Florida is known for its great beaches, amusement parks for every taste and ocean side resorts. In fact, Florida beaches have been listed in the top ten beaches in the United States every year. Caladesi Island State Park beach was named number one in 2008 and in 2005 the north beach of Ft. DeSoto Park took the honors, both of these located in the Tampa Bay area.

But there is another side of the Sunshine State that many tourists rarely see. Not far from the white sand beaches, in the interior, lies the quiet beauty of wetlands and rivers, some so clear you can see the bottom. Lining the banks are cypress trees with Spanish moss draped from their limbs. Hammocks (dry oases of land) arise from the surrounding river of grass. Uplands are alive with a variety of wildlife and prairie grass.

One such destination lies just down the road from the sponge docks of Tarpon Springs and is an easy drive from Tampa or the beaches of St. Petersburg and Clearwater.

An area of 9,800 acres has been set aside for protection of the wildlife and the watershed, which is the source of water for Pinellas County. This is the Brooker Creek Preserve, which gets its name from the creek that flows through the preserve and into Lake Tarpon. This is a preserve and not a park. A ranger once explained to me the difference between a park and a preserve. “In a park, if a critter interrupts your picnic, the animal will be removed; in a preserve you will be removed.” Though I doubt they would ask you to leave, they will ask you to move.

Brooker Creek Preserve is an excellent example of preservation of the natural habitat and plant life in the Pinellas and Hillsborough Counties area. The preserve contains both uplands and wetland areas in their natural state. Over four miles of trails circle the preserve and enter into each of these regions. During the rainy season some trails may be closed if they become flooded.

The main entrance to Brooker Creek is located at 3940 Keystone Road in Pinellas County and is an easy drive east from Tarpon Springs Florida. Entering the preserve, watch carefully and you may see deer grazing along the sides of the road or coyotes that inhabit the preserve.

The trail head is located south of the main parking lot. There are numerous trails of varying length that are a fairly easy hike.

After hiking the trails, I would recommend a visit to the Visitor Center, which includes the park headquarters, art gallery and museum. The center consists of three buildings constructed on stilts so as to not disturb the surrounding wetlands. Access is by a raised boardwalk, allowing you to view the natural environment and wildlife. Inside the main building is an observation window with rocking chairs, a good place to kick back and take in the scenery. The museum also provides a play area/education center for the children and an educational film about the preserve. The preserve offers a multitude of guided hikes and other programs for both adults and children. Just check their website.

For those who are a little more adventurous, there are several other entrances into the park. Driving west toward Tarpon Springs from the main entrance of the preserve, you would turn left onto Lora Lane. At the dead end you will find an access to another trail. This entrance is shared by hikers and equine visitors, the horse trail’s entrance is to the left and hikers enter to the right along a branch of the Brooker Creek. If early enough, you will usually be greeted by a small herd of deer. Along the trail there is an observation deck overlooking the prairie grass plain.

Deer, hawks and the occasional bald eagle can often be spotted. This trail can be very wet, so dress to get wet. I have seen it covered in over a foot of water in spots, during the rainy season (May through November). During the summer months it is good idea to carry mosquito repellent and use it liberally. This is an area that gives you an idea of the conditions endured by the Native Americans and early settlers.

Another entrance into the Preserve is located in Hillsborough County. Drive east from the main preserve entrance on Keystone Road into Hillsborough County, where Keystone Road becomes Tarpon Springs Road; turn right at the dead end of Tarpon Springs Road onto Gunn Highway. Gunn Highway will lead you to Van Dyke road where you will turn left and then watch for Rumble Wood Road. Along the left side of the road is a parking lot and entrance to another part of the Preserve. This section of preserve is all upland habitats, with pines, woodland and saw palmettos.

If you need food or drinks on your way to or from the Hillsborough entrance, Keystone Corner Cafe is located on Tarpon Springs Road. They offer handmade sandwiches, some of the best pizzas in the area, soda and beer. Another treat is their homemade ice cream. Outside seating under a covered patio is available and I would highly recommend a stop here.

It is Florida as few visitors have seen it and I would recommend a visit to this natural wonder when you visit the St. Petersburg and Tampa area.

The author of Travel Log Gregory Colvin travels extensively. He is also a fine art photographer, combining both in the Travel Log. His website Gregory Colvin Photography is a collection of his photos. Travel Log provides travel articles, with tips on places and things to do. Offering travel products and services to make travel more fun and less expensive.