Hiking John Bonner Nature Park

John R. Bonner Nature Park is a small, yet charming park with a lot to offer.

In addition to a set of easy loop trails and a boardwalk, this green space has a fire pit, playground, and a kayak launch.

As part of the Great Florida Birding Trail, birders may have opportunities to see an array of birds in the wooded areas, and along the waterway.

Paved trail winding through Florida woods

Paved trail winding an oak and palm 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: 0.6 mile loop
Trailhead: 27.888781, -82.838513
Address: 14444 143rd St N, Largo
Fees: Free
Restrooms: Yes
Land manager: City of Largo
Phone: 727-518-3047

Open 8:00 AM -7:30 PM

Directions

From the intersection of SR 19 ALT and SR 60 in Clearwater, head south on SR 19 ALT for 3 miles, before turning right onto W Bay Dr. In 1.8 miles, make a left onto Indian Rocks Rd. Continue for 2.3 miles, then turn right onto Valentine Trail. In 0.3 mile, turn right onto 143rd St, and the entrance to the pack is at the end of the road in about 250 feet.

Hike

From the parking area, head south towards a grassy field featuring a large fire pit available for rental to small parties.

Continue along the sidewalk, passing a small pond surrounded by palms, one of which extends over the water with a bat house attached near the top.

Palm pond

In a short distance, turn right as the path splits, skirting an edge of the pond before entering the woods.

Shade is abundant while the trail weaves through a tropical landscape of cabbage palms, and occasional benches offer spots to take a rest.

Trailside bench

Ferns line the pathway alongside beautyberry bushes covered with velvety leaves and clusters of shiny purple berries.

Reaching 0.2 mile, follow a crushed gravel trail to the right as it leads across the entrance road towards a loop to the east.

beautyberry bush splayed over a paved path

Beautyberries

The scenery and terrain changes quickly, with winding branches of large oaks extending over a sandy pathway.

Turn left to start the loop, descending slightly while rounding a corner lined with attractive greenery.

Gravel pathway

Halfway around the loop, the trail crosses a sturdy wooden bridge over a small bubbling creek.

Winding through a jungle of lush foliage, the pathway crosses the creek once more before reaching the road again.

Creek crossing

Continuing across the pavement, take an immediate right to head back towards the coast.

Before the second loop concludes, the trail passes an impressive strangler fig wrapped around a cabbage palm.

Strangler fig

At the parking area, a long boardwalk to the west provides access to the Intracoastal Waterway.

Sitting high above the tidal marshes, this impressive walkway leads to an observation deck, then out to the water though a forest of mangroves.

Boardwalk to the Intracoastal

A panoramic view awaits as the boardwalk ends at a covered overlook complete with benches for quiet reflection as water laps the platform and nearby trees.

Birds navigate through the mangroves and soar in the distance, circling over a small island in the center of the waterway.