North Anclote River Nature Park — Attraction in Tarpon Springs

A Diamond of a park tucked away from the town, don’t let the entrance deceive you, or the pictures, the playground and park is actually huge! There’s two playgrounds to play on for the little ones and my twins really loved it! Not very busy at all when it comes to the playgrounds, so that was a plus. I recommend bringing bug spray though because those noseeums are ruthless! There is a public restroom, swings, and a trail with docks and observation towers which we didn’t explore this time but definitely will next time! Dog friendly too, definitely recommend this park for families. So much beauty in the nature here. Another hidden gem forsure away from all the hustle and bustle that other parks have! Apparently there is a little library to donate books, we carry around books and brand new journals to donate but I didn’t see it at the front but maybe it’s deeper down the trail. Either way, we had a blast here. There’s plenty of parking too, forsure check it out if you’re in the area and want a nice but quick relaxing stroll! EDIT: we explored the trails today and they were so beautiful and fun! The kiddos loved it and I was surprised by how much they ran the trail, I almost couldn’t keep up with them haha! There’s multiple trails and some loop back around to the entrance but other ones lead to the boat ramp/kayak launch, some have fishing piers, beautiful views of the rivers. Some of the terrain was rough like seashells on the ground but most of it was smooth, saw some snakes but harmless and cute! Definitely will come back here again...

It appears to be a very small park upon first impression, but once inside, the trails are decent size.

Located directly on the water, it is a beautiful view with a good combo of shade and sun areas, some paved trail, some not. The park can be explored in a few hours, respectively. But even so, the trails still allow you to lose yourself in them. Signs and markers are present so you don't actually get lost. And a gold star for the bathrooms! Spider free, unlike a few I've been to lately..not naming names (cough* John chestnut)

But an important thing to note ....

BEWARE- I found this park by happenstance looking for a kayak launch...

There IS technically one or 2 in there, HOWEVER, if you are here at the Dixie hwy entrance you will have to walk approximately quarter mile, possibly more to get to the launch. (My tracker died, sorry folks!) Ergo, if you have anything other than an inflatable, I would not recommend this entrance. I was told by another park-goer that there is another entrance best for kayakers somewhere by the bridge (I haven't confirmed). The "launches" are not uniform either and all resemble different sceneries.

TAKEAWAY:

Bring bug spray * Launch your non-inflatable paddle craft at another entrance. Good playground (ages 6-12) Good bathroom Little library & well stocked If you don't know you bring a book and trade for another, please don't abuse. Nice hike for the whole family, w/ benches along the way. *Explore time a few hours. *Unsure on dog policy -check...

When we were there there were very few others visitors. The day was windy and overcast so that was not too surprising. I could say this County park was not as extensive as some of the other Pinellas County parks, although there was the nice looking play ground and a few picnic tables. There was a nice look out on a board walk overlooking the Anclote River. Try first the other County parks. There are 21 or so, some just outstanding examples . The best ones were along the Gulf and two next to Lake Tarpon with extensive boardwalks over Lake edge , marsh and coastal wet lands with bountiful wildlife, turtles, gators , water birds and fish . Pinellas County has used its so called “Penny “ tax or 1% of the sales tax over the last 40 years or so to good effect, preserving for posterity thousands of acres of sensitive lands that would otherwise have been part of the unrelenting maul of land development. This investment has saved this area, breaking up the sprawl and allowing the land to remain natural to keep the waters far cleaner, allowing wildlife a chance to survive the urban sprawl and allowing residents and visitors a chance to enjoy nature in the midst of the megalopolis, choked with traffic and otherwise doomed by...