Osprey Trailhead

Awesome way to connect with nature. Make sure to have some water, sunglasses, and protective headwear on those scorching days. Great facilities on the way, too.

Neat little hike. Plan to see some wildlife for sure! At the very north of Osprey is a short little hidden beach.

Osprey Trail and Pelican Trail make for a nice 2 mile loop (about an hour - could be shorter if you take the cutover trail about halfway). Osprey Trail is more shaded and the ground is more compact. There's a little beach access where the 2 trails meet at the tip of the island. Make sure to spray on some bug spray if the mosquitoes and nociums find you tasty. Leashed dogs allowed on the trails.

This is a hike through the woods. This is not a pretty boardwalk type of hike, expect bugs, sand, mud puddles. It's very natural. That said I love this place.

If you want to see some Osprey and their nest you will find them on these trails. We saw more than I could count. There is also an eagle nest that seems to be an annual thing now. The trail starts near the only restrooms you will find. I suggest a backpack, water and bug spray.

The trails are closed off near the Eagles nest. If you are interested in walking to the northern tip, you have to take one of the other routes. Once you get to the far end, there are tiny sandy spots, mangroves for some shade if you like and the sand can be a bit muddy feeling if you get in the water. There is a lagoon that is to the west and a sliver of land that makes this a more protected shoreline that the true "beach" side of Honeymoon Island.

I do enjoy hiking these trails as you have seabirds, all types of mangroves, turtles, snakes and a mix of saltwater life and things you might see more inland. We spotted about 5 gopher turtles, one large diamondback rattlesnake looking to cross the trail, a great many ospreys, one eagle and three owls.

The park is such that if you want to hike and then go to the beach after you can change in the very nice bathhouses / restrooms. You can take a trail that leads to the northern end of the beaches within minutes. Picnic tables are plentiful near the parking area ( no tables or restrooms on the trails) so a lunch for after your hike and before the beach can make for a very full day.

I have reviewed the beach before so I will leave you to look at that review if you care to. We saw several birdwatchers while on the trail who were happy to point out some of the wildlife.

Spectacular views of the gulf and wildlife GALORE. Ospreys, vultures, armadillo (!), and even a pair of bald eagles if you are lucky will grace you on your hike. Short enough to be suitable for all ages, but DO BEWARE MOSQUITOS early morning/late evening or off the main trail - they don't mess around! Beaches within 5 minutes of trailhead. Highly recommend this spot!