Reflection in the pond
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Felts Audubon Preserve

4.5
·217 reviews·Palmetto, United States

A free, hidden gem preserve teeming with diverse wildlife, offering peaceful nature trails and excellent birdwatching opportunities.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Morning hours

Wildlife is most active

CrowdLow
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Reflection in the pond

Felts Audubon Preserve

Best Time

Morning hours

Wildlife is most active

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A free, hidden gem preserve teeming with diverse wildlife, offering peaceful nature trails and excellent birdwatching opportunities.

4.5
(217 reviews)

"A nice little find, a hidden gem with lots of wildlife and nicely done trails."

Vertical photo
TIP

👟 Closed-toe shoes are a must!

Protect your feet from fire ants and uneven, root-filled trails.

🦟 Bring insect repellent

Stay comfortable and ward off mosquitoes and other biting insects.

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.5 · 217 reviews

Type

Park

👶 Good for kids♿ Wheelchair accessible

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Abundant Wildlife Sightings

Abundant Wildlife Sightings

Throughout the preserve

Spot diverse bird species, snakes, spiders, skinks, and butterflies in their natural habitat.

The Bird Blind Experience

The Bird Blind Experience

Designated bird blind structure

Observe local and migratory birds, including potential sightings of painted buntings.

Nature Journaling Opportunities

Nature Journaling Opportunities

Various scenic spots

Engage with nature by journaling, sketching, or documenting the flora and fauna you encounter.

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Planning Your Visit

Embrace the Wild: What to Know Before You Go

Felts Audubon Preserve is a natural haven perfect for wildlife spotting. Wear closed-toe shoes due to potential fire ants and uneven terrain. While admission is free, consider a small donation to support conservation efforts. Remember to bring insect repellent and sunscreen for a comfortable exploration.

Navigating the Trails and Wildlife

The preserve offers mowed paths and a bird blind for excellent viewing opportunities. Be prepared for a rustic experience; there's a clean portable toilet but no potable water. The trails can be root-filled and may require ducking under low arches, adding to the adventure.

Best Times

When
Morning hours
Why
Wildlife is most active
Crowd
Low
When
Late afternoon
Why
Golden hour for photos
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Replying to @mia☆ POV: you work at an Aquarium 🐠 #audubonaquarium #neworleans #aquariumlife #aquaristlife #aquarist
@audubonnature
19.8K likes • 723.3K views

👟 Closed-toe shoes are a must!

Protect your feet from fire ants and uneven, root-filled trails. Reddit

🦟 Bring insect repellent

Stay comfortable and ward off mosquitoes and other biting insects. Reddit

Zoey is the defintion of passion, energy, and footwork 💯 #audubonzoo #sealion #sealionsoftiktok #neworleans
@audubonnature
18.8K likes • 209.3K views
Slowing down to really see the world around you—this was my first nature journaling experience, and I’m hooked! Felts Audubon Preserve in Palmetto, FL + @bigwaterslandtrust made it magical. Magnifying glasses, rulers, and wild textures? Yes please! Have you ever nature journaled? 🌿🖋 #NatureJournaling #FeltsPreserve #BigWatersLandTrust #FloridaOutdoors #SoloTravelGirl
solotravelgirl
9 likes • 379 views

☀️ Sunscreen is essential

Protect your skin during your outdoor exploration. Reddit

💧 No potable water available

Bring your own water supply for the duration of your visit. Reddit

For Wildlife Wednesday, we’re sharing this video of a red-shouldered hawk that was sent to us from Denise P.   This video was taken at Felts Audubon Preserve, but this is a very common species that can be seen in many of our parks around the county!   Do you have wildlife footage that you want to have featured on our page? Send it to us or tag us in your posts!
manateeexploreandplay
5 likes • 156 views

Tips

from all over the internet

👟 Closed-toe shoes are a must!

Protect your feet from fire ants and uneven, root-filled trails. Reddit

🦟 Bring insect repellent

Stay comfortable and ward off mosquitoes and other biting insects. Reddit

☀️ Sunscreen is essential

Protect your skin during your outdoor exploration. Reddit

💧 No potable water available

Bring your own water supply for the duration of your visit. Reddit

💰 Free admission, donations welcome

Support the preserve's conservation efforts with a small donation. Reddit

📸 Nature journaling encouraged

Bring a notebook and pen to document your discoveries. Instagram

What Travellers Say

4.5
(217 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Felts Audubon Preserve is a highly-rated, free nature escape praised for its abundant wildlife and peaceful atmosphere. Visitors appreciate the well-maintained trails and the opportunity for birdwatching, though some note the rustic nature of the facilities. It's a true hidden gem for nature lovers.

