There are also shaded hiking trails along the river and kayaking and canoeing on little manatee river. What’s to love: Little Manatee River State Park is unique because it offers equestrian trails and equestrian camping. Where: Southern most part of Hillsborough county and equal distance from Tampa and St. Little Manatee River State Park Photo Credit: Florida State Parks There’s also a natural jungle gym made of exposed tree roots.ġ0. What’s to love: Edward Medard has nature trails, a boardwalk, and a lake perfect for alligator spotting. There are also shaded nature trails that will really have you feeling like you have escaped the city life. There is a boardwalk trail with relaxing views of the Hillsborough River. What’s to love: Trout Creek Park is a hidden gem. Where: New Tampa/ Thonotosassa just east of I-75 and down the road from USF on Morris Bridge What’s to love: The paved trail makes it great for bike riding and the residential proximity makes it very accessible and easy to get to from multiple trailhead entries.Ĭheck out my favorite things to do on the Tampa Riverwalk! The trail continues north from Van Dyke Road north and then east to the trailhead on Lutz Lake Fern Road, connecting to the Suncoast Trail at the Veterans Expressway. Currently, the trail runs along the west shore of Channel A from a trailhead off Memorial Highway/Montague Street, past Waters Avenue, Linebaugh, and then due north to Gunn Highway, Ehrlich Road and ending at Peterson Road Park. Where: The Upper Tampa Bay Trail is located in residential northwest Hillsborough County. It’s an easy in and out trail that will reward you with an amazing surprise view at the end. The hiking trails are well maintained dirt trails providing peaceful ambience to really be one with nature.ĭon’t skip the eagle trail. What’s to love: Upper Tampa Bay is a regional park located on the bay with multiple trails, a boardwalk on the water, and a kayak launch where you can paddle a mangrove trail. Where: To experience this Tampa hiking trail, head to the western most part of the county to Oldsmar. The park is very popular for it’s mountain bike trails. Be advised that especially on weekends this park sees heave usage from mountain bike riders.

The trails take you past meadows and and into shaded pine forests. What’s to love: What I loved about Alafia was the natural beauty and serenity. Where: Head to Lithia in the southeast part of the county to explore this Tampa nature park. Alafia River State Park Photo Credit: Florida State Parks There are also other hiking trails that will take you into the forest.Ĭlick here for a special rate on renting kayaks and SUPs.ĥ. There are beautiful shaded portions of the trail and foot bridges. What’s to love: Alderman’s Ford Conservation is a mix of paved paths and boardwalks and meanders along the Alafia River. Where: Venture to to the Eastern most part of the county to Plant City to experience one of my favorite nature trails in Tampa Bay.

There is also a place to rent and launch kayaks. This park is a prime location to see turtles and alligators during your hike. What’s to love: The trails are boardwalks through Florida swamp surrounded by towering cypress trees and serene views of the lake. Where: Lettuce Lake Park is a nature park great for hiking in Tampa located in Temple Terrace just down the street from the University of South Florida. There’s also a covered bridge! Bat Flower / Photo Credit: Lauren R.

Don’t miss seeing the bat flower and the orchid greenhouse. The trail is paved in parts through the garden and a boardwalk for the nature trail. What’s to love: This park is actually a botanical garden year-round! The flowers are gorgeous and worth the trip. Where: Eureka Springs is a county park near the Tampa Executive Airport in East Tampa. This park is also popular for fishing and canoeing. The paths are dirt or boardwalk on the rapids trail. There are also a number of suspension footbridges. What’s to love: This state park has a trail that takes you to the scenic overlook of the only Class II rapids in the state of Florida. This park has some of the best Florida hiking trails for beginners. Where: Hillsborough River State Park is located in Thonotassasa in the eastern part of the county. 1.Hillsborough River State Park Rapids at Hillsborough River State Park/ Photo Credit: Lauren R.

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