By Dr. Rob Norman
The Serenova Tract is a park of 6,533 acres. It has approximately 21 miles of great multi-use trails.
I have been to this wonderful park many times, hiking and on bicycle, and truly enjoy the scenic views and parts of mostly untouched native Florida. If you like camping, equestrian and primitive campsites with picnic tables, fire rings and/or grills are available. There are also good fishing opportunities in the park’s various lakes.
I often see horses and riders on the designated or marked equestrian trails. Each rider must carry proof of their horse’s current negative Coggins test. If you have a horse-drawn buggy, riding requires a free day-use reservation for buggy access behind a locked gate. As with bicycle riders, Florida law requires equestrians under 16 to wear helmets. You can also able to have dogs on this trail, but they must be kept on leash.
If you have time and energy, you can combine your visit with a hike or bike at the adjacent Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park. If you want to expand your biking and hiking, both parks have access to the 42-mile paved Suncoast Trail. The parks are located on the western section of the Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail, developed by the local chapter of Audubon Society, and nearly 150 species of birds have been identified. Another nearby park is the Crews Lake Wilderness Park, which I will cover in an upcoming story.
The entrance is in central Pasco County off SR 52 just west of Suncoast Parkway across from Hayes Road, on the south side of road. The address is 14900 SR 52 Land O’ Lakes.
Come out and enjoy The Great Florida Outdoors!
