Home › Florida › Mary Esther › Oak Tree Nature Preserve
Oak Tree Nature Preserve
4.5 ★★★★★ 289 Google reviews · Running trail in Mary Esther, Florida · Hours vary
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Mixed
- Loop distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Tree cover
- Access
- Not reported
Confirmed from Oak Tree Nature 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.
Heavily wooded nature park & preserve offering tranquil walking & hiking trails.
What runners say about Oak Tree Nature Preserve
“Lots of little critters and a beautiful little creek runs through the heart of the trail.”
“It had just rained before we got there so it wasn't as hot but there is shade everywhere and the creek is just an awesome bonus!”
This is a nature preserve. A slice of the Florida Forest in the middle of modern mayhem. (There are no restrooms, just one small picnic pavilion - just so ya know...) It's a sweet little oasis of creation in the midst of mankind's "development".
Great place to soak in some nature!!!! Lots of little critters and a beautiful little creek runs through the heart of the trail. Definitely worth going back to time and again. Perfect piece of nature in the midst of the city life
My family and I enjoy popping and taking a little stroll through the trails. A nice way to break up any busy day or week. And I've gotten some nice pics of my girls through out the years on the little boardwalk Bridge.
Love this small trail. It's beautiful in the "FALL". I've seen hikers, dogs and children enjoying the trail.
Trail conditions & character
“It had just rained before we got there so it wasn't as hot but there is shade everywhere and the creek is just an awesome bonus!”
“I've seen hikers, dogs and children enjoying the trail.”
“Lots of little critters and a beautiful little creek runs through the heart of the trail.”
“Lots of roots poking throughout the trail but nothing that isn't to be expected on a nature trail.”
“It took me approximately 15-20 to complete the loop and center path.”
“Shaded pretty much the entire way, pretty flat- easy walk with some sandy/dirt terrain.”
“(There are no restrooms, just one small picnic pavilion - just so ya know.”
“And I've gotten some nice pics of my girls through out the years on the little boardwalk Bridge.”
Plan your run at Oak Tree Nature Preserve
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
- 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 trailheadrestrooms — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Websitecityofmaryesther.com
- Phone+1 850-243-3566
Running trails near Mary Esther
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Liza Jackson Park
4.4 ★★★★☆ 1,793 reviews
1,000 feet of waterfront with play structures, pavilion, picnic tables, fishing pier & boat launch.
Vesta Heights Park
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Area for recreation with trails and play areas.
Glenwood Park Nature Trail
3.2 ★★★☆☆ 45 reviews
Small park featuring a boardwalk where turtles can be spotted, plus trails for hiking and biking.
Fort Walton Beach Landing Park
4.5 ★★★★★ 1,853 reviews
Easygoing waterfront park with a playground, small rock-climbing wall & a concert stage.
