The recent hurricanes caused us to close many park locations due to significant damage. While most locations have opened, some remain closed. Before visiting any park, please use the "Find Park Status" button below to see if the location is on the closed/partially closed list.
Please note: Since the vast majority of the parks are now open, starting on Nov. 28, we will remove the Parks Status page and list any closure information directly on the pages for those locations.
This 1,181-acre nature preserve includes a ridge of endemic and imperiled scrub habitats surrounded by pine flatwoods and pockets of wet prairie, hardwood swamp, and freshwater marsh. Rare species found here include the Florida goldenaster and Florida Scrub Jay. The marked hiking trail is a 3-mile loop, much of it sandy and sunny. Golden Aster Scrub Nature Preserve was purchased by Hillsborough County through the Jan K. Platt Environmental Lands Acquisition and Protection Program (ELAPP) in 1995.
Golden Aster Preserve Trail Map
Golden Aster Scrub Management Plan
Hiking safety guidelines
Always be prepared when hiking on nature preserves:
- Bring plenty of water
- Download the map
- Tell someone your plan
- Wear proper shoes and sun protection
- Stay on marked trails
- During the rainy season, many trails will have standing water.
- If you think you are lost, call us at (813) 672-7876
- In case of an emergency, call 911