Wildlands Hiking Trail
Hikers looking for a quiet place to stroll in Pinellas County will enjoy hiking the Wildlands Hiking Trail at Brooker Creek Preserve.  The trail system is accessible from two trailheads. Six (6) paths creating four (4) loops wind over creek crossings, through majestic pines, past stately cypress, and under large protective oaks.  Take a step and return to nature by enjoying a stroll through “Our Wildest Place.”

Hours: 7 days a week, 7 a.m. – time posted on trailhead clock (generally 1 hour before sunset)
Holidays: Closed

Friends Trail Brochure

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.  Interpretive trail signs highlight key points of interest along the boardwalk and trail.  This short, high and dry loop is perfect for families with small children.

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 Preserve's 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 flatwoods 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.