"Nice little find, a hidden gem. Short hike, but very nicely done. Lots of benches for resting. There is a portable toilet-very clean; no potable water. Saw so cute and curious Black-bellied Whistling decks, and some butterflies. One spot had a low arch and it was down on all fours to get under; just added to the fun. Rough trail was mainly roots, lots of roots - some high some low. No dogs."

Judy Knotts (Hikingnymph)

"Cute little place. I was surprised at how much wildlife I actually saw. The trails were also pretty nice and felt secluded, unless you heard a car drive by, but you couldn't see them. I saw 4 snakes, a crazy looking spider, hawks, a blue tailed skink, and tons of birds I've never seen. My bird app identified a lot of birds that were either uncommon and even rare. The fire arts are real though so closed toes shoes are necessary. There are plenty of benches along the paths to sit and relax as well as a bird blind you can go in. Only thing that wasn't so great is it says they have a bathroom, which they do, but it's a porta potty, but at least it's there."

Victoria Violet

"Felts Reserve is off the beaten path, with no parking lot; just a little gate to enter. There are no boardwalks, but instead, a mowed path that is easy to follow. There is an amazing bird blind building where I was able to observe a painted bunting, but alas, too far away to get a good pic. We only saw 2 other people while we were there, so you really feel immersed in nature. We saw a turtle, many birds, some ducks, black vultures, dragonflies of every color, butterflies, and many beautiful wild flowers. We had a great experience here, and it is free admission."

cathy wrigley

What People Like

Abundant wildlife sightings
Free admission
Peaceful and secluded atmosphere

What People Dislike

Portable toilet facilities
Uneven and root-filled trails

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Felts Audubon Preserve is located off the beaten path and does not have a designated parking lot. Look for a small gate to enter the preserve. Reddit

There is no formal parking lot. Visitors typically park near the entrance gate. Reddit

It's considered a bit off the beaten path, so using GPS and looking for the entrance gate is recommended. Reddit

Information on public transportation access is limited, so driving is likely the most convenient option. Reddit

Specific GPS coordinates can be helpful for navigation, though it's best to rely on local signage once you're close. (Note: Specific coordinates not provided in sources).

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Admission to Felts Audubon Preserve is free! Donations are appreciated to support the preserve's upkeep and conservation efforts. Reddit+1

The preserve itself is free to enter. However, consider making a donation to help maintain this natural space. Reddit

The preserve is generally open from dawn to dusk, allowing for ample time to explore. (Note: Specific hours not explicitly stated in sources, but implied by 'dawn to dusk' from similar Audubon locations TikTok).

No advance booking is required as admission is free and it's a natural preserve. Reddit

Yes, there is a donation box at the entrance where visitors can contribute to the preserve's maintenance. Reddit

🎫 🌿 Onsite Experience

The preserve features mowed paths that are generally easy to follow, though some sections can be root-filled and may require ducking under low arches. Reddit+1

Absolutely! It's a fantastic spot for birdwatching, with many unique and rare species identified by visitors. The bird blind offers excellent viewing opportunities. InstagramReddit+2

Expect to see a variety of wildlife including birds (hawks, painted buntings, whistling ducks), snakes, spiders, skinks, butterflies, and turtles. InstagramReddit+3

There is a portable toilet on-site, which visitors have noted as being clean. There is no potable water available. Reddit

Yes, it's described as a nice little find with short, well-maintained trails perfect for a nature hike. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The bird blind offers excellent opportunities for bird photography, and the diverse wildlife and natural scenery throughout the preserve are also great subjects. InstagramReddit+1

Some wildlife, like a specific raccoon mentioned by a visitor, can get quite close and show no fear. However, always maintain a respectful distance. Instagram

Look for colorful butterflies, various bird species like cardinals and red-shouldered hawks, and interesting insects. Instagram+1

Morning and late afternoon offer softer light, ideal for wildlife and landscape photography, minimizing harsh shadows. TikTok

A telephoto lens can be very beneficial for capturing clear shots of birds and other wildlife from a distance. Instagram

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Felts Audubon Preserve (2026) – Best of TikTok, Instagram & Reddit Travel Guide