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Moccasin Lake Nature Park

Clearwater   [27.976233,-82.723817]   1.0 miles

Moccasin Lake Nature Park

One of the boardwalks at Moccasin Lake Nature Park

Sitting at the base of busy US 19 in Clearwater, Moccasin Lake Nature Park preserves a lush patch of native forest and a stream for the public to enjoy. Centered on a popular nature center – which includes rehabilitated bald eagles, hawks, vultures, and owls – it’s an ideal place to take the kids for a gentle nature adventure.

Resources

Orlando & Central Florida: An Explorer's GuideHiker's Guide to the Sunshine State

Overview

Location: Clearwater
Length: 1 mile
Lat-Lon: 27.976233, -82.723817
Type: loop
Fees / Permits: free
Difficulty: easy
Bug factor: low
Restroom: At the nature center

Address: 2750 Park Trail Lane, Clearwater, FL 33759
Phone: 727-793-2976

The trail system is a combination of boardwalk, pavement, and shellrock, suitable for strollers and wheelchairs. There are numerous benches along the route.

Directions

From McMullen Booth Rd, take Drew Rd west; from US 19, take Drew Rd east. At Fairwood Ave, turn north. Make a left on Park Trail Lane just after crossing the railroad tracks, and follow it to where it ends at the park.

Hike

Winding its way through an oak hammock, the mile-long trail system finds its way beneath the forest canopy to the edge of a dammed stream that overflows into a more natural fern-edged run through the forest. The Cypress Trail, a side spur, leads to a bluff overlook over a large lake, where the Brigham Dock offers an observation point for watching wading birds. The trail turns away from US 19, crossing long boardwalks to complete the loop. The nature center is full of fun activities for the kids to do, and creatures for them to see. There is a butterfly garden, an aviary, and a water tower with solar panels.

Learn More

Filed Under: Central Florida, City Parks, Hikes, Loop Trails, Nature Centers, Nature Trails, Parks, Trails Tagged With: Birding, Clearwater, Clearwater Beach, Family-friendly, Observation Towers, Tampa

Comments

  1. Chris Herrin says

    February 2, 2019 at 5:30 pm

    They had a Grand Re-Opening today 🙂 Can’t wait to go back.

    Reply
  2. Sandra Friend says

    October 30, 2018 at 4:19 pm

    According to the folks at the Educational Center, the trail system is still closed and has 4-6 weeks worth of work to complete before it reopens. Give them a call beforehand if you plan to head over there.

    Reply
  3. Wendy C says

    October 1, 2018 at 9:46 am

    still closed as of yesterday

    Reply
    • Sandra Friend says

      October 5, 2018 at 7:19 am

      Thanks for the update.

      Reply
  4. James says

    March 30, 2018 at 4:29 pm

    Closed until August 2018.

    Reply
    • Sandra Friend says

      April 2, 2018 at 9:25 am

      Thanks for the update.

      Reply
    • Geoff Person says

      August 9, 2018 at 6:37 am

      Has the park reopened yet?

      Reply
      • Sandra Friend says

        October 30, 2018 at 4:27 pm

        No, not yet. By year end, perhaps sooner.

        Reply

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