The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Lettuce Lake Conservation Park

Audio park tours now available

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Hillsborough County Conservation & Environmental Lands Management has created audio tours for 14 of the county’s most popular preserves and conservation parks, according to a news release.

Residents now can take a guided tour of select Hillsborough County locations, courtesy of their cellphone.

Lettuce Lake Park is just one of 14 parks and preserves throughout Hillsborough County that residents and visitors can explore through a new audio tour app. (File)

The Hillsborough FL Nature Tours app outlines each park’s popular features and amenities, and describes the flora, fauna, and points of interest specific to each property.

The app includes maps of the parks and preserves, and uses GPS to show visitors their current location. As a person approaches a specific area, the app brings up photos and an audio tour.

For example, at Lettuce Lake Park, the app includes photos and information from eight points of interest within the park, providing visitors details about everything from alligators and the observation tower, to roseate spoonbills and the ancient cypress trees.

There are three ways to use the audio tours: Download the app and listen at each stop; use the QR code provided on signs at each stop; or, go to the drop-down menu in the app for photos and text, which can be particularly useful for those who are deaf or hearing impaired.

The app is free through app stores.

Audio tours are available with these 14 parks and preserves: Alderman’s Ford Conservation Park; Alafia River Corridor South Nature Preserve; Apollo Beach Nature Preserve; Bahia Beach Nature Preserve; Bell Creek Nature Preserve; Blackwater Creek Nature Preserve; Edward Medard Conservation Park; Golden Aster Scrub Nature Preserve; Lake Frances Nature Preserve; Lake Park Conservation Park; Lettuce Lake Conservation Park; Lower Green Swamp Nature Preserve; Triple Creek Nature Preserve; and, Upper Tampa Bay Conservation Park.

Published June 22, 2022

Hiking — it’s a fine way to enjoy the great outdoors

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Anybody ever tell you to take a hike?

Well, it’s not a bad idea, and this time of year is a great time to do it, especially since the sixth annual Hillsborough County Hiking Spree has begun.

Lettuce Lake Conservation Park is included in Hillsborough County’s 2022 Hiking Spree. It is one of 22 locations people are encouraged to visit throughout fall and winter. Within the park is a 1.25-mile paved exercise trail and 3,500-foot boardwalk with an observation tower that provides scenic views of the Hillsborough River, and an opportunity to see all sorts of wildlife, from wading birds and songbirds, to even alligators. (File)

This annual event offers residents an adventure challenge to explore different types of trails at local parks and preserves.

This year’s Hiking Spree features 26 trails at 22 locations spread throughout the county, encompassing neighborhood parks and recreation centers, conservation parks, nature preserves and state parks.

Here’s how it works: Complete at least eight trails between November and the end of March, and you will earn a patch, a medallion for a walking stick, or a pet bandana.

Participants can choose one hike that’s not on the listed locations.

Participants may go hiking solo, or along with a friends and family. Hikers can bring along dogs, too, as long as the canines are kept on a leash.

Hikers may repeat any trail twice for credit, as long as the hikes occur on different dates.

The Hiking Spree is designed to offer something for everyone, from hiking rookies to seasoned outdoor enthusiasts.

Trails are rated from easy to moderate to strenuous.

Lengths range from less than a mile to over 5 miles, such as the 5.36-mile Snaggy Run trail at Bell Creek Nature Preserve in Riverview.

Five of the 2022 Hiking Spree parks and preserves fall within The Laker/Lutz News coverage area. They are: Northdale Park, Ed Radice Sports Complex, Lettuce Lake Conservation Park, Lake Conservation Park, Lake Frances Nature Preserve, respectively.

While many of the parks, preserves and trails are rotated in and out of the Hiking Spree each year, a few locations are constants because they have so much to offer.

That includes Lettuce Lake — one of the county’s most popular parks, at 6920 East Fletcher Ave., in Tampa.

More than half of the park’s property lies in the natural flood plain of the Hillsborough River, consisting of a hardwood swamp forest. The remainder of the park consists of hardwood hammocks and pine flatwoods plant communities.

Hillsborough County’s 2022 Hiking Spree encourages people to exercise, explore the outdoors, and experience nature through numerous parks and preserves. If you complete at least eight trails at designated parks and preserves between November and March 31, you will receive a patch, a medallion for a walking stick, or a dog bandana.

