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Sleeping Turtles Preserve North
4.7 ★★★★★ 290 Google reviews · Running trail in Venice, Florida · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Tree cover
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Sleeping Turtles Preserve North'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.
Shaded wilderness park featuring alligator-inhabited riverfront trails, picnic tables and benches.
What runners say about Sleeping Turtles Preserve North
“Beautiful spot to take walk through the forest, along a river, nice shady trail if you're looking to get out of the sun for a while.”
“Beautiful spot to take walk through the forest, along a river, nice shady trail if you're looking to get out of the sun for a while.”
“Both are beautiful and if you stay in the main trail they are well marked.”
“That’s so peaceful that I think everybody would love sleeping turtle preserve.”
“Easy hike, recommend sticking close to the water for best views.”
This park is wonderful, plenty of sheltered places to sit and enjoy a picnic. We only did a small portion of the trail but will be back to do some more. It was really neat seeing the gators as we walked along the edge.
Excellent place for a quiet, short hike. Great views of the Myakka River. Large, easy to follow trails. Within 10 minutes of my hike I saw countless lizards, a gator, and an owl. I highly recommend this area!
Very nice walking trail along the Myakka river. Plenty of benches along the trail, but no public restroom. Dogs are allowed! Wish I saw more wildlife. Hopefully i’ll have better luck next time
Awesome trails! On the north side there is parking, the south side you access walking across border rd. Both are beautiful and if you stay in the main trail they are well marked.
Trail conditions & character
“Beautiful spot to take walk through the forest, along a river, nice shady trail if you're looking to get out of the sun for a while.”
“This is a very good place to come with walking, taking kids walking dogs sitting along the river and just really good spot.”
“On the north side there is parking, the south side you access walking across border rd.”
“Be aware that the park has no bathrooms and no water fountain, so you should bring extra water.”
“Beautiful spot to take walk through the forest, along a river, nice shady trail if you're looking to get out of the sun for a while.”
“That’s so peaceful that I think everybody would love sleeping turtle preserve.”
“If you stick to the mapped trail, Id say its stroller friendly, but havent done that in a while, haha.”
“However, the trails aren’t marked very clearly — we only saw a couple of markers along the entire route.”
“Be aware that the park has no bathrooms and no water fountain, so you should bring extra water.”
Plan your run at Sleeping Turtles Preserve North
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- 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 trailheadparking, restrooms, water — 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.
- Websitescgov.net
- Phone(941) 861-5000
Hours
| Monday | 7 AM–8 PM |
| Tuesday | 7 AM–8 PM |
| Wednesday | 7 AM–8 PM |
| Thursday | 7 AM–8 PM |
| Friday | 7 AM–8 PM |
| Saturday | 7 AM–8 PM |
| Sunday | 7 AM–8 PM |
Running trails near Venice
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
T. Mabry Carlton Jr. Memorial Reserve
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Pinebrook Park
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Woodmere Park
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Legacy Park
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