Saturday is National Trails Day, according to the American Hiking Society.
So what better day to check out the local parks? We’ve found five great places in Sarasota to hit the trails.
The path at Celery Fields climbs up a hill, which was a landfill. Photo by Jennifer Nesslar
Celery Fields
6799 Palmer Blvd
These fields are known as a destination for bird watchers and wildlife enthusiasts, as well as Sarasota County’s storm water collection zone. But they are also a great place to take a hike. You can take a jog through the fields, as well as climb a hill. We know, a hill in Florida. If you’re not used to climbing hills, you’ll be out of breath at the top. You’re about to get in the shape of your life. But don’t thank us.
Hammock Trail at Phillippi Estate Park. Photo by Jennifer Nesslar
Phillippi Estate Park
5500 S Tamiami Trail
It’s a smaller park, but you have two trail options here. You can visit Hammock Trail, a quarter mile shell path trail through the trees. It may only be a quarter mile, but it’s a shaded alternative to running 400 meter repeats on the track in the summer (ouch). The second trail isn’t as shaded, but it provides a nice view of Phillippi Creek. When you’re done with your run, hang out under the gazebos or take a look at the Edson Keith Estate, a mansion listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places.
A secluded trail curves through the woods at Red Bug Slough. Photo by Jennifer Nesslar
Red Bug Slough
5200 Beneva Road
For you adventure seekers, take a trip to Red Bug Slough. The 72-acre preserve gives you plenty of chances to spot wildlife. There are hiking and biking trails, including a long trail called Hammock. (I guess Hammock is a popular name for trails). At this preserve, the trails offer some distance. You can even bring your dog along. The trails curve along through the woods, so if you’re directionally challenged, be sure to pay attention to the markers, and don’t enter a trail that’s not marked. The trail is secluded, so you’ll want to have a buddy.
Hammock Loop Trail at Rothenbach Park is paved, a good trail for those with weak ankles to visit. Photo by Jennifer Nesslar
Rothenbach Park
8650 Bee Ridge Road
This park has five miles of paved trails, good for those of you with unsteady ankles. The longest trail is the 2.75-mile Hammock Loop Trail—seriously, another trail named after a hammock? The Solar Trail is a quick one-mile loop, but offers fitness equipment to use as you go. Keep the puppy at home—dogs aren’t welcome here. Neither are horses or…cats.
The nature trail at Urfer Family Park. Photo by Jennifer Nesslar
Urfer Family Park
4000 Honore Ave
The trails in this park are short, but they offer a little bit for everyone. The asphalt trail is just under a mile long, and has exercise equipment along the route. The Primitive yellow and red trails are under a mile collectively, and they aren’t quite as primitive as the name suggests. These shell trails give visitors a good sense of the history of the park—a former pastureland for cattle.