Home › Florida › Sanford › Marl Bed Flats Tract Trailhead
Marl Bed Flats Tract Trailhead
4.3 ★★★★☆ 35 Google reviews · Running trail in Sanford, Florida · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Marl Bed Flats Tract Trailhead'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 Marl Bed Flats Tract Trailhead
“One of the only trails I've been to that's extremely beautiful, hardly touched, and hardly visited.”
“Incredible display of Creation and quiet reflection in this place!”
One of the only trails I've been to that's extremely beautiful, hardly touched, and hardly visited. Definitely the place to go where you probably won't see another person during your visit (which to me is a plus, though can feel foreboding since it is untouched wilderness).
LOVE this place. It was love at first sight. This spot is off in the cut! Secluded, peaceful, and incredibly beautiful. The road to the parking lot is single lane...I never see single lane roads so that is exciting for me.
Marl Bed Flats is my favorite tract in the Lake Jesup Conservation Area. I visit this area frequently to look for wildlife, especially shorebirds, wading birds and other wildlife that can be found in marshy areas. When you arrive at the parking area, you can walk through two open gates.
A very small parking area and secluded which is nice. I would consider it more of a horse trail but if you're an experienced hiker you should have no trouble. There are several forks in the trail that are not marked so be careful.
Trail conditions & character
“When you arrive at the parking area, you can walk through two open gates.”
“One of the only trails I've been to that's extremely beautiful, hardly touched, and hardly visited.”
“Incredible display of Creation and quiet reflection in this place!”
Plan your run at Marl Bed Flats Tract Trailhead
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- 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.
- Websitesjrwmd.com
- Phone(386) 329-4404
Hours
| Monday | 6 AM–8 PM |
| Tuesday | 6 AM–8 PM |
| Wednesday | 6 AM–8 PM |
| Thursday | 6 AM–8 PM |
| Friday | 6 AM–8 PM |
| Saturday | 6 AM–8 PM |
| Sunday | 6 AM–8 PM |
Running trails near Sanford
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Lake Jesup Conservation Area
4.4 ★★★★☆ 319 reviews
6,220-acre protected area offering wildlife views, primitive campsites, a range of trails & boating.
Central Winds Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 1,341 reviews
City park with ball fields for league play, plus pavilions, picnic grills & a playground.
Lee P. Moore Park
4.5 ★★★★★ 449 reviews
Park featuring a playground, shelters & a fitness trail, plus basketball, tennis & a ball field.
Black Hammock Trailhead
4.8 ★★★★★ 171 reviews
Paved multiuse trail through a former railway corridor offering scenic views and wildlife sightings.
Spring Hammock Preserve
4.6 ★★★★★ 924 reviews
This wildlife preserve has hiking trails & two parks with sports fields, a playground & a boardwalk.