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Emeralda Marsh Conservation Area
4.6 ★★★★★ 378 Google reviews · Running trail in Leesburg, Florida · Open 24 hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Open 24 hours
Confirmed from Emeralda Marsh Conservation Area'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.
This conservation land offers an abundance of wetland wildlife viewing, boating, hiking & fishing.
What runners say about Emeralda Marsh Conservation Area
“Beautiful drive when park is open from February to May for motorized vehicles.”
“A great little slice of nature and it is worth a visit for a peaceful way to enjoy some of the natural beauty Florida still has left!”
One of my favorite spots to hike. Birds, deer, and bobcats are just a few of the wildlife I've seen in the marsh. Beautiful sunrise and breathtaking sunsets.
Good place for some peace and quiet. I have seen people fishing from a small bridge. Cars (weekend), hikers and cyclists are allowed. The area has been reopened. Great for nature, alligators, small animals & plenty of birds. The 'restoration' took away some of the roads.
I went during the months you can drive the trail. For clarity, you can walk the trail year-round but only drive it from February to the end of May. There's a downloadable guide that explains some of the more interesting points on the trail.
Very peaceful. Drive thru is open only on weekends from February until May but can be walked and biked any day. Great for a picnic or just a relaxing walk. There are als many fishing spots on certain trails.
Trail conditions & character
“Beautiful drive when park is open from February to May for motorized vehicles.”
“A great little slice of nature and it is worth a visit for a peaceful way to enjoy some of the natural beauty Florida still has left!”
Plan your run at Emeralda Marsh Conservation Area
The practical stuff
- AccessOpen 24 hours — no gate to beat, so a 5am or a 10pm run both work
- 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 — reported by runners
- Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
- Websitesjrwmd.com
- Phone+1 386-329-4404
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | Open 24 hours |
| Tuesday | Open 24 hours |
| Wednesday | Open 24 hours |
| Thursday | Open 24 hours |
| Friday | Open 24 hours |
| Saturday | Open 24 hours |
| Sunday | Open 24 hours |
Running trails near Leesburg
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Twin Lakes Park
4.4 ★★★★☆ 121 reviews
Family destination with pavilions, jungle gyms and picnics plus basketball courts.
Marsh Memorial Park
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Peaceful park featuring a boat ramp, a playground, and swing sets.
Lake Griffin State Park
4.5 ★★★★★ 1,530 reviews
This 620-acre park has canoe/kayak rentals, hiking trails, 40 campsites & a mammoth live oak tree.
Bourlay Historic Nature Park
4.3 ★★★★☆ 170 reviews
Nature preserve with a fishing pier, lake views, and picnic areas, plus well-marked trails.