Nestled in Palm Harbor, Florida, John Chesnut Sr. Park offers a serene escape into nature with its expansive waterfront on Lake Tarpon and Brooker Creek. This 255-acre urban woodland is a beloved destination for locals and visitors alike, evident from the bustling picnic pavilions and boat ramp activity on any given weekend.
Waterfront picnic area
Within this natural haven, three distinct trails wind through diverse ecosystems, showcasing the waterways, lush forests, and tranquil marshes that define the park’s unique charm. Perfect for families and their canine companions, these comfortable trails span 2.7 miles in two loops, accommodating hikers of all ages and skill levels.
Winding walkway and cypress trees
Image alt text: Boardwalk path meanders through a cypress swamp in John Chesnut Sr. Park, Palm Harbor, Florida, showcasing the park’s natural trails and scenic beauty.
Exploring John Chesnut Sr. Park: Trail Details and Highlights
John Chesnut Sr. Park invites you to immerse yourself in its natural beauty through two primary hiking loops: the South Loop and the North Loop. Each offers a unique perspective of the park’s diverse landscapes and tranquil waterways.
South Loop: Peggy Park Nature Trail and Lookout Tower Trail
Your exploration begins on the Peggy Park Nature Trail, a tribute to a dedicated local wildlife officer. This section of the South Loop immediately transitions from pine flatwoods into a captivating floodplain forest bordering Lake Tarpon. The trail elevates onto a boardwalk, ensuring a dry passage above the tannic waters that nourish cinnamon ferns and giant leather ferns at the base of towering bald cypress trees.
Start of the Peggy Park Nature Trail
As you stroll along the boardwalk, marvel at the stately bald cypress that dominates the canopy. Elephant ears and royal ferns add to the lush undergrowth between the cypress bases. The boardwalk gently curves towards the edge of Lake Tarpon, offering your first breathtaking views of its expansive, dark waters. Be mindful of the friendly gray squirrels, accustomed to park visitors and perhaps a little too bold in their hopes for a treat.
Boardwalk under cypress
Image alt text: Hikers enjoy a boardwalk trail approaching Lake Tarpon within John Chesnut Sr. Park, highlighting the park’s accessible trails and waterfront views.
Leaving the lake vistas behind, the boardwalk meanders deeper into the dense cypress forest, eventually meeting Brooker Creek near its confluence with Lake Tarpon.
Lake Tarpon
Once the boardwalk ends, the trail continues as a natural path along the peaceful Brooker Creek. Benches strategically placed along the creek bank invite you to pause, relax, and observe the local wildlife, including turtles and alligators that often frequent these waters.
The crushed white shell path crunches softly underfoot, bordered by cabbage palms, slash pines, and live oaks. Keep an eye out for anglers along the creek, as boat access is available upstream and from the lake itself.
Bench facing creek in woods
Image alt text: A tranquil bench offers a scenic rest stop along Brooker Creek in John Chesnut Sr. Park, inviting visitors to relax and appreciate the park’s natural creek side setting.
After about half a mile, a sign indicates a shortcut back to the trailhead, but to continue the full loop, keep right to follow Brooker Creek further into the cypress and oak woodlands.
Brooker Creek
As sounds of the nearby road become more noticeable, the trail veers left, away from the creek, and then left again. The path then loops back towards the trailhead on a wide, easily navigable trail, entering a forest characterized by tall laurel oaks and slash pines.
Broad path in woods
Image alt text: A wide, shell-covered path winds through the woodland area of John Chesnut Sr. Park, showcasing the park’s well-maintained trails and natural forest environment.
This broader path merges with the shortcut trail. Turn right and continue along the shell path, passing picnic tables nestled within an oak hammock. After 0.8 mile, you’ll arrive back at the trailhead, but the South Loop adventure continues!
View of access canal near Pavilion 1
Walk along the edge of the parking area, away from the trailhead, until you see a break in the trees. A path leads through the oaks to Pavilion 1. Follow a pebbled path past the boat ramp to the Lookout Tower Trail, which begins at the boardwalk on the opposite side of the boat ramp.
People and kayaks at water access
Image alt text: Park visitors launch kayaks into Lake Tarpon from the boat access area at John Chesnut Sr. Park, emphasizing the park’s water activities and lake access.
The Lookout Tower Trail boardwalk parallels the boat access canal to Lake Tarpon. Benches line the boardwalk, perfect for enjoying the lake breeze. Dead-end boardwalk spurs lead to picnic tables perched above the swamp within the cypress strand, offering unique and scenic picnic spots.
Perched picnic spot
As the canal opens into the lake, the boardwalk takes a sharp right, leading you towards a prominent 40-foot observation tower, reached after 1.1 miles.
Climb to the top of the tower for panoramic views across the vast expanse of Lake Tarpon. From this vantage point, you can see Tarpon Springs on the distant shore, offering a sense of the wider geography.
Lake view from observation tower
Image alt text: A sweeping view of Lake Tarpon from the observation tower at John Chesnut Sr. Park, showcasing the park’s lakefront scenery and elevated viewpoints.
Continuing along the shoreline, the boardwalk follows the edge of the floodplain forest. Gaps in the vegetation provide glimpses of moorhens and coots foraging in the shallows, making this a great spot for birdwatching.
Lakefront shelter
Side trails lead to sheltered observation platforms along this section, enhancing your birding experience. The third turnoff is particularly rewarding, overlooking a small bay sheltered from the main lake by cattails and reeds, creating a haven for wildlife.
Cove on lake
Image alt text: A secluded cove along Lake Tarpon, as seen from a trailside platform in John Chesnut Sr. Park, highlighting the park’s diverse habitats and quiet observation spots.
