Day Trips from St. Petersburg
← All St. Petersburg day tripsDay Trips from St. Petersburg: Hiking Trails & Nature
Find the best hiking trails and nature destinations within driving distance of St. Petersburg, FL. From easy lakeside walks to challenging ridge hikes, these day trip trails deliver real scenery without the plane ticket. Drive times, ratings, and trail info included.
12 hiking trails near St. Petersburg
Emerson Point Preserve
Palmetto, FL 34221
Just 32 min from St. Petersburg, rated 4.8 stars by 1,629 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.
Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve
Fort Myers, FL 33966
Just 1 hr 44 min from St. Petersburg, rated 4.8 stars by 4,476 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.
Lake Hiawatha Preserve
Clermont, FL 34711
Just 1 hr 42 min from St. Petersburg, rated 4.8 stars by 575 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.
Robinson Preserve
Bradenton, FL 34209
Just 42 min from St. Petersburg, rated 4.8 stars by 2,396 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.
Brooker Creek Preserve & Environmental Education Center
Tarpon Springs, FL 34688
Just 46 min from St. Petersburg, rated 4.8 stars by 1,209 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.
Black Bear Wilderness Area
Sanford, FL 32771
Just 2 hrs 4 min from St. Petersburg, rated 4.8 stars by 969 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.
Crooked River Preserve
Clermont, FL 34711
Just 1 hr 38 min from St. Petersburg, rated 4.7 stars by 199 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.
Weekiwachee Preserve
Spring Hill, FL 34607
Just 1 hr 11 min from St. Petersburg, rated 4.7 stars by 638 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.
Chassahowitzka Wildlife Management Area
Brooksville, FL 34614
Just 1 hr 10 min from St. Petersburg, rated 4.7 stars by 836 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.
Moccasin Lake Nature Park
Clearwater, FL 33759
Just 24 min from St. Petersburg, rated 4.7 stars by 1,336 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.
Wilderness Conservation Park - Trout Creek Site
Thonotosassa, FL 33592
Just 38 min from St. Petersburg, rated 4.7 stars by 331 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.
Lower Hillsborough Wildlife Management Area
Thonotosassa, FL 33592
Just 44 min from St. Petersburg, rated 4.6 stars by 3,598 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hiking Trails Day Trips from St. Petersburg
What are the best hiking trails near St. Petersburg, FL?
The best hikes near St. Petersburg range from easy nature preserve loops to challenging state park trails with waterfalls, overlooks, and canyon scenery. Check the cards above for top-rated options with real drive times.
Are there easy hikes near St. Petersburg?
Yes. Many state parks and nature preserves near St. Petersburg offer well-maintained, beginner-friendly trails under 3 miles. Look for "Nature" tagged destinations above for the most accessible options.
What should I bring on a day hike from St. Petersburg?
Pack water, snacks, sunscreen, and layers. Most trails near St. Petersburg are well-marked but cell service can be spotty in state parks. Download trail maps before you leave and wear sturdy shoes.
When is the best time to hike near St. Petersburg?
Spring (April-May) and fall (September-October) offer the best hiking weather and scenery near St. Petersburg. Fall foliage is spectacular at most destinations. Summer works but can be hot and buggy. Winter hiking is possible at many parks with proper gear.
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