Top 5 Ways To Enjoy Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park

If you call Trinity, Florida your home, or if you’re thinking of relocating here, you may wonder what types of outdoor recreation you and your family can enjoy together. One amazing place right in your backyard is Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park. 

Here are the top 5 ways you can enjoy Starkey Park.

1. Wildlife Observation
2. Hiking/Bicycling
3. Camping/Fishing
4. Starkey Environmental Education Center
5. Family Gathering and Picnicking

As you’ll see, there truly is something for everyone.

(1) Wildlife Observation
At Starkey Park over 150 different species of birds have been reported, making it a perfect place for avid birdwatchers. You’ll find several spots for birdwatchers to check out diverse bird types throughout the park.

In addition to bird species, there are also many different ecosystems and habitats of other wildlife in the park as well. This adds an educational element, making your family’s visit to the park informative yet fun and interesting as well.

(2) Hiking/Biking
Starkey Park has almost 7 miles of paved trails for bikers. This park also connects to the Suncoast Trail which boasts 42 miles of paved trails. At Starkey Park, you’ll also find 27 miles of marked trails for hikers.

Dogs are welcome on the trails but owners are asked to please clean up after their dogs and to use leashes no longer than 6 feet in length at all times. The trails are marked according to the type of course, so if you’re inexperienced with wilderness navigation, it provides a safe learning experience.

For those equestrian enthusiasts out there, Starkey Park has 10 miles of trails available for horseback riding. These trails are equipped with four watering troughs to keep your horse hydrated on your ride. Equestrian camping sites are also available, along with a corral and staging area for safety and convenience.

(3) Camping/Fishing
Although many parks don’t allow overnight camping, Starkey Park welcomes campers to stay. If your family enjoys camping but is too busy to travel outside of the Pasco County area, this would be perfect for you. Both rustic and electric-equipped camping spaces are available.

The park has 16 tent sites, 9 rental cabins, and a large campfire area. Public restrooms and showers are also available for campers to use. Freshwater fishing is somewhat limited; however fishing is permitted along the Anclote and Pithlachascotee rivers. Fishing license requirements do apply so check Florida’s state regulations in order to comply.

(4) The Starkey Environmental Education Center
Starkey Park has a facility called the Starkey Environmental Education Center, which offers educational materials to families and students regarding the natural elements of the park.

The center features an outdoor classroom, a wet/dry lab, a boardwalk near the river, interpretive and orienteering trails, water quality testing, watershed/groundwater activities, and more. This is a great educational opportunity for everyone, especially families, teachers, and students.

(5) Family Gathering and Event Holding
Perhaps one of the greatest features of this park are the great facilities available for family gathering, events, and celebrations. The park offers 5 covered shelters seating up 50 people and 2 large pavilions seating up to 100 people.

You’ll also find playground equipment for the kids, volleyball courts, a large athletic field, picnic grills, and fire rings for bonfires. This area is perfect for family reunions, special events, or celebrations of any kind. Spending time with the family is important; Starkey Park is a wonderful place to gather the family to enjoy a day immersed in nature.

Starkey Park is a wilderness park diversely designed for families, educational organizations, and adventure seekers. All in all, this park is a place full of discovery, adventure, and fun. If you and your family enjoy the great outdoors, you’ll find you have a jewel in your own backyard.