Booker Creek Preserve
Are you looking to get out of the city swing and connect with nature? Take in the sounds of leaves blowing, branches snapping, birds chirping, bugs buzzing, the sounds of frogs croaking, and the beat of a woodpecker's drum. Booker Creek Preserve offers this with about 8,700 acres (about the area of Chicago O'Hare airport) of protected land. There is no fee for admission, but I suggest you donate if you can. What this place offers is magical and for it to continue to be a place of retreat every dollar counts.
As you drive through the entrance off Keystone Rd in Tarpon Springs Florida, you will be driving on a long snaking road. Pay attention to the posted speed. This road is open to wildlife, and it belongs to them, remember we are just visiting. Some of the wildlife you may come across on your way to the boardwalk are snakes, gopher tortoises, red shouldered hawks, a few types of owls, whitetail deer, toads, raccoons, armadillos, and many songbirds. At the end of your drive, you will dead end into the parking lot. Park and make your way to the welcome entrance. If you are lucky right from the start, you will be greeted by wildlife. I was greeted by Whitetail deer, a gopher tortoise, and some golden silk orb weavers. Follow the winding board walk down to the Environment Education Center, Exhibits, Gift shops, also if you like you can set up a for a guided tour (must be scheduled ahead of time). Buildings are open during the week only. The restrooms located in the Welcome Center are always accessible (make sure to use them before embarking on a hike because these are the only restroom outside of answering the call of nature in the nature.
TRAIL TIME!
Familiarize yourself with trail rules first:
Hiking Trail Companions
Wear sturdy, closed-toe shoes and a hat.
Carry water and a snack.
Insect repellent and sunscreen are highly recommended.
Carry a cell phone for emergencies.
Call 9-1-1 in case of a medical emergency.
Hiking Trail Safety
Remain on designated, marked hiking trails.
Do not wander off the trails.
Do not hike on closed trails.
Carry and consult the trail map often while hiking.
Navigate using trail intersection numbers or numbered interpretive sign stops.
Return to your vehicle by closing time.
Consult the trail closing time posted on the clock or sign located at the trailhead.
Let someone know your expected hiking route and when you will return.
Hiking Trail Rules
All flora and fauna are protected.
Pack trash out or place it in a designated container.
Releasing animals into the Preserve is illegal.
Smoking and alcohol are prohibited.
Fireworks and campfires are prohibited.
All domestic animals, including dogs and horses, are prohibited.
Unauthorized vehicles, including bicycles, motorcycles, and all-terrain vehicles are not allowed.
Hunting is prohibited.
Rules for Horse Trails
Horse Trail Companions
Wear sturdy, closed-toe shoes and a hat.
Carry water and a snack.
Insect repellent and sunscreen are highly recommended.
Carry a cell phone for emergencies.
Call 9-1-1 in case of a medical emergency.
Horse Trail Safety
Remain on designated, marked horse trails.
Do not wander off the trails.
Do not ride on closed trails.
Carry and consult the trail map often while riding.
Navigate using trail intersection numbers or numbered interpretive sign stops.
Return to your vehicle by closing time.
Consult the trail closing time posted on the clock or sign located at the trailhead.
Let someone know your expected riding route and when you will return.
Horse Trail Rules
All flora and fauna are protected.
Pack trash out or place it in a designated container.
Releasing animals into the Preserve is illegal.
Smoking and alcohol are prohibited.
Fireworks and campfires are prohibited.
All domestic animals are prohibited.
Unauthorized vehicles, including bicycles, motorcycles, and all-terrain vehicles are not allowed.
Hunting is prohibited
These are the trails:
Ed Center Trail Loop, Flatwoods Trail Loop, Blackwater Cutoff Loop, Pine Needle Path Loop, And the Bird Path.
During the rainy seasons, Spring and Summer you want to be sure to wear waterproof boots and or Gaiters the Blackwater Cutoff loop is usually underwater.
Ed Center Trail Loop
Distance: 0.7 mile
Hiking Time: 30 minutes
This trail is an easy stroll from the Education Center and includes both elevated boardwalks and firm sand trails. Visitor’s feet remain dry as the boardwalk meanders through bottomland swamps toward the drier, shady oak hammocks. Impressive views of Brooker Creek are possible from the bridges that span the Preserve’s namesake. The Interpretive Trail Signs at Brooker Creek Preserve begin as soon as visitors step onto the boardwalk leading to the Center. They continue along the Wildlands Hiking Trail’s Education Center Trail Loop. Phase I, installed in 2006, and the recently completed Phase II signs treat visitors to a multi-sensory experience as they discover everything in nature is connected through dynamic relationships. The main messages of the signs include:
Water connects us all.
You can expand existing natural areas by landscaping for wildlife with Florida-friendly plants.
Perched wetlands provide a refuge for wildlife during the dry season.
Wildlife is adapted to the seasonal changes in Brooker Creek’s water level.
All of your choices impact the watershed, so what you do in your backyard matters.
Before hiking, please familiarize yourself with our trail rules.
Wilderness Trail
Three loops, the Flatwoods Trail, Blackwater Cutoff and Pine Needle Path loops, incorporate portions of the Wilderness Trail. Restoration of the entire trail system focuses on bringing hiking paths back to grade with the surrounding natural community. This not only will make the trails a little drier, but will also improve the hydrology and overall health of the Preserves ecosystems.
Flatwoods Trail Loop:
Distance: 1.5 miles
Hiking Time: 1 hour
This sand trail, which includes portions of the Wilderness Trail, makes its way through several pine flatwood communities. Evidence of prescribed fire can be seen along much of this trail. The low-growing saw palmetto, abundant grasses, and flowering plants that abound are all indications of a healthy pine flatwoods system. This trail is the perfect loop for the moderate hiker.
Blackwater Cutoff Loop :
Distance: 2.8 miles
Hiking Time: 2 - 2.5 hours
Hikers encounter alternating dry conditions in pine flatwoods and wet conditions in forested wetlands along this trail. Near the northern portion of the loop hikers cross one of the 13 channels of Brooker Creek. This loop, which includes portions of the Wilderness Trail, may be closed during the summer for high water. Hikers should plan ahead for this challenging section.
Pine Needle Path Loop
Distance: 4 miles
Hiking Time: 2.5 – 3.5 hours
Hikers encounter pine flatwoods, cypress swamps, forested wetlands, and cross yet another channel of Brooker Creek on this more challenging trail. This trail may be closed during the summer for high water. Wilderness Trail hikers return to the Center and parking area via Pine Needle Path. This loop is for the serious hiker.
Bird Path
Distance: 0.1 mile
Hiking Time: 10 minutes
This short path, readily accessible from the main parking lot, leads hikers through an oak hammock and ends at a freshwater marsh. A viewing blind enhances opportunities for bird enthusiasts.
No matter what you choose to do here every time you come here it’s a different experience with a new cast of wildlife that’s sure to please. This is one of my centering places when life gets too fast. Come here enjoy, respect it, and leave it as if you were never there. We’re the guests! Thank you and enjoy!