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Hontoon Island State Park
4.6 ★★★★★ 183 Google reviews · Running trail in DeLand, Florida · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Natural surface
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Tree cover
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Hontoon Island State 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.
Serene, family-friendly park on an island featuring cabins, trails, camping, bike rentals, and canoe rentals.
What runners say about Hontoon Island State Park
“Clean bathrooms and the staff are always sweet and welcoming.”
“We had rented cabins to spend new years and had the best time here, bring your bikes (or rent on site) as they have beautiful bike trails and hiking trails.”
“I wouldn't suggest doing the trail alone and bring plenty of water as it can be long and some parts are not shaded.”
“The ferry operator was calm and friendly, making everyone feel safe while sharing the park's history on the way to the island.”
This is an amazing place to visit and camp with your family. We had rented cabins to spend new years and had the best time here, bring your bikes (or rent on site) as they have beautiful bike trails and hiking trails. You can rent kayaks, canoes and boats here as well.
This is old Florida the way it should be experienced! So peaceful. Right on the St John River. To access the Island you raise the flag at the dock and they come get you. The staff was courteous and very friendly. They deserve the highest praise. Read the rules and regulations and there will be no surprises.
Did a group hike after taking the ferry, some parts of trail are thin and roots to climb over, just be cautious with kids, two of our groups children fell on the trail from raised roots or slippery parts. I wouldn't suggest doing the trail alone and bring plenty of water as it can be long and some parts are not shaded.
Beautiful park! Lots to see if you're looking and listening to whatever critters are around. Also just a pleasant walk. Rangers are nice & helpful. Ferry was running every hour when I went. Last ferry to the park at 2pm. Last ferry from park back to parking lot at 3pm.
Trail conditions & character
“We had rented cabins to spend new years and had the best time here, bring your bikes (or rent on site) as they have beautiful bike trails and hiking trails.”
“I wouldn't suggest doing the trail alone and bring plenty of water as it can be long and some parts are not shaded.”
“Clean bathrooms and the staff are always sweet and welcoming.”
“Last ferry from park back to parking lot at 3pm.”
“Me and my family and dogs had a great time and we loved it so much that we are already planning our next adventure to Hontoon island!”
Plan your run at Hontoon Island State Park
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- SurfaceNatural surface — easiest on the joints and the most fun, but expect roots, rocks and mud after rain
- 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.
- ShadeRunners describe real tree cover here — it makes a summer afternoon workable
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms, water — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Websitefloridastateparks.org
- Phone+1 386-736-5309
Hours
| Monday | 8 am–1 am |
| Tuesday | 8 am–1 am |
| Wednesday | 8 am–1 am |
| Thursday | 8 am–1 am |
| Friday | 8 am–1 am |
| Saturday | 8 am–1 am |
| Sunday | 8 am–1 am |
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