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Perico Preserve
4.7 ★★★★★ 443 Google reviews · Running trail in Bradenton, Florida · Open 24 hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Boardwalk
- Loop distance
- 1.5 mi
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Tree cover
- Access
- Open 24 hours
Confirmed from Perico 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.
Serene nature preserve with marshlands, a bird sanctuary & trails for hiking & biking.
What runners say about Perico Preserve
“It's a nice preserve as it has a variety of habitats, the trails are well maintained and there are both opportunities to find birds on the land and in the water.”
“5-mile loop trail is perfect—easy enough for all ages but still feels like a little adventure with its winding paths, boardwalks, and stunning views of the bayou.”
“Some parts of the preserves trails and the main lookout spot are not shaded, so bring water and keep that in mind.”
“For us, the bird blind was a highlight, as were the peaceful boardwalk areas and the chances to see birds and other wildlife.”
“5-mile loop trail is perfect—easy enough for all ages but still feels like a little adventure with its winding paths, boardwalks, and stunning views of the bayou.”
Great well-maintained park. We walked about 1.5 miles, mostly around a lake. Very little shade. Nice lookout platforms, benches, and even 2 covered swinging benches that were relaxing.
The trails are both shaded & open - combination. Elite neighborhood of houses surrounds this preserve. People running, biking & walking. There is a path that connects to Robinson Preserve so you can get A LOT OF MILES!!! Very clean, paved side walk and sand paths.
Great place to bike or walk and view wildlife. Saw a lovely tortoise and some cool birds while passing through this preserve to Robinson. Great gravel trails that are nicely maintained and flat. Some parts of the preserves trails and the main lookout spot are not shaded, so bring water and keep that in mind.
Beautiful scenery and wildlife abound. Walking trails, biking trails, kayaking, views from an observation tower, birds singing and fish jumping out of the water. Priceless way to spend time.
Trail conditions & character
“5-mile loop trail is perfect—easy enough for all ages but still feels like a little adventure with its winding paths, boardwalks, and stunning views of the bayou.”
“The preserve is beautifully maintained, with thoughtful touches like swings along the trail and picnic tables near the parking lot.”
“For us, the bird blind was a highlight, as were the peaceful boardwalk areas and the chances to see birds and other wildlife.”
“Some parts of the preserves trails and the main lookout spot are not shaded, so bring water and keep that in mind.”
“5-mile loop trail is perfect—easy enough for all ages but still feels like a little adventure with its winding paths, boardwalks, and stunning views of the bayou.”
“The preserve has ample parking, a portable toilet near the parking area, and well-maintained trails that make it easy to explore.”
“Great gravel trails that are nicely maintained and flat.”
“Free entry, sadly no dogs are allowed, no public restrooms but there’s a porta potty in the parking lot.”
“For us, the bird blind was a highlight, as were the peaceful boardwalk areas and the chances to see birds and other wildlife.”
Plan your run at Perico Preserve
The practical stuff
- AccessOpen 24 hours — no gate to beat, so a 5am or a 10pm run both work
- SurfaceBoardwalk — flat and scenic, and slick when wet, so watch your footing
- Loop distance1.5 mi back to where you parked
- 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.
- Websitemymanatee.org
- Phone(941) 742-5923
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | Open 24 hours |
| Tuesday | Open 24 hours |
| Wednesday | Open 24 hours |
| Thursday | Open 24 hours |
| Friday | Open 24 hours |
| Saturday | Open 24 hours |
| Sunday | Open 24 hours |
Running trails near Bradenton
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Neal Preserve
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Robinson Preserve
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Robinson Preserve Expansion
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Palma Sola Causeway Park
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Robinson Preserve
4.8 ★★★★★ 2,451 reviews
Nature preserve with hiking & biking trails, picnic areas, a boat launch & observation platforms.
Riverview Pointe Preserve
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Shaded park featuring hiking trails, a riverfront and picnic tables.