Another darling is the 1.25-mile Singing Bluffs Trail at Edward Medard Conservation Park, 6140 Turkey Creek Road, in Plant City.

The trail is revered for unique elevation changes due to some old phosphate mines, alongside plenty of wildlife to admire from afar.

Making the list for the first time this year is the 2.5-mile Tidal Walk preserve Manatee Viewing Center in Apollo Beach.

Hillsborough County’s 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.

It was modeled on successful programs elsewhere, most notably Summit Metro Parks’ community hiking event throughout Akron, Ohio.

More than 5,500 people registered for last year’s Hiking Spree, in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic.

The five-monthlong achievement window spanning fall and winter is timed to take advantage of the cooler, drier weather, and to coincide with prime bird-watching times.

Parks officials recommend that novices first gain experience at a neighborhood park, and then progress to the 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.

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.

Participants are encouraged to post photos from their hikes using the hashtag #TakeAHikeHC.

For more information and to register, visit HCFLGov.net/HikingSpree.

Here is the list of parks and trails for the 2022 Hiking Spree:

Neighborhood Parks — short, paved trails with water facilities

  • Stephen J. Wortham Park, Riverview: Bluestem Trail: 1.4 miles
  • Northdale Park, Tampa: Owl Fitness Trail: 0.5 miles
  • Ed Radice Sports Complex, Odessa: Radice Fitness Park: 1.25 miles
  • All People’s Life Center, Tampa: All People’s Fitness Trail: 0.45 miles
  • Rodney Colson Park, Seffner: Cougar Fitness Trail: 0.5 miles
  • Boyette Springs Park, Riverview: Blackbird Fitness Trail: 0.75 miles
  • Bertha and Tony Saladino Park, Brandon: Sandhill Fitness Trail: 0.5 miles

Conservation Parks — mid-range, well-maintained paths and trails

  • Lettuce Lake Conservation Park, Tampa: Hammock Run: 1.25 miles; Boardwalk: 0.75 miles
  • Edward Medard Conservation Park, Plant City: Singing Bluffs: 1.25 miles; Levee Trail: 2.6 miles
  • Lake Conservation Park, Lutz: Lake Vista Trail: 1.5 miles
  • Alderman’s Ford Conservation Park, Plant City: Picnic Trail: 1.9 miles
  • Upper Tampa Bay Conservation Park, Tampa: Bobcat Trail: 0.4 miles, Otter Trail: 0.6 miles, Eagle Trail: 0.25 miles

Nature Preserves — no facilities, subject to daily conditions

  • Lower Green Swamp Nature Preserve, Plant City: Longleaf Loop: 5 miles
  • Alafia River Corridor South Preserve, Lithia: Horseshoe Trail: 3 miles
  • Bell Creek Nature Preserve, Riverview: Snaggy Run: 5.36 miles
  • Bahia Beach Nature Preserve, Ruskin: Wetland Walk: 1.4 miles
  • Lake Frances Nature Preserve, Odessa: Pasture Pass: 4.5 miles
  • Blackwater Creek Nature Preserve, Plant City: Creekview Trail: 4.36 miles

Florida State Parks

  • Alafia River State Park, Lithia: Old Agrico Hiking Trail: 1 mile
  • Little Manatee River State Park, Wimauma: North Hiking Trail: 2.9 miles
  • Manatee Viewing Center, Apollo Beach: Tidal Walk: 2.5 miles
  • Hillsborough River State Park, Thonotosassa: Wetland Trail: 3.5 miles

Come prepared, and pace yourself

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

Published November 10, 2021

This fall, take a hike

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Suffering from pandemic-induced cabin fever? Perhaps some fresh air and outdoor exercise in a local park or preserve can clear the homebound blues.

Maybe it’s best to take a hike.

While so much has changed in this unusual year, at least one thing remains on track: Hillsborough County’s fifth annual Hiking Spree.

Sponsored by the county’s parks and recreation department, the adventure challenge encourages people to exercise, explore the outdoors, and experience nature through numerous parks and preserves.

Lettuce Lake Conservation Park is included in Hillsborough County’s 2021 Hiking Spree. It is one of 20 parks and 25 trails people are encouraged to visit throughout fall and winter. (File)

This year’s trail list features 25 trails at 20 locations throughout the county.

