Maybe you’re an old pro at hiking trails, or perhaps a complete novice — wherever you fit on the spectrum, chances are you’ll find plenty of options to explore in the 2024 Hillsborough County Hiking Spree.
The spree, which runs through March 31, features trails at 22 locations throughout Hillsborough County. Some locations have more than one qualifying trail in the spree.
Trails are rated from easy to moderate to strenuous. Lengths range from less than a mile to more than 7 miles.
Parks officials recommend that novices first gain hiking experience at a neighborhood park, and then progress to more arduous paths at conservation parks and nature preserves.
The neighborhood parks and recreation centers are generally short, paved trails with water and facilities, unless otherwise noted. Additionally, most trails at neighborhood parks are ADA-accessible (Americans With Disabilities Act).
Conservation park trails provide more of a nature experience than your typical neighborhood park trail. Though some are paved, most are primitive trails that traverse a variety of natural habitats ranging from upland pine flatwoods to wetland swamps to bottomland forests. Most of the conservation parks have amenities, such as running water, restrooms, playgrounds and manicured pathways.
Nature preserve trails, meanwhile, take the nature experience up several notches — almost as if you’re briefly leaving civilization for a hike. On a nature preserve, development is kept to a minimum to protect natural areas and wildlife.
Nature preserve trailheads have small, unpaved parking lots, a fence with a walk-through entrance, and a small kiosk with trail information. They do not have restrooms or running water. Moreover, trails are unpaved, longer with fewer trail markers and have rougher terrain.
Dogs are welcome on most trails, but must be on a leash.
The hiking extravaganza — which draws thousands of participants annually — began in 2016 to encourage people to exercise, explore the outdoors, and experience nature through numerous parks and preserves.
Here’s how it works: Complete at least eight trails during this year’s spree and you will earn a patch, a medallion for a walking stick, or a bandana for a pet.
Participants can choose one hike that is not among the listed locations. They also can do the same trail twice — but not on the same day.
Hikers may go solo, explore new paths with a group, or go on a guided hike.
Many parks, preserves and trails are rotated in and out of the hiking spree each year, but a few locations are constants because they have so much to offer.
One of the regulars is Lettuce Lake Park — one of the county’s most popular parks, at 6920 E. Fletcher Ave., in Tampa.
More than half of Lettuce Lake Park is in the natural floodplain of the Hillsborough River and consists of hardwood swamp forest.
The park has a paved exercise trail and a 3,500-foot boardwalk with an observation tower that provides scenic views of the Hillsborough River. There’s also plenty of opportunities to see wildlife, from wading birds and songbirds, to even alligators.
Hillsborough’s Hiking Spree was modeled on successful programs elsewhere, most notably Summit Metro Parks’ community hiking event throughout Akron, Ohio.
The spree is timed to span fall and winter to take advantage of the cooler, drier weather, and to coincide with prime birdwatching times.
For more information and to register, visit HCFLGov.net/HikingSpree.
Parks and trails in the 2024 Hillsborough Hiking Spree:
Neighborhood Parks — short, paved trails with water facilities
- Country Place Park, 15728 Country Lake Blvd., Tampa. Bluebird Fitness Trail: 0.6 miles
- FishHawk Sports Complex, 16000 FishHawk Blvd., Lithia. Pandio Fitness Trail: 2.0 miles
- Jackson Springs Community Center, 8620 Jackson Springs Road, Tampa. Conejo Fitness Trail: 0.5 miles
- J.C. Handly Sports Complex, 3402 S. Kings Ave., Brandon. Vita Trail: 1.0 miles
- Lakeview Village Park, 1530 Lakeview Village Drive, Mango. Duck Pond Fitness Trail: 0.5 miles
- Miller Park & Life Center, 6105 E. Sligh Ave., Tampa. Oak Bluff Hiking Trail: 0.75 miles and/or All People’s Fitness Trail: 0.42 miles
- Wortham Park, 12108 Rhodine Road, Riverview. Bluestem Hiking Trail: 1.4 miles
Conservation Parks — mid-range, well-maintained paths and trails
- Alderman’s Ford Conservation Park, 100 Alderman’s Ford Conservation Park, Plant City. Picnic Trail and River’s Edge Extension: 2.3 miles
- Lettuce Lake Conservation Park, 6920 E. Fletcher Ave., Tampa. Hammock Run and Boardwalk: 2.0 miles (no dogs on boardwalk)
- Edward Medard Conservation Park, 6140 Turkey Creek Road, Plant City. Singing Bluffs: 1 mile
- Flatwoods Conservation Park, 14302 Morris Bridge Road, Thonotosassa. Big Loop in the Woods; Nature Trail Extension (out and back): 7.05 miles
- Lake Conservation Park, 17302 N. Dale Mabry Highway, Lutz. Lake Vista Trail: 1.5 miles
- Northwest Equestrian Park,10711 S. Mobley Road, Odessa. Triple Crown Trail: 4.5 miles, or Pony Express: 2.16 miles
Nature Preserves — no facilities, subject to daily conditions
- Bell Creek Nature Preserve, 10940 McMullen Road, Riverview. Second Chance Trail: 4.0 miles
- Blackwater Creek Nature Preserve, 2469 Patrinostro Road, Plant City. Savannah Trail: 6.4 miles
- Brooker Creek Headwaters Nature Preserve, 18102 Ramblewood Road, Odessa. Headwaters Heritage Trail: 4.5 miles
- Lake Dan Nature Preserve, 19116 Huckavelle Road, Odessa. Pasture to Prairie Trail: 2.0 miles
- Triple Creek/Balm Boyette, 13305 Balm Boyette Road, Riverview. Restoration Ramble: 2.6 miles
- Upper Little Manatee-579, 2608 South County Road 579, Wimauma. Pennyroyal Trail: 1.5 miles and/or Twin Pine Trail: 3.5 miles
Florida State Parks
- Alafia River State Park, 143626 S. County Road 39, Lithia. Old Agrico Hiking Trail: 0.8 mile
- Bullfrog Creek Wildlife and Environmental Area, 14601 U.S. 301, Wimauma. Tortoise Trek: 4.2 miles
- Hillsborough River State Park, 15402 U.S. 301 N., Thonotosassa. Barnyard Trail: 1.1 miles
Come prepared
When hiking, remember to bring these items:
- Correct trail map for your destination
- A compass or GPS
- Plenty of drinking water
- Appropriate shoes
- Sun protection
Additional details
- Participants can hike on their own, with a group or on a guided park staff hike
- Some sites have entrance and parking fees (check ahead)
- You must register for the hiking spree to receive a prize
- For more information and to register, visit HCFLGov.net/HikingSpree.
Published January 17, 2024
