James E. Grey Preserve — Attraction in New Port Richey

It's nice. Has a playground, restrooms, you could technically use a stroller on the paved path that goes into the boardwalk that leads to the bridge, fishing per and some dirt trails. You can see where the boardwalk needs replacements. They have marked out areas. However, it's condition isn't great compared to other parks, maybe a funding thing. Be that as it may, it's still nice and enjoyable. We seen a mother Manatee with 2 pups. We seen BIG fish jumping but us and others didn't catch anything. Not sure if the fish their have acquired a taste for particular bait or just were not biting. At the beginning of the park you come to the circle where it has a pavilion, a little library,the fishing/boat dock and path/trail entrance/exit. Nibbles, jumping and splashes of BIG fish but no catches. Small but nice. We were the only ones their. If you go further it leads into the dead end parking of the playground, shelters, restroom and paved trail opening. That's where it seemed everyone was today, the playground but great for us who was using the trails. Small, but nice for an afternoon stop. Might need more funding to fix up the boardwalk that leads to the bridge and pier. Clean otherwise...

This is a cool little Park with manatees! Not too many alligators though that's kind of a disappointment but it has a great Boardwalk that runs through the main lower Trail next to the river, people can kayak ride bikes you hear otters in the river overall it's a great place. One word of warning though. This park is infested with the dangerous highly aggressive carnivorous gopher tortoise. 😂 There a lot of gopher tortoises Milling around eating leaves and grass and if you approach them they won't even stop to hiss at you they just hiss and continue to eat! Yes gopher tortoises are adorable. People who stay on the main trail find an extremely safe walk in the park with their family. As I have my concealed carry permit I am always arms especially back in the Parks and preserves because this is Florida and there are wild pigs in the park wild pigs can be Territorial and dangerous, but generally they will avoid you. Another bonus and you can find water moccasin snakes and other snakes in the park as well to look at. Leave the wildlife alone and observe it from a distance as being bit by water moccasin is not going to be a good day. All in all this is one of my...

Beautiful little treasure, hidden away from the noise of the highway, and troubles of life. Has a couple small walking trails that are just long enough to enjoy, without being too long for those who have trouble walking long distances. The main trail is 3/4 mile long, and the upper trail is 2/3 mile. Boardwalk with nice lookout areas, bridges over the water, and along the main trail there are a few spots near the water just off the path with a bench to sit on and enjoy the water. Great place to have a peaceful walk and unwind.

Heads up though, part of the main trail is loose gravel, and some stretches of loose sand or packed sand, even though most of it is easily accessible from the parking lot with cement sidewalk till the wooden boardwalk and the boardwalk is easy travels and seemingly well maintained.

Enjoyed my time there and the sunset...