of fluffy deer moss.
Main trailheadBeyond the protective fence, an array of small plants donning several shades of green dot the stark white sands, including sand spikemoss, frostweed, prickly pear, and love vine.
Coming up to a bench in a tenth of a mile, turn right to begin the loop portion of the trail.
Healthy scrub habitatThe path weaves through desert-like, sun drenched landscapes, passing a couple of interpretive signs before reaching another bench at the next trail junction.
Continue straight ahead, following the fenced pathway into noticeably different surroundings with spotty tree cover.
Trail junctionNear the 0.2 mile mark, take a quick detour along the Orchid Trail, a short side loop that starts and ends at a partially shaded bench.
Returning to the main stretch, follow the pathway for another tenth of a mile through an old orange grove undergoing invasive plant removal among other restoration efforts.
Former citrus grovesWithin sight of Keene Road, turn around to head back down the trail into the scrub to explore the southern half of the loop along the Pine Trail.
This path is a bit narrower, winding through a few clusters of gnarled sand live oaks before reaching the main trail once again.
Turn right to follow the Rosemary Trail back to the trailhead in a tenth of a mile.
Sand live oaksTrail Map
Explore More!
Video
Hiking Gladys E. Douglas Preserve
Nearby Adventures
Hammock Park At Hammock Park, a well-marked trail network provides many options for exploring a 90-acre patchwork of diverse habitats adjoining the Pinellas Trail north of downtown Dunedin.
Upper Tampa Bay Conservation Park A trio of trails explore bayfront habitats at this family-oriented park with a popular nature center and kayak launch on the north rim of Tampa Bay.
Honeymoon Island State Park An offshore getaway accessible by car, bike, or paddle, Honeymoon Island State Park offers white sand beaches along the Gulf of Mexico.
Caladesi Island State Park Protecting a windswept shoreline and a variety of habitats on a barrier island, Caladesi Island State Park is one of the gems of the Florida State Parks system.
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