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Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 1,610 Google reviews · Running trail in New Port Richey, Florida · Hours vary
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Mixed
- Loop distance
- 7 mi
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Tree cover
- Access
- Not reported
Confirmed from Jay B. Starkey Wilderness 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.
This sizable tract of public land offers opportunities for camping, nature viewing, fishing & more.
What runners say about Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park
“The trails and facilities are well maintained and of course going off the trails is always an amazing adventure.”
“There are picnic pavilions that you can reserve, beautiful hiking trails, a lovely multi-use paved trail that runs through the park and takes you out to the Suncoast Trail.”
“There’s also water at a couple of locations so you could refill and take a rest or snack break in the shade.”
Visited here for the first time on a late Saturday afternoon for a 2-hour hike. Very nice park with lots of bike and hiking trails. Although the park was pretty busy, we were able to have plenty of time to ourselves on the trails as we only ran into a few people.
Wow! How relaxing is this beautiful Park! Miles and Miles of trails! I really like and enjoy this a lot. My first time actually on the Bike trail here. Very nice! Road 6 miles one way and 6 Miles another way! Very nice, and the air and trees are beautiful and the wildlife was amazing!
Such a privilege to have such a wonderful place so close to home. The trails and facilities are well maintained and of course going off the trails is always an amazing adventure.
I just moved here from South Florida and read reviews on this park. In the very beginning you’ll find mountain bike trails. Nothing aggressive. Beginner friendly. I rode all the dirt trails and didn’t see not one other rider on these trails. It was a very nice ride. Not many roots.
Trail conditions & character
“There are picnic pavilions that you can reserve, beautiful hiking trails, a lovely multi-use paved trail that runs through the park and takes you out to the Suncoast Trail.”
“Joined hiking team (FLORIDA TRAIL ASSOCIATION-Suncoast Chapter) for a 8.8 mile hike, beautiful scenery, well marked trails, loved it.”
“This is a beautiful park with mini trails for walking, biking, and strolling with your dog.”
“There are picnic pavilions that you can reserve, beautiful hiking trails, a lovely multi-use paved trail that runs through the park and takes you out to the Suncoast Trail.”
“There’s also water at a couple of locations so you could refill and take a rest or snack break in the shade.”
“There are 19 miles of single track mountain bike trails maintained by volunteers.”
“Went for a on the 7 mile loop trail, overall it was in good shape.”
“Definitely long portions of the trail have light to no shade, so be prepared.”
“Parking seemed adequate and the restrooms were surprisingly clean and well-maintained.”
Plan your run at Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park
The practical stuff
- AccessHours vary — hours are not posted for this trail, so check before an early or late run
- SurfaceMixed — more than one surface along the route, so check the segment you plan to run
- Loop distance7 mi back to where you parked. Long enough for a real long run.
- ShadeRunners describe real tree cover here — it makes a summer afternoon workable
- LightingRunners report lights on the path — useful for pre-dawn and after-work miles. Lighting and opening hours are separate things, so check both.
- At the trailheadrestrooms — 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.
- Websiteswfwmd.state.fl.us
- Phone+1 727-834-3247
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Running trails near New Port Richey
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Starkey Park Entrance
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Starkey Wilderness Bike Trail
4.7 ★★★★★ 111 reviews
Clean, beautiful park featuring paved and unpaved paths, picnic tables and tortoises.
Starkey Park Bike Trail Head
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Scenic park with paved trails, a playground, picnic tables, shelters and pavilions.
Way Point 1
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James E. Grey Preserve
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80-acre riverfront preserve offering many birds & other wildlife, 2 mi. of trails & a playground.
