
Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park
Vast wilderness park with free entry, offering miles of trails for biking, hiking, wildlife viewing, and peaceful reflection.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
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Best Time
Beat the heat and crowds

Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park
Best Time
Beat the heat and crowds

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Vast wilderness park with free entry, offering miles of trails for biking, hiking, wildlife viewing, and peaceful reflection.
"A wonderful wilderness preserve with beautiful hiking trails and a lovely multi-use paved trail."

Bring Water & Snacks 💧
Rest areas with water are available, but carrying extra is wise for longer rides or hikes.
Trail Navigation Help 🗺️
Mountain bike trails can lack clear signage; consider a trail map app or GPS.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Paved Multi-Use Trail
Connects to Suncoast Trail
A smooth, wide paved path perfect for cycling, walking, and enjoying scenic views. Great for all skill levels.

Mountain Bike Trails
Various single-track routes
Challenging yet beginner-friendly dirt trails offering a fun ride through the wilderness. Some sections may need maintenance.

Nature and Wildlife Viewing
Throughout the park
Spot deer, turkeys, gophers, and potentially bald eagles in their natural habitat. A true nature lover's paradise.

Mental Health Trail
Designated section
A peaceful trail developed with NAMI, offering a space to decompress, disconnect, and recharge in nature.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Trails
Wildlife Wonders
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Bring Water & Snacks 💧
Rest areas with water are available, but carrying extra is wise for longer rides or hikes.
Trail Navigation Help 🗺️
Mountain bike trails can lack clear signage; consider a trail map app or GPS.
Bike-Friendly Paths 🚴♀️
The paved trail is excellent for all cyclists, including e-bikes and families.
Dog Walking Allowed 🐕
Leashed dogs are welcome on trails, but be mindful of the heat for your pets.
Tips
from all over the internet
Bring Water & Snacks 💧
Rest areas with water are available, but carrying extra is wise for longer rides or hikes.
Trail Navigation Help 🗺️
Mountain bike trails can lack clear signage; consider a trail map app or GPS.
Bike-Friendly Paths 🚴♀️
The paved trail is excellent for all cyclists, including e-bikes and families.
Dog Walking Allowed 🐕
Leashed dogs are welcome on trails, but be mindful of the heat for your pets.
Photo Opportunities 📸
This park is a recommended spot for nature photography and family portraits.
Gnome Village Surprise! 🍄
Keep an eye out for a whimsical gnome village hidden within the park.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park for its vast natural beauty, free entry, and diverse trail options, from paved paths to mountain bike routes. While the park is generally well-maintained, some suggest improvements to signage and upkeep on the single-track trails. It's a beloved local spot for recreation and wildlife observation.
"A wonderful wilderness preserve in Pasco county. Free entry and plenty of parking throughout the park. There are picnic pavilions that you can reserve, beautiful hiking trails, a lovely multi-use paved trail that runs through the park and takes you out to the Suncoast Trail. There are 19 miles of single track mountain bike trails maintained by volunteers. The staff are friendly and helpful."
Teresa K
"Such a privilege to have such a wonderful place so close to home. The trails and facilities are well maintained and of course going off the trails is always an amazing adventure."
Rick Sciacca
"May 24, 2025 we took the dogs on a walk here in the morning but was still too hot, 1.8 mile trail, some shaded areas, saw a turtle as well! Grew up going camping here 20 years ago as a teenager!"
Dani MCDonald
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park is located in New Port Richey, Florida. It's easily accessible by car, with ample parking available throughout the park. Many visitors mention it's conveniently located near amenities like Starkey Market.
Public transportation options to Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park are limited. It is primarily accessed by private vehicle. Planning your route in advance is recommended.
The park has multiple access points and parking areas, allowing visitors to start their adventures from different trailheads. The main park entrance provides access to various facilities and trail systems.
The paved multi-use trail is straightforward. However, some mountain bike trails may lack directional signs, so a map or GPS is helpful for those routes.
Yes, the paved multi-use trail within Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park connects directly to the Suncoast Trail, offering extended cycling opportunities.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park offers free entry to all visitors, making it an accessible natural escape.
The park is generally open from dawn to dusk. It's always a good idea to check the official Pasco County Parks website for any specific seasonal hours or closures.
Yes, picnic pavilions are available for reservation, providing a great spot for gatherings and events within the park.
