Red Bug Slough Preserve — Attraction in Florida

Quiet, easy trails shaded by large mossy trees. The first trail on the left took me to a nice little lake with a couple of benches and a small pier. I guess you can continue to walk around the small lake but I chose to walk back to the parking lot to get my water bottle in the car. At that point I decided to walk in the other direction to my right. There are two roped off wood posts that pedestrians can pass. I stayed to my left because I knew that's where the lake would probably be. I followed the trail and came across a sign that read "Caution Beware of Alligators". At that point, I decided I'd had enough exploring for the day and headed back to the parking lot. (LOL) Of course, there on the map of the park as big as life was additional information showing that they do have alligators and even some bobcats. So boys and girls, the lesson to be learned here is to always read the large print. ;-) All in all, it was a nice experience and I did get to take a couple of interesting...

Absolutely beautiful, and well kept! I've been coming here for over twenty years, off and on, and when in the area more recently. I recently brought my fiance (also born and raised in Sarasota county) who had never been, and she loved it as well.

The trails are well defined, and kept up with constantly. The lake is large and pristine, and available for fishing. A lot of people also like collecting the air potatoes, and there's buckets set out for such.

Walking through the first set of trails for just a few minutes opens up onto a beautiful clear area with benches, a lake, and often families visiting. Just a great little gem tucked off of Beneva Rd!

Recommended for a short day walk, or spending a few hours with family or by oneself....

Creeper looking guys lurk around here. They just stand around or sit in their cars doing nothing. Only park ive noticed this. White dusty parking lot turns muddy after rains. Large craters bad on your car. Multiple signs "no dogs beyond this point/preserve area" in back, but people and their dogs waltz through with total disregard. Theres reasons for these signs. Neat paths look like mulch, rubber and coushy (nice). Floods after rain and becomes muddy or unpassable in areas. Theres woodpeckers, owls, hawks, dragonflies, butterflies, bees (dog people wouldnt notice). Theres a dock, a bridge, picnic tables, benches, restrooms. Overall this place is pretty great. Wish theyd just pave the...