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Herman and Dorothy Shooster Nature Preserve
4.6 ★★★★★ 35 Google reviews · Running trail in Margate, Florida · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Mixed
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Herman and Dorothy Shooster Nature 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.
What runners say about Herman and Dorothy Shooster Nature Preserve
“Beautiful place for a walk, please be aware of the coyotes we can hear them bark at night time inside the preserve.”
“The trails are peaceful, and there's a cool, spooky swamp that adds a unique atmosphere to the area.”
My wife and I really enjoyed our visit to Herman and Dorothy Shooster Nature Preserve! This walking trail is a hidden gem. Great place to feel out in nature and grab some fresh air. We observed a few Cardinals during our walk.
This is a really interesting place to take a walk, especially if you enjoy nature and a bit of adventure. The trails are peaceful, and there's a cool, spooky swamp that adds a unique atmosphere to the area. The swamp was particularly swampy today, really bringing out that eerie vibe.
Someone else said this place was a hidden gem and they were completely right! It was such a gorgeous trail. I believe it's about a mile long going the entire way...fact check me. Lolz But I highly recommend it!
This 19.82 acre preserve is named for the founders of Answering Service Care, a customer contact center located in the Fort Lauderdale area. They were honored at a ceremony at the preserve on Friday, May 7, 2010. Herman Shooster passed away in 2014 at the age of 89.
Trail conditions & character
“Beautiful place for a walk, please be aware of the coyotes we can hear them bark at night time inside the preserve.”
“Most of the park is paved ground trails but there is a metal deck over some aesthetic swampland.”
“From there you walk up a paved path to a boardwalk that takes you over the cypress strand swamp.”
“The trails are peaceful, and there's a cool, spooky swamp that adds a unique atmosphere to the area.”
“Limited parking but I came when spots were available.”
Plan your run at Herman and Dorothy Shooster Nature Preserve
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- 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 — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Websitebroward.org
- Phone+1 954-357-8109
Hours
| Monday | 8 am–6 pm |
| Tuesday | 8 am–6 pm |
| Wednesday | 8 am–6 pm |
| Thursday | 8 am–6 pm |
| Friday | 8 am–6 pm |
| Saturday | 8 am–6 pm |
| Sunday | 8 am–6 pm |
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