Tiger Creek Preserve

Visit Tiger Creek Preserve

• What to See

  Tiger Creek is a high-quality blackwater seepage stream, so called because it drains wetlands. The vegetation that falls into the creek colors the water and appears like tiger stripes, giving the preserve its name.
   
  The preserve protects various Florida habitats: hardwood swamps and hammocks, scrub and pine flatwoods, and sandhills. The preserve is home to rare animals and plants including swallow-tailed kites, bald eagles, gopher tortoises, Lewton’s polygala and Carter’s mustard.

  Please download the iNaturalist and eBird apps to record your findings at the preserve. By recording and sharing your observations, you’ll create research quality data for scientists working to better understand and protect nature.
  

• Hours and Parking

  The preserve is open sunrise to sunset. The trails are directly accessible at three entrances: the Pfundstein and Cooley Trails are accessible from Pfundstein Road, and the Wakeford Trail is accessible from Wakeford Road. See the trail map for details.
   
  NOTE: All trails go through soft sand and are narrow in places, so therefore are not accessible by visitors with strollers or wheelchairs. 

• Trail Navigation and Hiking Tips

  Paper brochures with trail maps are available at trailhead kiosks. You can also download a georeferenced map to your smart phone that shows you exactly where you are on the trail. Please be mindful of these hiking tips:
  

  • All trails are marked in both directions with colored blazes on trees and signs.
  • Two blazes on a tree means pay attention! The trail is changing direction.
  • Stay on blazed trails: they cross service roads that are NOT marked or intended for hiking, so keep track of where you are. If you don’t see any blazes, backtrack to where you last saw them to get back on the hiking trail.
  • Watch your footing: trails have uneven ground, exposed roots, and stumps.
  • Consider your physical condition when planning your hike. Two miles per hour is a common hiking pace.
    

  If you get lost, follow these important steps:

  • Retrace your steps until you come to a blaze and then observe closely for the correct route.
  • Beware of unmarked service roads which rarely take you where you expect them to! Please stick to the trails.
  • Call TNC staff for help. The phone number is listed on the trail map.
• Preserve Amenities
  • Three hiking trails available totaling 10.6 miles of foot trails.
  • Information kiosks available with paper trail maps and bird list.
    
  • Benches provided for rest and relaxation along the hiking trails.
  • Bridge across Tiger Creek with elevated wooden boardwalks over wetland areas.
  • No restrooms or trash cans available at the trailheads so plan ahead: pack it in, pack it out.
  • Enjoy views of Tiger Creek at the oxbow overlooks on the Creek Bluffs Loop Trail.
  • Observation platform on the edge of Heron Pond.
    

  Go green! Download our trail reference guides here:

  • Preserve brochure with hiking trail map.
  • Geo-referenced trail map.
  • Birds of Tiger Creek Preserve brochure.
    
• Preserve Guidelines

  To minimize disturbance to state protected and endangered species that call the preserve home, please follow these important guidelines:

  • Pets are not allowed.
    
  • Swimming, fishing, hunting, biking, motor vehicles, drones, and collecting are not allowed.
  • Trails are open to foot traffic only.
    
  • Visitors should stay on marked trails. 
    
  • Please carry out all garbage, do not litter. 
    
  • Take only pictures, leave only footprints, kill only time. 
    
  • Note: Please be especially careful when using the trail during bald eagle nesting season from October 1 to May 15. Eagles and their young can become restless or distracted by people stopping, standing, or sitting near the nest. At times it may be necessary to close the trail to protect the nest and nestlings.