Things to do nearJay B. Starkey Wilderness Park

Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park has been managed by the Southwest Florida Water Management District since the 1970s, acquired primarily to protect the region's groundwater recharge areas. That conservation mission shaped a park where natural systems come first, and visitors benefit from landscapes that remain largely undisturbed. Longleaf pine restoration work is ongoing here, part of a broader effort to recover one of North America's most biodiverse ecosystems.

The trail network covers roughly 18 miles and accommodates hikers, cyclists, and equestrians. Routes range from short loops near the main entrance to longer backcountry paths that reach primitive campsites along the Anclote River. Guided hikes are occasionally offered through the park, and the guided hikes category can help you find organized outings in the wider region.

Wildlife is the park's most compelling draw. Gopher tortoises are abundant, and their burrows shelter dozens of other species. Bald eagles nest within the park boundaries, and the scrub zones support populations of the threatened Florida scrub-jay. The Weekiwachee Preserve, about 23 kilometers northwest, shares a similar conservation character and makes a natural companion destination.

For anyone based in New Port Richey, Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park offers a rare and accessible encounter with old Florida, well worth the short drive from the coast.