This park is HUUUUGE but beware of diamond back rattle snakes. If you have a dog just keep them close to you and DO NOT let them run around on their own.I love this park because its not crowded, although you will see people riding bikes and jogging but its nowhere near busy as other parks. There is in a way a sense of privacy at this park since its so buried into a neighborhood.Also there is a nice river that flows through the park and is quite of an interesting landscape!

This place lives up to its name! One minute into our walk we heard screeching and came upon a herons nest. Lots of activity and noise, it was great. Theres are some amazing parts to this walk including an island with hundreds of whistling ducks. That part is so good. There is easy parking and lots of peace and quiet to be had in this lovely part of the world. Recommended.

Great for a walk. A number of interesting birds can be found here including Anhingas, limpkins, red cardinal and tree ducks.

Excellent morning amble. We saw so many herons and cormorants. If you are a birder or would just like to take a walk in nature this is a great place. You could bring a lunch, bring a book, sketch or just hang out and take in the scenery on the many benches and a few picnic tables.

Beautiful trail. Not as long as I like but well maintained

Amazing nature preserve! Take your kids and you will all love it.

Good walking and nature area. Specific areas for children and dogs.

Its nice, quiet, and clean. The little forested area and the big pond are quite nice.

Beautiful greenery, great relaxing view of the water and wildlife.

Paths are easy to walk, they are pretty for an afternoon or evening stroll. Lots of benches. Seems very safe, and clean. Not really hiking though, more strolling or dog walking park.

Nice natural Florida woods and Sandhills to stroll around or walk the dog(s)!! More benches scattered throughout would be nice and WELCOMED

Nice trails, beautiful water views, and a variety of birds. Pokemon Go stops also.

Really cool place to go exercise or just walk around

Im not a big fan of these things, but this is a good place for a walk around with or without the dogs.

It is always nice to be in contact with nature

Couple of trails to walk or ride a bicycle but a lot of the trees and vegetation has been removed because of over growth. There are a couple of ponds you can fish but its a good walk to get to it so you wont be bringing a kayak or something like that. The trails are crushed shell so you get walk safely around the place so no worries if stepping on a snake or something like that in the middle of the trail. There are a few benches here and there but not much. Watch out for alligators if you bring a dog on the trail.

Calm and tranquil place to walk, bike or just sit and think!

I love playing pokemon go and this park is literally my back yard

Love the trails

Lakewood Ranch is one of the best communities along the Florida Suncoast. The parks here definitely enhance this vibrant area. Herons Nest Nature Park is one of my favorite. Situated close by I-75 and just off state road 70, its a calming enclave in an otherwise bustling part of the south Tampa Bay region. The biggest draw for this park are the trails. These meander over creeks and along the Braden River and are a great place to jog, walk your dog, or just get away and into nature. It feels like a state park, albeit on a smaller scale. Considering there is no admission cost, this is a great place to visit for an afternoon or maybe even a picnic.

First time coming here with my family and we had a great time. It took us about 2 hours walking to see the whole park. We went when it was gloomy out so we had good shade from the sun and a nice breeze. The weather seemed to make the animals more active because we seen rabbit, deer, a tortoise and birds of course... Ive posted some pics of those already.. except the deer. They took off when they heard us crunching on the leaves.

Very nice park that lives up to its name bird lovers welcome.

Very pretty bit of nature in the middle of a lot of development. Sweet surprise.

Beautiful, beautiful nature trail right in the middle of everything. Its so pretty, we had our wedding pictures taken there. Its fairly long. Lots of people bring there dogs there and it is fun to see all the different ones.

Very nice and peaceful.

Beautiful!

Beautiful nature sanctuary located in the heart of Lakewood Ranch. Includes a strand of pinelands with both walking and biking trails, as well as a lake with bird island in the middle. At dawn and dusk, you can observe a variety of birds entering the nesting habitat on the island. At dusk, if youre quiet and lucky, you might catch a glimpse of the great horned owls that live in the pine trees above it all. An absolutely gorgeous place for peace and quiet away from the busyness of daily life.

There is something new to see every time we visit.

Pretty and pleasant. Look out for the large gator on the island! Beautiful!

Nice walk

One of the most beautiful preserves Ive ever visited

Relaxing, beautiful views

Impressed that despite all the rain we have been having, I saw no flooding on the dirt trailProbably the same on the paved trail, though I didnt walk all of it.

Beautiful spot for a walk around the lake and through the woods

Great place. Clean and enjoyable

Great trails

Its just a nice place to fish or just walk the trails

Lots of wildlife, saw turtle being eaten by Turkey vultures, a 4 ft gator, tons of birds.

Nice hike!

Great park for a walk.

Very cool place

I just moved from here, but not a day goes by where I dont think of these amazing trails and fishing in Summerfield Lake

Nice woods

Awesome

Awesome.

Beautiful views

Chill