While not always advertised broadly, events like organized games or nature walks can occur. Following local park social media or community groups might provide updates.
The description mentions camping opportunities, but specific permit requirements and reservation details would need to be confirmed with the park management.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The park features a wide variety of trails, including a smooth, paved multi-use trail perfect for cycling and walking, as well as 19 miles of single-track mountain bike trails. There's also a dedicated trail for mental health respite.
Absolutely! The park is a haven for wildlife, with visitors reporting sightings of deer, turkeys, gophers, and even bald eagles. It's a fantastic spot for nature enthusiasts.
Yes, there are rest areas with restrooms and water fountains available at various points along the trails, particularly on the paved paths.
Leashed dogs are welcome in Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park, making it a great destination for those who enjoy outdoor activities with their pets.
This trail, developed in partnership with NAMI, is designed to offer a serene environment for visitors to decompress, disconnect, and find peace in nature.
📸 📸 Photography
The park offers numerous scenic spots for photography, from lush natural landscapes and wildlife to the serene trails. It's considered a great location for nature shots and even family portraits.
Yes, the park is teeming with wildlife like deer and birds, providing excellent opportunities for wildlife photography. Remember to maintain a safe distance and respect their natural habitat.
Visitors have noted the presence of a charming gnome village, offering a whimsical and unexpected subject for photos.
With its vast acreage of natural Florida landscape, including forests and rivers, the park provides ample opportunities for capturing beautiful natural scenery.
Early morning or late afternoon often provides the best lighting for photography, creating softer shadows and a more atmospheric feel. This also coincides with lower crowds.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the single-track mountain bike trails are beginner-friendly, they might be more suitable for older children or teens who are experienced riders. The park's natural setting also offers great opportunities for kids to observe wildlife like turtles and deer, making for an educational and engaging outing.
🚴♀️ Cyclists and Bikers
Mountain bikers will find 19 miles of single-track trails to explore. While generally beginner-friendly, some sections might benefit from improved maintenance and clearer signage. Despite this, the trails provide a fun, natural riding experience through the park's wilderness. It's recommended to carry a trail map or use a GPS device for navigation on the dirt routes.
🚶♀️ Hikers and Nature Lovers
Nature enthusiasts will be delighted by the abundant wildlife viewing opportunities. Keep your camera ready for deer, turkeys, and potentially even bald eagles. The park's diverse ecosystems provide a rich environment for observing local flora and fauna. Remember to wear comfortable walking shoes and bring water.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Trails
For mountain bikers, the park features 19 miles of single-track trails. While described as beginner-friendly with fewer roots, some visitors note that trail maintenance could be improved, with occasional fallen trees and a lack of directional signage. Despite this, the dirt trails offer a fun and engaging experience through the natural Florida landscape.
Beyond the traditional trails, the park also offers a dedicated Mental Health Trail, developed in partnership with NAMI. This special path provides a tranquil space for visitors to disconnect, decompress, and find solace in nature's embrace.
Wildlife Encounters
One of the most exciting possibilities is spotting bald eagles, a majestic bird that calls this wilderness home. The park's natural environment, including its rivers, supports these magnificent creatures. Remember to observe wildlife from a safe and respectful distance to ensure their well-being and your own safety.
Beyond the larger animals, the park is also a great place for observing smaller wonders, like turtles, which have been spotted on shorter trails. The abundance of natural flora and fauna makes Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park a prime destination for nature lovers and photographers alike.
Community and Accessibility
The park is also noted for its welcoming atmosphere for all types of visitors. The paved trails are particularly popular with elderly riders and those using e-bikes, indicating a well-maintained and comfortable experience for a wide range of ages and abilities. This accessibility extends to dog owners, as leashed dogs are permitted on the trails, allowing for shared outdoor adventures.
Furthermore, the park's commitment to well-being is evident in its Mental Health Trail, highlighting a thoughtful approach to providing a restorative natural space for everyone. This blend of natural beauty and community-focused amenities makes Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park a valuable asset.




Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit