Starkey S.W.A.M.P. Loop

Dogs No Dogs

Features Wildlife

This trail is prime Florida singletrack. The trails consist of hard-packed sand. You'll run through wooded pine sections and open areas surrounded by palmettos. It is an oasis for local runners that promises an enjoyable run.

This is a trail that is maintained by a mountain bike club. Please give them the right of way and be courteous.

There are no restrooms or water sources along the trail. Come prepared with water, food, and sun protection if you are running the full loop.

The trail is mostly well-packed sand. Numerous roots. Some roots like to hide under leaves, so keep an eye out.

This trail starts just off of the main Starkey paved trail, the Starkey Wilderness Path. It is primarily a mountain bike trail that is maintained by a local club. If you follow the trail in the counter-clockwise direction, the first 10 miles will be mostly covered by trees. You'll likely encounter deer, armadillo, and tortoise. Occasionally, you may come across a snake, boar, owl, fox squirrel, and if you're lucky, bobcat.

There are numerous switchbacks and most of the trail is scattered with roots. It isn't super technical but enough to keep you engaged. On the weekends, you'll likely encounter mountain bikers and possibly other hikers and runners. If running in between May and October, start your run when the park opens to try to beat the heat.

While this isn't the most scenic route, the fun, winding path and the chance to spot a variety of local wildlife make this trail worth a visit. Bring water and sunscreen if you're planning to do the full loop.

Animals spotted; deer, snakes, armadillo, boar, bobcat, owl, fox squirrel, tortoise.