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Mattie Kelly Park and Nature Walk
4.3 ★★★★☆ 344 Google reviews · Running trail in Destin, Florida · Dawn to dusk
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Boardwalk
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Dawn to dusk
Confirmed from Mattie Kelly Park and Nature Walk'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.
Fishing & crabbing are popular at this bayou wetlands preserve with a pier & picnic area.
What runners say about Mattie Kelly Park and Nature Walk
“This is a very beautiful park and well maintained.”
“Whether you're a fellow photographer, a nature lover, or simply someone in search of a peaceful retreat, this hidden little gem promises to leave an indelible mark on your soul.”
Embarking on the first day of the New Year, I found myself on an unexpected journey of serendipity at Mattie Kelly Park and Nature Walk in Destin. Nestled just minutes away from the Destin Army MWR facility, this hidden gem turned out to be the perfect canvas for a breathtaking sunrise photo shoot.
I love this park! Tons of different plants here if you like nature and the wooden walkway goes through a wetlands area that additionally has great greenery and educational plaques. We come here about once a week at least and just sit in our car and park sometimes and relax.
This looks Iike it needs some refurbishment of the boardwalk and markers across the marshland. But, it was a great easy/short walk on a cloudy day with wanting to getaway from traffic. We also walked on the dock out on the bay and talked to a fisherman and chased away a Herron from his bait.
I took my girls out exploring and while researching nature parks this one popped up, so we went to check it out. For the most part it was very nice and the views to the water were amazing! You can walk a decent length fishing pier that looks over super shallow water and we spotted many super cool shells.
Trail conditions & character
“Easy to find, off the beaten path, accessible, breath taking views, and not busy.”
“This looks Iike it needs some refurbishment of the boardwalk and markers across the marshland.”
“Whether you're a fellow photographer, a nature lover, or simply someone in search of a peaceful retreat, this hidden little gem promises to leave an indelible mark on your soul.”
Plan your run at Mattie Kelly Park and Nature Walk
The practical stuff
- AccessDawn to dusk — the gates close, so do not plan a run that finishes after dark
- 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.
- Websitecityofdestin.com
- Phone(850) 837-4242
- Social Instagram · Facebook
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 Destin
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Main Street Park
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Peaceful, compact park with picnic tables, an on-water pier and fishing dock for casting a line.
Clement Taylor Park
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Waterside public park with grills, picnic tables, a beach volleyball court & public bathrooms.
Captain Leonard Destin Park
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Beach, boardwalk and playground park offering kayaking, fishing and snorkeling, along with picnic sites and a splash pad.
Calhoun Beach Trail
4.3 ★★★★☆ 9 reviews
Henderson Beach State Park
4.8 ★★★★★ 8,882 reviews
Beach haven featuring a boardwalk & a pet-friendly nature trail, plus a playground & campground.