Here’s how the spree works: Complete at least eight trails between November and March 31 and earn a patch, a medallion for a walking stick, or a dog bandana. One of the hikes can be at a location of the participant’s choice that is not on the list of 20 locations.

Participants may hike on their own, or in a group setting with friends and family. Some sites have entrance and parking fees. Hikers may repeat any trail twice for credit, as long as the hikes occur on different dates.

Hiking Spree trails are designed to offer something for everyone, from hiking rookies to seasoned outdoor enthusiasts. Hikes are rated from easy to moderate to strenuous.

Lengths range from less than a mile to 7-miles long — such as the paved loop road at Thonotosassa’s Flatwoods Conservation Park.

Environmentally diverse sites are spread throughout the county and range from neighborhood parks such as Carrollwood Village Park, to large preserves with multiple habitats like the 1,100-acre Lake Dan Nature Preserve in Odessa.

Also, for the first time, this year’s trail list includes two state parks – Alafia River State Park and Little Manatee River State Park, in Lithia and Wimauma, respectively.

A total of seven of the 2021 Hiking Spree parks and preserves fall within The Laker/Lutz News coverage area: Carrollwood Village Neighborhood Park, Peterson Road Park, Lettuce Lake Conservation Park, Lake Rogers Conservation Park, Lake Dan Nature Preserve and Cypress Creek Nature Preserve.

While most parks, preserves and trails are rotated in and out of the Hiking Spree each year, a few locations are constants because they have so much to offer.

That includes Lettuce Lake, one of the county’s most popular parks, at 6920 East Fletcher Ave., in Tampa.

More than half of the park’s property lies in the natural flood plain of the Hillsborough River, consisting of a hardwood swamp forest. The remainder of the park consists of hardwood hammocks and pine flatwoods plant communities.

Within the park is a 1.25-mile paved exercise trail and 3,500-foot boardwalk with an observation tower that provides scenic views of the Hillsborough River and an opportunity to see all sorts of wildlife, from wading birds and songbirds, to even alligators.

Another favorite is the 1.25-mile Singing Bluffs Trail at Edward Medard Conservation Park, 95256 South County Road 39, in Plant City. The trail is noted for unique elevation changes due to some old phosphate mines, alongside plenty of wildlife to admire from afar.

Since its creation in 2016, the Hiking Spree program has grown in popularity each year, now drawing thousands of participants. The five-monthlong achievement window spanning fall and winter is timed to take advantage of the cooler, drier weather and to coincide with prime bird-watching times.

Here’s the list of parks and trails for the 2021 Hiking Spree:

Neighborhood Parks and Recreation Centers — short, paved trails with water and facilities

  • Wortham Neighborhood Park, Riverview: Bluestem Trail (1.4 miles), Sand Pine Trail (1.7 miles)
  • Carrollwood Village Neighborhood Park, Tampa: Laurel Oak Fitness Trail (1 mile)
  • Peterson Road Park, Odessa: Upper Tampa Bay Trail (2.4 miles)
  • Lucy Dell Community Pond, Tampa: Boardwalk Fitness Trail (0.5 miles)
  • Seffner CommUNITY Park & Garden, Seffner: Hickory Fitness Trail (0.75 miles)
  • FishHawk Sports Complex, Tampa: Pandion Fitness Trail (2 miles)
  • Ruskin Neighborhood Park, Ruskin: Quiet Pines Fitness Trail (1.2 miles)

Conservation Parks — Mid-range, well-maintained paths and trails

  • Lettuce Lake Conservation Park, Tampa: Hammock Run (1.25 miles), Boardwalk (0.75 mile)
  • Edward Medard Conservation Park, Plant City: Singing Bluffs (1 mile), Levee Trail (2.64 miles)
  • Lake Rogers Conservation Park, Odessa: Lakeside Trail (1.8 miles)
  • Flatwoods Conservation Park, Thonotosassa: The Big Loop In The Woods (7 miles)
  • Upper Tampa Bay Conservation Park, Tampa: Bobcat Trail (0.5 mile), Otter Trail (0.7 mile), Eagle Trail (0.3 mile)

Nature Preserves — No facilities, subject to daily conditions

  • Apollo Beach Nature Preserve, Apollo Beach: Beach Dune Trail (0.2 mile)
  • Lake Dan Nature Preserve, Odessa: West Spur Trail (4.8 miles)
  • Bell Creek Nature Preserve, