Environmental Management Brooker Creek Preserve

Brooker Creek Preserve

Established in 1992 by the Pinellas County Board of County Commissioners Brooker Creek Preserve (BCP) remains the County's largest natural area. At approximately 8,000 acres, the Preserve protects a wide diversity of natural communities and provides vital habitat for many organisms including Catesby's lilies, butterfly orchids, alligators, gopher tortoises, red-shouldered hawks, white-tailed deer, and bobcats. The Preserve also protects a portion of its namesake, the Brooker Creek watershed, which includes a series of channels that meander from Hillsborough County to Lake Tarpon. These streams and their associated cypress strands within the watershed hold water during the rainy season, help improve water quality for Lake Tarpon, and reduce flood impacts downstream. The Brooker Creek Preserve management plan was recently updated. For more information see Brooker Creek Preserve Management Plan 2008 Update.

Preserve Hours:
Daily
7:00 am – 1 hour before sunset
Open on holidays

Brooker Creek Preserve Environmental Education Center
In June 2004, the Brooker Creek Preserve Environmental Education Center opened to give the public a glimpse into Pinellas County's largest remaining wild place. Center education programming seeks to connect residents and visitors to their surroundings through indoor and outdoor programs and facilities. A gift shop, Discovering Nature Store, has something for everyone. Come discover “Our Wildest Place.”

Center Hours:
9:00 am – 4:30 pm, Thursday – Sunday
9:00 am – 8:30 pm, Wednesday
Closed on holidays

Hiking Trails
The hiking trails at Brooker Creek Preserve are ideal for outdoor enthusiasts looking for a quiet place to relax and experience nature. Whether bird watching, practicing photography skills, or just looking for inspiration, visitors encounter many new experiences as the trails meander through pine flatwoods, mesic hammocks and cypress swamps. All trails at BCP are natural, unimproved trails. When conditions are wet, visitors can expect to get their feet wet. Boardwalks and wooden bridges allow visitors access over permanent creek crossings. At times, the trails are closed due to high water conditions or fire events. Be sure to check the trail conditions (see below) before hiking. BCP trails include:

Brooker Creek Wildlands Hiking Trail
This 4-mile, 4-loop trail system is accessible from the Center parking lot and winds over creek crossings, through majestic pines, past stately cypress, and under protective oaks. Boardwalks and bridges allow access over Brooker Creek. Restroom facilities are available in the Center's Classroom building. Please consult the trail map for approximate distances and hiking times. Trail conditions are updated as weather conditions change.

Trail Hours:
Daily
7:00 am – 1 hour before sunset
Trail Map
Trail Conditions

Friends Trail
Visitors can get back to nature on this 1.75-mile, self-interpretive trail. There are 15 stops along the way as this loop trail winds through pine flatwoods toward the banks of Brooker Creek. Parking is available at the end of Lora Lane. No restroom facilities are provided.

Trail Hours:
Daily
7:00 am – 1 hour before sunset
Trail Map
Trail Conditions

Public recreation on the Preserve is governed by Pinellas County Ordinance 08-29. We recommend all hikers review the suggested trail companions, safety and rules before they visit the Preserve.

Equestrian Trails
Equestrians are offered over nine miles of trails that meander through pinelands and open fields at Brooker Creek Preserve. Our equestrian trails are natural paths maintained through periodic mowing. Hitching posts, paddocks and water are not provided. Since water is a must, please bring enough for both you and your mount. All riders are encouraged to become familiar with trail companions and rules.

Brooker Creek Preserve offers two equestrian trails.

Scenic Horse Trail
5.2 miles of trails
Parking and trailhead are located off of Old Keystone Road.

Exercise Horse Trail
3.9 miles
Trailhead is located at the end of Lora Lane. Ride-ins only; no trailer parking is available.

Equestrian Trail Hours:
Daily
7:00 am – 1 hour before sunset
Trail Map

Brooker Creek Preserve Management
Land management activities at Brooker Creek Preserve are guided by the 2008 Brooker Creek Preserve Management Plan. Activities include:

Restoration
Prescribed Burns
Ecological Monitoring
Long-term Research

For more information and driving directions to Brooker Creek Preserve, please contact us.

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