At the next trail junction, continue straight. The boardwalk leads to more picnic tables and platforms along the lake, eventually reaching a dead-end after 1.2 miles. Here, you’ll turn around and return to the trail junction, then turn left.
Open observation deck
The boardwalk now enters the cypress swamp, arriving at a T intersection. Turn right; the trail to the left leads to the north parking lot. The boardwalk transitions back to a crushed seashell footpath, winding through the cool, shady cypress swamp.
Boardwalk under the cypresses
Image alt text: A boardwalk path winds through a dense cypress swamp in John Chesnut Sr. Park, illustrating the park’s immersive natural trails and shaded walking areas.
Cinnamon ferns and cypress knees crowd the trailside. As the path swings right, it zigzags towards the boat ramp. The understory of the cypress swamp transforms into a sea of waving ferns. At the T intersection, turn left to retrace your steps around the boat ramp and Pavilion 1, returning you to the south parking lot and completing the 1.8-mile South Loop hike.
Red-tailed hawk near the parking area
North Loop: Exploring the Park’s Secluded Side
The North Loop begins near Lake Tarpon at what was once the park’s beach area. To access this trailhead, you’ll need to drive to the north parking area or add a couple of extra miles of walking to your visit. From the boat ramp, follow the park road north, passing the dog park and playground. Keep left at the fork past the bridge. The parking area is adjacent to restrooms and Pavilion 10.
Picnic pavilion with lake beyond
Image alt text: A lakeside picnic pavilion at John Chesnut Sr. Park offers scenic views of Lake Tarpon, highlighting the park’s picnic facilities and waterfront amenities.
Look for the trail to the left of the restrooms, a crushed shell footpath that parallels the shore of Lake Tarpon. Just as the boardwalk begins, an observation deck to the left provides an elevated view over the cattails and another perspective of the lake.
Lakefront boardwalk
Returning to the boardwalk, turn left and follow it as it makes a sharp right. The cypress swamp here, while not as mature as the one along Brooker Creek, offers a secluded ambiance within the park, increasing your chances of wildlife sightings.
Boardwalk with glimpse of lake
Image alt text: A low boardwalk trail in John Chesnut Sr. Park winds through a floodplain forest, offering intimate views of the park’s natural swamp habitats.
Well-shaded by the forest canopy, the boardwalk is long and narrow, showing signs of age. It’s likely due for an upgrade, similar to the renovations other boardwalks in the park have received since previous visits. As the boardwalk ends, you’ll find yourself on a crushed shell path, with cypress swamp on the left and pine flatwoods to the right.
Coming to the next narrow boardwalk after 0.2 mile, a bench overlooks a willow marsh with deeper water. The boardwalk ends again, and the trail reverts to a crunchy shell path.
Boardwalk in a cypress swamp
Pass a “Stay on Trail” sign within sight of houses bordering the park. A trail enters from the left. To the right, a landscaped marsh surrounds a retention pond. The next boardwalk begins and passes a bayhead.
Older cypress knees emerge from the shallows, including one notable knee that strikingly resembles a planter adorned with colorful bromeliads, a whimsical natural sculpture.
Boardwalk in rain
Image alt text: A wider boardwalk section in John Chesnut Sr. Park, pictured on a rainy day, illustrates the park’s accessible trails and resilience in various weather conditions.
After half a mile, the boardwalk concludes near a long, linear waterway. Cross the path and take the bridge over the small canal. This area is part of the network of “islands” providing picnic spots in this section of the park.
Turn right to walk alongside the canal. Turn right again and cross the canal via the wooden park road bridge.
Bridge over canal
Turn left near the “Pavilion 13” sign and begin following the shoreline, keeping watch for alligators. An obvious path eventually veers right past a picnic table, guiding you back towards Pavilion 10. Cross the road, and you’ll be back at your starting point, completing the 0.9-mile North Loop.
Lakefront picnic area
Image alt text: A serene lakefront picnic area at John Chesnut Sr. Park, showcasing the park’s beautiful waterfront and ideal spots for family outings.
Plan Your Visit to John Chesnut Sr. Park
Location: Palm Harbor, Florida
Length: 2.7 miles total in two loops (South Loop: 1.8 miles, North Loop: 0.9 miles)
Trailheads:
- South Loop (Peggy Park Nature Trail): 28.085158, -82.702635
- North Loop: 28.096832, -82.709669
Fees: Free
Restrooms: Available at parking areas
Land Manager: Pinellas County Parks
Phone: 727-582-2100
Operating Hours: 7 AM to sunset daily.
Accessibility: Boardwalks are wheelchair-accessible. Natural footpaths may require assistance for wheelchair users.
Resources for Exploring the Area
Resources for exploring the area Disclosure: As authors and affiliates, we receive earnings when you buy through our links. This helps us provide public information on this website.
Trail Map
John Chesnut Sr trail map
Explore More Nearby Adventures
Slideshow
See our photos of John Chesnut Sr Park
Nearby Adventures
Anclote Gulf Park – Experience spectacular sunsets from the coastal boardwalks of Anclote Gulf Park, offering views of Anclote Key and the Gulf of Mexico.
Brooker Creek Preserve – Explore over 4 miles of trails in Pinellas County’s largest nature preserve, protecting diverse vanishing habitats.
Key Vista Nature Park – Discover coastal beauty and panoramic Gulf of Mexico views from the observation tower at Key Vista Nature Park.
Lake Dan Nature Preserve – Explore cypress domes and pine flatwoods on loop trails and enjoy fishing from the dock over Lake Dan.
Trail Map (PDF)
Official Website
By Sandra Friend & John Keatley
Articles jointly researched, written, and photographed by Sandra Friend & John Keatley, Florida authors and publishers of FloridaHikes.com.
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