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Highland Nature Park

4.2 ★★★★☆ 97 Google reviews · Running trail in Tarpon Springs, Florida · Posted hours

Runner's snapshot

Surface
Boardwalk
Distance
Not reported
Shape
Not reported
Shade
Not reported
Access
Posted hours

Confirmed from Highland Nature Park'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.

BoardwalkScenicHillyRestroomsQuiet

Park with a boardwalk and a deck with lake views, as well as a kid-friendly playground.

What runners say about Highland Nature Park

Pulled from public reviews of this trail (97 of them) — the things people bring up again and again, in their own words. Nothing here is written by us.

well-maintained 6 mentions

“A amazing little hidden park that is always well maintained and quiet.”

🏞️ beautiful scenery 6 mentions

“If you walk down the poorly marked trail, you will arrive at the most beautiful boardwalk that leads right onto Lake Tarpon.”

🌾 quiet & peaceful 6 mentions

“It’s beautifully maintained with peaceful walking trails, lush greenery, and plenty of spots to relax and enjoy the outdoors.”

Usually pretty quiet. Entrance is easy to miss. Small playground for kids. Short bridge with a dock and is a nice view of the lake. Small walkable area but I bring my dog to walk there often. Lots of turtles around and I've seen small bobcats a few times.

★★★★★ — Daniel , May 2022

A amazing little hidden park that is always well maintained and quiet. If you walk all the way to the back there is even a dock that goes out onto Lake Tarpon, such as pictured below!

★★★★★ — Steven , Feb 2021

Beautiful little neighborhood park with easy access. Well maintained parking lot and restroom. Nice little play area with jungle gym, slides, etc., for the kids. Pleasant walking trail leads to a short boardwalk at the edge of the lake. Scenic views of the lake.

★★★★★ — Gene , Dec 2022

Highland Nature Park is a hidden gem! It’s beautifully maintained with peaceful walking trails, lush greenery, and plenty of spots to relax and enjoy the outdoors. Whether you’re out for a quiet stroll, birdwatching, or just need a break from the hustle and bustle, this park offers the perfect escape.

★★★★★ — Carson , May 2025

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 97 reviews →

Trail conditions & character

What this trail is actually like underfoot and overhead, taken from its own listing and from reviews. Each one links to every other trail with the same character. Busy or quiet is reported as a plain fact, not a plus or a minus — a runner heading out alone at dawn often wants company on the path, and someone running intervals wants an empty one.

🏞️ Scenic views 10 mentions

“If you walk the path over the hill they have a creepy/cool board walk out to the lake which had a nice view but the sides of the boardwalk are COVERED in spiders.”

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🚻 Restrooms 9 mentions

“This park has a small but nice playground, picnic tables and bathrooms.”

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🪵 Boardwalk 8 mentions

“If you walk the path over the hill they have a creepy/cool board walk out to the lake which had a nice view but the sides of the boardwalk are COVERED in spiders.”

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🤫 Quiet / uncrowded 6 mentions

“It’s beautifully maintained with peaceful walking trails, lush greenery, and plenty of spots to relax and enjoy the outdoors.”

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⛰️ Hills / elevation 4 mentions

“If you walk the path over the hill they have a creepy/cool board walk out to the lake which had a nice view but the sides of the boardwalk are COVERED in spiders.”

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Plan your run at Highland Nature Park

The practical stuff

  • AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
  • SurfaceBoardwalk — flat and scenic, and slick when wet, so watch your footing
  • 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 trailheadrestrooms — reported by runners

Hours

Monday 7 AM–8 PM
Tuesday 7 AM–8 PM
Wednesday 7 AM–8 PM
Thursday 7 AM–8 PM
Friday 7 AM–8 PM
Saturday 7 AM–8 PM
Sunday 7 AM–8 PM

Posted hours for the park or trailhead. Gates and parking lots often close earlier than the trail itself, and seasonal hours change — worth a check before a pre-dawn or after-dark run.

Where to find Highland Nature Park

500-648 S Highland Ave, Tarpon Springs, FL 34689

Get directions

Running trails near Tarpon Springs

Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.

A. L. Anderson Park

4.7 ★★★★★ 2,821 reviews

Tarpon Springs, FL

BoardwalkShadedScenicDog-friendly

Wooded area with a dog park, walking trails & picnic spots, plus a boat ramp & fishing access.

under a mile away

TARPON(Spring) Bayou crystal Lake

4.8 ★★★★★ 478 reviews

Tarpon Springs, FL

MixedLitScenic

Park with a public restroom and picnic tables where visitors can spot manatees and dolphins.

1.6 miles away

Craig Park

4.7 ★★★★★ 1,550 reviews

Tarpon Springs, FL

PavedShadedLitScenic

Park offering a saltwater boat launch, restrooms, lighted tennis courts, a playground & bandshell.

1.7 miles away

North Anclote River Nature Park

4.5 ★★★★★ 365 reviews

Tarpon Springs, FL

LoopBoardwalkScenicDog-friendly

Shaded nature trails, a playground & picnicking areas are the draw at this scenic riverfront park.

1.9 miles away

Brooker Creek Preserve Scenic Horse Trail

4.4 ★★★★☆ 8 reviews

Tarpon Springs, FL

3.2 miles away

Wall Springs Park

4.8 ★★★★★ 2,821 reviews

Palm Harbor, FL

MixedScenicDog-friendly

Natural area with bayou views, walking paths, an observation tower & a playground.

3.3 miles away

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Nearby towns

Listing verified July 2026 from public records, the trail's own website and runner reviews. Trail conditions change — paths flood, gates close at dusk, and shaded woods stay muddy for days after rain. Something out of date? Report a correction. Manage this trail? Send us the details — it is free.