john chesnut sr. park

What a great place to take a hike and see nature at the same time. We hiked the boardwalk and saw a few gators in the lake. Walked inside the park and saw a large gator in the water back by the foot bridge.

...for walking, enjoying nature. Boardwalks along water, boat launch into Lake Tarpon, good shelters. Also enjoy just sitting and listening to bird life.

I visited this park often about two years ago when I was staying at a nearby RV Park. This year I took my brother who lives close by but had never gone beyond the boat ramp.There are many birds here year round, a butterfly garden and great boardwalks and paths for as short a walk or as long a hike as u are in the mood for. We even watched a Barred Owl land in a tree very close to us. It was beautiful. There are a few gators and wild deer, plus different plants and creatures as you meander from the edge of Lake Tarpon into the dense woods. It's a terrific gathering place for groups and families with wonderful shelters, but, please respect the park rules and do not feed the wildlife. So many people bring seed for the birds and squirrels to get better photos, but the generosity backfires as they become dependent on humans - and squirrels are known to run up pant legs if they sniff food in someone's pockets.I was advised about this policy before visiting the first time and indeed, saw for myself just how fast 'cute' can become a menace. The park is super - even a popular dog run, a great playground and excellent parking - just be sure to remember which lot number you are in!

I have been to this Park countless times in the last 20 years. The park has something for everyone, from runners walkers to someone who just wants to relax. Nature walks, wild life, you never know what to expect when you are walking in the park.

Just a nice way to get in touch with nature. Beautiful park. Have a picnic or just walk around and enjoy.

Having grown up in this area, I have been to this Park countless times in the last 40 years. ( I've lived directly across Lake Tarpon from the Park for the last 10 yrs.! ) This Park has a widely diverse appeal for visitors, due to it's location on the East shore of Lake Tarpon, and available amenities. Huge open areas, Pine and Oak-wooded rolling hills, lake shore cypress swamped and a pristine Old-Florida creek ( Brooker Creek) make up its habitat, with nearly every species of Florida wildlife to see except wild hogs and Fla. Panther. Scattered spacious picnic shelters with nearby restrooms for groups large or small are immaculately kept and clean; boat ramp area large enough to launch 6 boats simultaneously; Nature Trail and Boardwalk ( named in honor of slain Wildlife Officer Peggy Park, murdered in the Line of Duty near the Park ) winds thru pristine Oak woods and Cypress Swamp areas. Kids playgrounds are conviently placed near parking; all areas are handicapped accessible. Boaters use the lake for waterskiing and the Bass fishing is excellent. Park is safe and well patrolled.

Great Park, boat launch, picnic tables, not crowded (except holidays) good place to walk, jog or bike. Very safe.

Great boardwalks, birds abound. Nicely laid out walking park and boat dock. This park is not listed many places, it should be. Don't miss it. We walked it and the pedometer shows 3 miles complete. Will return, bring your camera.

John Chesnut park is a wonderful park full of well maintained trails, a dog park, playgrounds, and even a boat launch. I really enjoy walking the trails and talking photos of birds and as a young woman I always feel safe being by myself there. It does get a bit buggy in the summer but that's Florida! Bring some sunscreen, bug spray, and water and enjoy the great outdoors.

The park is well maintained and beautiful, don't forget your camera. Parking is free for handicap placards but only $5.00 otherwise. The bathrooms are very clean with nice walking trails and paths along the water.the boat ramps and docks are well kept and easy to launch a Kiack. I followed an 8 ft gator from dock to open water. There is a hidden stream bed on the other side of tall water reeds. It was so quite and serene, beautiful with fish swimming around us and lazy gators sunning on the banks not flinching. I was so tired from being over relaxed, I had to take a nap when I got home.

We went here on a weekday in February for a walk. It's a big park, very nice. Lots of numbered sheltered picnic areas, several kids play structures, several restroom buildings though some are closed during the week. There is a nice trail over by shelter 10 at the back of the park. It's part boardwalk, part trail and maybe a mile long or so. It doesn't loop, so you can either exit back into another section of the park at the end, or walk back the same way again. We saw two deer along the way. There was a really cool black mirror like pond along a boardwalk section that was reflecting all the trees and palms. There is meant to be an observation tower somewhere but we didn't find it. There is plenty of free parking all over so you can drive through first to scout out what area you want to explore.

We paddled both Tarpon Lake and Broiler Creek and a little of the canal. Great boat ramps (enough for 6 simultaneous launches), wonderful birding, nice clean bathrooms.The park is well maintained. Nominal fee for parking.

I didn't explore the entire park, I visited for an exercise class/boot camp. They have a really cool boardwalk trail thing that runs through the trees and by the water. The kids would love it. It's a pretty park and you definitely feel "removed" from the busy Palm Harbor roads and strip malls.

My husband and I love to walk/hike and we were told of this park by an aquantiance. Such a beautiful place! We were there on a week day so the park was not crowded. There are great hiking trails, places to bike ride, numerous pavilions for picnics, play areas, and a boat launch. We hiked the trail which takes you on boardwalks over swampy areas and the chance to see wildlife. We only saw squirrels, but we spoke to some people that had seen deer, owls, and snakes!

Lots here. Lots to do. Picnic, water, boating, walking. Well kept and clean. lots of trees..plenty of shade. great by boat.