Home › Florida › Plant City › McIntosh Preserve
McIntosh Preserve
4.5 ★★★★★ 89 Google reviews · Running trail in Plant City, Florida · Dawn to dusk
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Mixed
- Distance
- 2.5 mi
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Tree cover
- Access
- Dawn to dusk
Confirmed from McIntosh Preserve'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.
Family-friendly space offering marked walking paths and an observation tower for viewing alligators and wildlife.
What runners say about McIntosh Preserve
“Trail is wide and very clean and clear.”
“Beautiful flowers and sceneries galore.”
“We went during a more cloudy day it it felt wonderful lots of mixture of shade and sun too.”
“Trails are well marked and the observation tower is very nice.”
“It’s geared more toward quiet nature use than amenities or recreation.”
Hiked June 29, 2023. Trails well marked. From our hike, purple trail very limited shade. Green trail - some shade. East part of red trail - some shade (until the stretch that takes you back to the parking lot). Well maintained. Benches along the trails are awesome!
Its to be noted that while there is no bathroom on the premises at this time , there are areas that appeared to have been cleared recently, one might find that a restroom facility will soon be established.
The paths are very wide and marked very well. If you like wide open trails you'll love it. But if you're looking for more dense wooded areas this isn't for you. No public restrooms just 2 port a John's in the parking lot. But they were very clean. Loved the tower .
New upgrades to this nature reserve include an 3 sorry observation tower and park area. There are several short, but nice trails to get your steps in. Plenty of shaded areas. Some but not a lot of wildlife when we were there in early March.
Trail conditions & character
“There are porta-potties on site, though their condition may vary, and there are no permanent restrooms or camping options available.”
“We went during a more cloudy day it it felt wonderful lots of mixture of shade and sun too.”
“Observation tower is spacious and offers nice views.”
“If you’re simply looking for a quiet place to walk the dog or step away and enjoy nature, this fits the bill.”
“There’s gravel on the trail and wouldn’t recommend for bikes.”
“But observation tower has seating at lower level & top level.”
“East part of red trail - some shade (until the stretch that takes you back to the parking lot).”
“It’s geared more toward quiet nature use than amenities or recreation.”
“Trails are well marked and the observation tower is very nice.”
“The property offers a few basics: picnic tables, beginner-friendly orienteering trails, and crushed shell paths that are easy to walk and handicap accessible.”
Plan your run at McIntosh Preserve
The practical stuff
- AccessDawn to dusk — the gates close, so do not plan a run that finishes after dark
- SurfaceMixed — more than one surface along the route, so check the segment you plan to run
- Distance2.5 mi as reported — check whether that is one way or a round trip before you commit
- ShadeRunners describe real tree cover here — it makes a summer afternoon workable
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms — 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.
- Websiteplantcitygov.com
- Phone+1 813-659-4255
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Running trails near Plant City
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Plant City Dog Park
4.1 ★★★★☆ 259 reviews
Recreation spot for dogs featuring benches and picnic tables.
Ellis-Methvin Park
4.4 ★★★★☆ 668 reviews
Public green space with a pond, playground, tennis center & fields for softball & soccer/football.
Samuel W Cooper Park
4.5 ★★★★★ 159 reviews
Clean city park for relaxing, featuring a lake and a pond, plus benches.