JUNE 7 IS NATIONAL TRAILS DAY

National Trails Day is observed the first Saturday in June and is organized by the American Hiking Society with the goal of connecting more people to our nation’s public trails. It is a day to go outdoors and experience your local environment. Hiking along trails enhances mental wellness, physical health and provides a connection to nature.

Joe Kenner Trail at Gamble Rogers Memorial State Recreation Area

There are amazing hiking trails in Gamble Rogers and North Peninsula State Parks that offer a glimpse of native wildflowers, trees and shrubs as well as butterflies, gopher tortoises, songbirds, hawks and white-tailed deer. You can take a leisurely nature walk and enjoy the peaceful quiet of the parks while taking the time to observe the beauty of your surroundings.

The Joe Kenner Nature Trail in Gamble Rogers State Park is a low impact, 0.75-mile scenic hiking trail that loops through a shady maritime hammock. The trail has several benches and interpretive signs. It is a beautiful setting to view wildlife and native plants while getting some exercise. Take note of the wind-swept oaks flattened by salt spray that shade the path. The trail is named for Joe Kenner, the Florida Park Service's most gifted interpreter and nature photographer.

In North Peninsula State Park, the 2.5-mile invigorating Coastal Strand Trail begins along the Intracoastal Waterway where you can observe mangrove trees and fiddler crabs in the brackish waters and then proceed into the shady maritime hammock. You will walk through the sunny coastal strand covered in salt-tolerant shrubs that provide cover for small mammals, rodents and reptiles. There are a number of interpretive signs that point out native plants and animals. It is highly likely that you will encounter one of the local gopher tortoises that make the park their home.

Coastal Strand Trail at North Peninsula State Park

Celebrate National Trails Day in our parks! Come prepared with comfortable but sturdy shoes, sunscreen, insect spray, a hat and water. Leave rejuvenated, calm and in awe of the beautiful natural surroundings