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Red Bug Slough Preserve
4.7 ★★★★★ 979 Google reviews · Running trail in Sarasota, Florida · Hours vary
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Paved
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Tree cover
- Access
- Not reported
Confirmed from Red Bug Slough 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.
72-acre, wooded preserve offering trails, a butterfly garden & a small lake with a fishing dock.
What runners say about Red Bug Slough Preserve
“Red Bug Slough Preserve is a beautiful, well-maintained natural area just 15 minutes from Siesta Key.”
“There isn’t too much water wildlife to see compared to some other, more popular preserves most days, but it’s so beautiful and serene.”
“Has open sunny trails and shaded smaller trails, bridges and an open lake area.”
“The preserve offers peaceful walking trails through oak hammocks, pine flatwoods, and wetlands, with plenty of opportunities to see wildlife like birds, squirrels, and even otters.”
“A lot of people take their dog there to walk the trails.”
Absolutely phenomenal nature preserve!! Such a hidden gem. I visit almost daily. Plenty of trails in and out of the sun, paths are well maintained and have no real hazards. There isn’t too much water wildlife to see compared to some other, more popular preserves most days, but it’s so beautiful and serene.
What a gorgeous hidden treasure this place is ! I never knew it existed and I took my puppy for a field trip and he absolutely loved it also! Easy marked trail so we didn't get lost and clean and beautiful nature. It felt a world away than when we pulled in from the street. Nice park and beautiful nature preserve.
Wonderful park to walk, have a picnic or take your dog. Very dog friendly. Enjoy wildlife from turtles to birds, fish, butterflies and other creatures. Parking available in the front and back of park.
March 28th 2025. First time visit with my partner. I live in Lehigh acres and he is from East coast. We did not have very high expectations but the wild life encountered today was rarmarkable and very surprising. Signage needs a bit of improvement but overall I enjoyed walking through a d taking pictures.
Trail conditions & character
“There isn’t too much water wildlife to see compared to some other, more popular preserves most days, but it’s so beautiful and serene.”
“A lot of people take their dog there to walk the trails.”
“The preserve offers peaceful walking trails through oak hammocks, pine flatwoods, and wetlands, with plenty of opportunities to see wildlife like birds, squirrels, and even otters.”
“Has open sunny trails and shaded smaller trails, bridges and an open lake area.”
“There are restrooms and the preserve is dog friendly.”
“This 72 acre preserve has extensive trails both paved and unpaved.”
Plan your run at Red Bug Slough Preserve
The practical stuff
- AccessHours vary — hours are not posted for this trail, so check before an early or late run
- SurfacePaved — asphalt or concrete. Fast and predictable, runnable year-round, and fine with a stroller
- 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.
- Phone+1 941-861-5000
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