Tiger Creek Preserve

Visit Tiger Creek Preserve

• Exploring the Preserve

  Tiger Creek is a high-quality blackwater seepage stream, so called because it drains wetlands. The vegetation that falls into the creek colors the water and appears like tiger stripes, giving the preserve its name.

  The preserve protects various Florida habitats: hardwood swamps and hammocks, scrub and pine flatwoods, and sandhills. The preserve is home to rare animals and plants including swallow-tailed kites, bald eagles, gopher tortoises, Lewton’s polygala and Carter’s mustard.

  Please download the iNaturalist and eBird apps to record your findings at the preserve. By recording and sharing your observations, you’ll create research quality data for scientists working to better understand and protect nature.

• Hours and Parking

  The preserve is open sunrise to sunset. The trails are directly accessible at three entrances: the Pfundstein and Cooley Trails are accessible from Pfundstein Road, and the Wakeford Trail is accessible from Wakeford Road. See the trail map for details.

  NOTE: All trails go through soft sand and are narrow in places, so therefore are not accessible by visitors with strollers or wheelchairs.

• Trail Navigation and Hiking Tips

  Paper brochures with trail maps are available at trailhead kiosks. You can also download a georeferenced map to your smart phone that shows you exactly where you are on the trail. Please be mindful of these hiking tips:

  • All trails are marked in both directions with colored blazes on trees and signs.
  • Two blazes on a tree means pay attention! The trail is changing direction.
  • Stay on blazed trails: they cross service roads that are NOT marked or intended for hiking, so keep track of where you are. If you don’t see any blazes, backtrack to where you last saw them to get back on the hiking trail.
  • Watch your footing: trails have uneven ground, exposed roots, and stumps.
  • Consider your physical condition when planning your hike. Two miles per hour is a common hiking pace.

  If you get lost, follow these important steps:

  • Retrace your steps until you come to a blaze and then observe closely for the correct route.
  • Beware of unmarked service roads which rarely take you where you expect them to! Please stick to the trails.
  • Call TNC staff for help. The phone number is listed on the trail map.
• Preserve Amenities
  • Three hiking trails available totaling 10.6 miles of foot trails.
  • Information kiosks available with paper trail maps and bird list.
  • Benches provided for rest and relaxation along the hiking trails.
  • Bridge across Tiger Creek with elevated wooden boardwalks over wetland areas.
  • No restrooms or trash cans available at the trailheads so plan ahead: pack it in, pack it out.
  • Enjoy views of Tiger Creek at the oxbow overlooks on the Creek Bluffs Loop Trail.
  • Observation platform on the edge of Heron Pond.

  Go green! Download our trail reference guides here:

  • Preserve brochure with hiking trail map.
  • Geo-referenced trail map.
  • Birds of Tiger Creek Preserve brochure.
• Preserve Guidelines

  To minimize disturbance to state protected and endangered species that call the preserve home, please follow these important guidelines:

  • Pets are not allowed.
  • Swimming, fishing, hunting, biking, motor vehicles, drones, and collecting are not allowed.
  • Trails are open to foot traffic only.
  • Visitors should stay on marked trails.
  • Please carry out all garbage; do not litter.
  • Take only pictures, leave only footprints, kill only time.
  • NOTE: Please be especially careful when using the trail during bald eagle nesting season from October 1 to May 15. Eagles and their young can become restless or distracted by people stopping, standing, or sitting near the nest. At times it may be necessary to close the trail to protect the nest and nestlings.
• Explore the Preserve with Accessible Track Chairs

  Tiger Creek Preserve is in the pilot stage of its Accessible Track Chairs Program, thanks to over 100 hours of volunteer work by TNC members to enhance accessibility on the trails, parking lot, and office. In collaboration with partners, TNC has introduced three EcoRover track chairs at the preserve, ensuring that visitors of all abilities can fully enjoy the Pfundstein Trail and its unique plants and wildlife. The track chair program  officially launched on August 31st, 2024. 

  You can learn more about future events in Tiger Creek Preserve by visiting our events page.

• Other Power-Driven Mobility Devices (OPDMD’s) Information

  The Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) regulations address the use of wheelchairs and “Other Power-Driven Mobility Devices” (“OPDMDs) by persons with mobility disabilities. These rules apply to “public accommodations” which include TNC properties that are open to the public. The regulations provide that with regard to “public accommodations” persons with mobility disabilities are entitled to: 

  1. Use wheelchairs and manually powered mobility aids (canes, walkers, etc.) in areas that are open to pedestrian use. A “Wheelchair” includes a manually operated device or power-driven device designed primarily for use by an individual with a mobility disability for the main purpose of indoor or both indoor or outdoor locomotion. 

  1. Use OPDMDs if the landowner can make “reasonable modifications to its practices to accommodate them.” An assessment has been done for the following TNC properties in accordance with the ADA regulations. Based on the assessments, use of OPDMDs on these properties is subject to the following limitations: 

  Property	OPDMDs permitted without limitation	OPDMDs permitted with following restrictions	OPDMDs are prohibited
  Tiger Creek Preserve		OPDMDs are limited to Pfundstein trail. To obtain access to the gate please contact staff.      Longleaf loop and Otter Pond are open to the public by appointment only, including for OPDMD use. To obtain access please contact staff.     Users must clean their OPDMD’s treads prior to entry onto the property to avoid invasive species spread.      Only low-pressure tires for sandy soil. For safety reasons OPDMDs should be no wider than 36 inches and no longer than 48 inches.       OPDMDs should be operated at a speed consistent with pedestrian foot traffic.

   

  On those properties where OPDMDs are permitted, the following conditions shall also apply:

  • A person using an OPDMD on TNC property may be asked to provide credible assurance that the OPDMD is required because of the person’s disability. TNC will accept the presentation of a valid, State-issued, disability parking placard or card, or other State-issued proof of disability as a credible assurance that the use of the OPDMD is for the person’s mobility disability. In lieu of such evidence, TNC shall accept as a credible assurance a verbal representation, not contradicted by observable fact, that the OPDMD is being used for a mobility disability. A “valid” disability placard or card is one that is presented by the person to whom it was issued and is otherwise in compliance with the State of issuance’s requirements for disability placards or cards. TNC does not accept responsibility for storage of OPDMDs.

  • TNC does not accept liability for damage to OPDMDs, or injury to the operator, whether caused by the operator, another visitor to the property, or any other circumstance.

  • The person operating the OPDMD cannot carry another person or object that would cause the OPDMD to tip or become unstable or cause harm to the driver, or others on trail. 

  • TNC does not accept liability for damage caused by the operator of the OPDMD, or injury to others caused by the operator of such device.

  • TNC reserves the right to suspend the use of OPDMDs or change, modify or amend its OPDMD policies at any time.

  • TNC does not represent that the TNC property is safe for use by an OPDMD. Certain risks are inherent in the use of natural areas, including rough surfaces and features such as snow, mud, vegetation, tree roots, and water crossings; and all users must exercise reasonable care and judgment.