Guana Tolomato Matanzas 9-Miler

Dogs Leashed

Features Birding · Fishing · River/Creek · Wildflowers · Wildlife

This run route takes you on multiple trails throughout the Guana Tolomato Matanzas National Estuarine Research Reserve. Along the route, you're likely to see wildlife ranging from deer, alligators, turtles, and birds of many varieties.

The trail is nearly flat, mostly sand, with tree roots and rocks providing occasional obstacles along the trail. Portions of the route give you views of the classic Florida marsh and swamplands, while nearly a mile and a half of the route takes you along the Tolomato River, a part of the Intracoastal Waterway.

$3.00 per vehicle to park, or $53.25 for an annual pass. Parking is good for the trails, as well as beach access parking. Parking /

Visitor Information: gtmnerr.org/visit/

Annual Pass Information: gtmnerr.org/support/annual-…

Trail is mostly packed sand, normal running shoes are sufficient for trail surface. Be mindful of tree roots and rocks along the trail, as possible tripping hazards.

This loop makes for a great beginner's trail run, for someone looking to make the jump into trail running. The trail is flat, non-technical, and is wide enough for vehicle access along most of the route. The trail is well-marked, with benches along the route for rest stops, and bathroom facilities with running water available at the start and end point.

Along the trail, the greatest hazards to runners are the wildlife, and the occasional rough spots on the trail where tree roots or rocks have come to the surface of the trail. The surface is hard packed sand for most of the route, with the occasional spots of softer sand or dirt. Shade along most of the route is excellent, year round, with the route being fairly wide open from mile 1 to 2.5 miles.

There are portions of the trail that are roped or gated to prevent vehicle access. Trail is still accessible for pedestrians.

The reserve is home to countless species of birds, reptiles, and mammals. Commonly seen through the reserve are turtles, alligators, deer, raccoons, and armadillos.