Hikes 
Central Florida Boyd Hill Nature Park
Central Florida Boyd Hill Nature Park
Boyd Hill Nature Park
Written by Sandra Friend
Boyd Hill Park originally began its life as a zoo and botanical garden for the city of St. Petersburg.
It has since evolved over the decades into a mosaic of natural habitats and wild tropical landscapes along the shores of Lake Maggiore. From the outer Main Trail, there are five side trails (mostly loops) showcasing specific habitats: the Swamp Woodlands Trail, Willow Marsh Trail, Lake Maggiore Trail, Scrub Island Trail, and Pine Flatwoods Trail. Enjoy the immersion into each habitat on the side trails, and the amusing giant armadillos along Wax Myrtle Pond. Guidebooks
50 Hikes in Central Florida
Orlando & Central Florida: An Explorer's Guide
Hiker's Guide to the Sunshine State
Directions
Directions & LocationFollow I-275 north from St. Petersburg to exit 17. Drive 1.8 miles east on 54th St to 9th St. S (Dr. Martin Luther King St). Turn left and drive north for four blocks; make a left at the traffic light onto Country Club Way. The park is on the right.
Overview
OverviewLocation: St. Petersburg
Length: 4 miles linear, 3 mile loop
Lat-Long: 27.725417, -82.649867
Type: linear, loop
Fees / Permits:
Good for: children, birding, bicycling, wildlife watching
Difficulty: 1 of 5
Bug factor: 2 of 5
Restroom: Yes
Boyd Hill Nature Park (813-893-7326), 1101 Country Club Way S, St. Petersburg, FL 33705
• The park is open 9-5, with longer hours on Tuesdays and Thursdays during the summer.
The main trails are paved or boardwalk.
There is an admission fee of $1 adults, $0.50 children.
There are strategically placed cold water stations around the park that are a welcome relief on a hot day.
A paved bike path makes a loop through the park and just inside the park entrance, there is a wild bird aviary . A picnic area is also available for use, outside the park gates.
