Golden Aster Scrub Nature Preserve

This 1,181-acre nature preserve includes a ridge of endemic and imperiled scrub habitats surrounded by pine flatwoods and pockets of wet prairie, hardwood swamp, and freshwater marsh. Rare species found here include the Florida goldenaster and Florida Scrub Jay. The marked hiking trail is a 3-mile loop, much of it sandy and sunny. Golden Aster Scrub Nature Preserve was purchased by Hillsborough County through the Jan K. Platt Environmental Lands Acquisition and Protection Program (ELAPP) in 1995.

Golden Aster Preserve Trail Map

Golden Aster Scrub Management Plan

Hiking Safety Guidelines

Always be prepared when hiking on nature preserves:

• Bring plenty of water
• Download the map
• Tell someone your plan
• Wear proper shoes and sun protection
• Stay on marked trails
• During the rainy season, many trails will have standing water.
• If you think you are lost, call us at (813) 672-7876
• In case of an emergency, call 911