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Description Weedon Island Preserve is a 1,046 acre Pinellas park that is home to many different species of wildlife and plants. The park was established for preservation and education and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. For the paddlesport enthusiast, Weedon Island offers two canoe trails only minutes from St. Petersburg, Largo or Pinellas Park.
Access Weedon Island is located north of St. Petersburg on Tampa Bay. The entrance of the Preserve can be found on the west side of the Gandy Bridge (SR 92). Turn south on San Martin Blvd. Travel approximately one mile and then east on Weedon Drive NE. Official address is 1500 Weedon Island Drive. The Weedon Island Cultural and Natural History center is located about 1 mile from the entrance station. A canoe launch, fishing pier and public restroom is at the end of Weedon Drive. Hours are dawn to dusk, 7 days a week. The Natural History center
is open Wednesday to Sunday from 10am to 4pm. Closed holidays. Guided
hikes and canoe trips are available by calling 727-453-6500.
Tour: South Paddling Trail (4 miles) It's recommended to make the trip at high tide. During low tide you'll encounter what seems like miles of water less than two feet deep. Be aware that tidal currents race through the narrow mangrove tunnels and either provide push or additional exercise. Begin at the canoe launch and head southeast into Papy's bayou (away from the fishing pier). You'll quickly spot canoe trail marker #1. The markers will be your guide for the duration of the trip. As you reach each marker, be sure to be on the lookout for the next one. The labyrinth-like maze of mangrove tunnels can easily confuse the unsuspecting paddler. At marker 3, you will enter the first mangrove tunnel. It's mandatory that you have a take-apart kayak paddle or canoe paddle as the tunnels are quite narrow. The mangrove tunnels offer much opportunity to see birds, fish and thousands of small black crabs hanging out on the mangrove roots. The tunnels also provide a haven for mosquitoes and other biting insects, so use insect repellent. You've been warned! After paddling for approximately 15 minutes, you'll reach a saltwater pond at canoe marker #5. Cross the pond and enter the next set of tunnels. Another pond and more tunnels follow. In this area is a nice picnic spot, complete with tables and refuse containers. A hiking trail goes from the picnic area to a parking lot (approximately 300 yards away). Continue following the canoe trail to reach Tampa Bay. To the east lie Benjamin and Snake Islands. The trail continues south in the protected waters between Weedon and Ross Islands. The last set of mangrove tunnels puts you back in Papy's bayou about one mile from the canoe launch. Look to the west to see the observation tower and fishing pier. By following these landmarks, you'll quickly find your way back. Special Interest:
In more recent times, Weedon Island has seen development of a two mile long boardwalk that meanders through the mangrove swamp and the Cultural and Natural History Center in December 2002. The Paul Getting Memorial Trail (boardwalk) follows the south paddling trail through two saltwater ponds and the picnic area. The high point (literally) of the boardwalk is an observation tower that reaches 45 feet above sea level. Three levels of stairs takes visitors to an observation deck that provides a magnificent 360 degree view of the St. Petersburg area.
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