Offering recreational access to the Jenkins Creek basin and Jenkins Spring, Linda Pedersen Preserve provides fine views and fun activities for families.
Resources
Overview
Location: Hernando Beach
Address: 6300 Shoal Line Blvd, Hernando Beach
Fees: Free
Land Manager: Hernando County
Phone: 352-754-4027
Open daily sunrise to sunset. No pets permitted.
Directions
Follow SR 50 west from US 19 to the turnoff for Shoal Line Rd. Continue 2.4 miles to the preserve entrance on the left.
Details
An amazing panorama awaits if you’re willing to scramble up the 40-foot observation tower to the top: cabbage palm hammocks along the floodplain of Jenkins Creek, and a sweep of estuary as far as the eye can see. Hugging the south shore of Jenkins Creek and extending to neighboring Weekiwachee Preserve, Linda Pedersen Preserve is a place for playfulness, where the family can enjoy bank fishing together and the youngsters can play on the playground.
Take the trail across the bridge or follow the road around to the parking area near Jenkins Spring, where a man-made sandy beach fronts the flow of the spring run away from the spring. Platforms enable swimmers to jump into the spring and swim back to a floating structure.
A line of roofed picnic shelters sit along the edge of the sand, where parents can relax or get lunch ready. It’s a beauty spot among the cabbage palm hammocks, a pleasure to explore.
Paddlers can access the Coastal Paddling Trail here (as well as Jenkins Creek Park, on the estuary side of Shoal Line Road) but be mindful of the tides. Sometimes it’s better to launch from Bayport Park and ride the tide in.
