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Deep Creek Preserve
4.4 ★★★★☆ 73 Google reviews · Running trail in New Smyrna Beach, Florida · Dawn to dusk
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Mixed
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Dawn to dusk
Confirmed from Deep Creek Preserve's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Popular park featuring a variety of trails for hikers and leashed dogs.
What runners say about Deep Creek Preserve
“Beautiful surroundings and some benches through the trail.”
“great little hiking spot with running watter in the crreks along the trail .”
“A primarily park with well marked trails.”
“Not the best sights but a calm quiet backwoods trail in costal Florida.”
Pleasant and Enjoyable Experience. Although I was only briefly out of ear shot of the cars on 415, this area really offered a pleasing nature experience. I saw 3 dears, and accidentally punted a snake (while trying to shoo away a buzzy flying creature). The snake was OK, and is pictured below.
Deep Creek Preserve is a free Volusia County trail head that has 3 loops. It's hiker, biker, horse friendly. I tried out the orange trail which was a straight forward loop. Definitely apply mosquito repellent beforehand. Explore on!
Really easy to get to and has good parking. We were driving to the beach and saw a sign on the road. So we pulled in to see. The trail is pretty long and we had never done it before so we just walked until we were back into the woods & turned around lol Definitely planning on coming back with better shoes for this one…
Great hike today with my dog. Pets need to be on leash. Don’t forget bug spray. We say many some sized yellow butterflies, one nearly spider with its web across the trail, and many interesting birds. Did the orange trail.
Trail conditions & character
“Beautiful surroundings and some benches through the trail.”
“Check out the screen room as you walk in from the parking.”
“You can end your trip here by crossing the canal if it is dry enough and heading back to the parking lot, but head north along Lake Ashby canal and turn left at the orange marker.”
“Parking lot is a little muddy on rainy days.”
“Has a bathroom, havent located a water fountain.”
Plan your run at Deep Creek Preserve
The practical stuff
- AccessDawn to dusk — the gates close, so do not plan a run that finishes after dark
- SurfaceMixed — more than one surface along the route, so check the segment you plan to run
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms, water — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
- Websitevolusia.org
- Phone(386) 736-5953
Hours
| Monday | 7 AM–7 PM |
| Tuesday | 7 AM–7 PM |
| Wednesday | 7 AM–7 PM |
| Thursday | 7 AM–7 PM |
| Friday | 7 AM–7 PM |
| Saturday | 7 AM–7 PM |
| Sunday | 7 AM–7 PM |
Running trails near New Smyrna Beach
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Lake Ashby Park
4.8 ★★★★★ 292 reviews
Fishing, bird watching & tent camping in a park with a boardwalk over the lake, play areas & trails.
Dwight Hawkins Park
4.3 ★★★★☆ 254 reviews
Ballfields & basketball courts are joined by a covered climbing area, a playground & picnic areas.
Tom Hoffman Park
3.9 ★★★★☆ 100 reviews
Park featuring picnic areas, a playground, and a public restroom, plus a large field.
Palm Bluff Conservation Area
4.5 ★★★★★ 81 reviews
Relaxed spot offering an array of well-marked trails for hiking and cycling, plus primitive camping and wildlife viewing.