Fort DeSoto Historic Hike
Tierra Verde, FL
- Distance: 5.6 miles (9.0 km)
- Time: 4 h
- Difficulty: Easy
- Loop
- Free
- 14 stops
A hike through the natural and historic parts of Fort DeSoto Park, beginning in the mangrove shallow water estuary behind the island, crossing the barrier island’s sand dunes to the Gulf beaches, and concluding with the old military foundations and Fort DeSoto itself.
Stops
Beginning the Hike
Park at the Fort parking area. As soon as you drive in, on the right of the parking lot you’ll see a 1960’s looking space ship inspired round building. It’s the last rest room you’ll see for a while. You’ll then see a concrete path between a pavilion and the rest room. The beginning of that path is…
Dog Park & Kayak Base
Not much to see here as you walk to the mangroves. However, you will see a kayak/canoe outpost. For more info on the kayaking check the main info page for this hike on the website under optional hike activities. Directions to next waypoint: From the beginning of the paved bike walking trail, head…
Soldier’s Hole Trail (Part One)
This 2 mile trail is through a small peninsula surrounded by a tidal lagoon behind Mullet Key. This lagoon is an estuary that acts as a nursery for many animals. You may see manatees or dolphins if the tide and time of year is right. However, no matter when you go you should see many birds and get…
Soldier’s Hole Trail (Part Two)
You’re about half way through the trail at this point. Head to the right for the north loop of the trail. Then, as the trail forks continue to head right. Challenge – Find DeSoto’s Lost Pieces of 8: Someone’s trash is another person’s treasure! Here’s where your grocery bag can come in handy…
Walking Along a Road
This next waypoint is just to get you to the next sight. Challenge – Continue the challenges from waypoint three and four: Continue with the challenges from waypoint 3 and 4 – wildlife ID and Pieces of 8. Directions to next waypoint: Now is great time to fit in the kayaking if you wish. Leave the…
Windswept
This part of the hike will take you through the back part of the barrier island dunes. You’ll get to see the effects of wind on the plants. The dunes and plants that grow behind them protect the rest of the island. Protected from onshore winds and waves, life can flourish in the mangrove estuary…
Dunes
As you walk from the middle of the island towards the beach you’ll see the progression of sand dunes. This part of the beach has been extending out to sea a little bit more every year. A chart in 1938 shows a small pass that cut through the island just north of Soldier’s Hole peninsula. Your point…
Life’s a Beach
Welcome to one of the most beautiful beaches in Florida! This area is renown for the number and quality of shells that wash up on the beach. Take some time to appreciate the wonderful views. If you’re not careful, you can spend the entire walk looking down and miss the occasional Cownose ray…
Battery Bigelow
You have arrived at the outer defenses of Fort DeSoto! The concrete ruins are of Battery Bigelow. Originally, it had two 3” 15 pound rapid fire guns put in service in 1904. The Battery was decommissioned during the 1920 disarmament following World War I. The Battery collapsed in October 1935 during…
Fishing Pier
The sign board shows how the pier was built and where the artificial reefs are. If you plan to fish during your trip, this is the best place to go. This is also a great place to see dolphins! Walk out as far as you’d like and take in the sights. The island to your southwest with the lighthouse…
At the Museum
Go inside and see the museum! For such a small location, it’s got a lot of cool info packed inside! Challenge – Quartermaster’s Challenge: Answer the following questions: What were the nicknames of the two units left in Tampa for the Cuba campaign during the Spanish American War? What colors make…
Foundations
This part of the trail takes you through the location of the buildings that housed the Fort’s soldiers. Many markers along the way will tell you what buildings are which. The foundations get a bit monotonous, so check out the challenge to make it bit more interesting. All the concrete and brick…
Fort DeSoto
Head north to the Fort itself. Be on the lookout for signs telling you about the history of the Fort and check out its rooms. Look to the east to see some of the rapid fire rifled guns that used to be on Egmont Key. Fun fact: In 1849, Robert E. Lee (the famous guy from the Civil War) surveyed and…
Top of the Fort
Climb the stairs and go to the top of Fort DeSoto. The mortars behind you and the sand covered battery in front of you, were designed to protect Tampa Bay. The Rifled Rapid Fire guns were aimed with sights like you aim a hand held rifle and were designed to engage close targets. Max range was 4.5…
Created by HistoricTrails.org.