Name: Fort DeSoto Beach Hike
Start: 2025-12-09T09:00:00-05:00
End: 2025-12-09T11:30:00-05:00
Location: Fort DeSoto County Park

Some hikes are tried and true…this is not one of them…This is a beach hike at its most beautiful. The beach was named the best beach in America in 2005. I have done this hike and the total length is 15 miles out and back. We will start at the east end of the park under the flagpole . From there we will hike along the beach westbound toward the Fort along beautiful Tampa Bay turning at the second pier northbound and up along the Gulf. We can all stop at the snack bar where we can get snacks, lunch or ice cream. Perhaps folks will want to hike out to the end of a pier and back or play with a stranger's dog as we walk through the beach dog park. Bathrooms and fountains are all along this hike too. I am planning on staying out of the water and wearing tennis shoes or maybe go barefoot sometimes. Whatever makes you happy than go for it. Be aware after the hurricanes some beach areas are blocked off so it is strongly recommended carry along sandals if barefoot.
Once past the pier and northbound we can stop and tour the Fort, where the only remaining large guns from the Spanish American War era were restored and/or climb across the top of the fort for nice Gulf views. Once past the Fort we continue along the beach cutting around a dense wooded area by briefly going inland, along the bike trial and back to the beach again. Expect to see abundant bird life and perhaps a racoon or two. I plan to hike toward the North Beach and turn around, about 4 to 5 miles each way from the start but if the group decides a shorter length, that is fine.
Though I scheduled this hike for 3.5 hours, We can make this a longer hike by stopping at multiple areas for food or snacks, bathrooms, water fountains, etc. Or we can just sit on the beach as a group and watch the ships and world go by. While I have done this hike solo, as a group I plan to ask everyone their thoughts about how we should do this. As in any Democracy, majority rules. If you do not approve the group plan you are welcome not to join us. However, since no one has ever gotten lost there, folks can head back the way they came anytime they like. Just follow the beach. I hope to maintain this as a group event until its conclusion. Afterward, you are welcome to go kayaking, biking or fishing (or whatever floats your boat) or just stay and catch a beautiful Gulf sunset independently (or maybe we all will). I will be bringing my book, a chair and a lunch at the hikes conclusion.
Everyone is expected to have a slackpack with at least a pint of water (that you can refill), water shoes or sandals for any hard surface walking, maybe a towel (to lay on), snacks if you want and sunscreen. I am thinking about walking the beach barefoot and put the sandals on as necessary. While there is a dog section of the beach, this is a no dog hike. There is a $6 charge to enter Fort DeSoto. Thanks.

Howard

FLORIDA TRAIL ASSOCIATION-Suncoast Chapter

Travel & Outdoor

Hiking

Backpacking

Camping

Outdoors

Paddling

Ruth Rogg

Ann Conley

Lili Kaufmann

Donna

healthymom

Fort DeSoto Beach Hike

Historic Locations

Beach

Beach Workout

Fort DeSoto County Park

Share

FLORIDA TRAIL ASSOCIATION-Suncoast Chapter

Fort DeSoto Beach Hike

FLORIDA TRAIL ASSOCIATION-Suncoast Chapter

Details

Members are also interested in