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 an oak and palm hammockResources
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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 pondIn 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 benchFerns 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.
BeautyberriesThe 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 pathwayHalfway 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 crossingContinuing 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 figAt 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 IntracoastalA 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.
Waterway overlookTrail Map
Explore More!
Video
A virtual walk at John Bonner Nature Park
Nearby Adventures
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.
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
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. 
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.
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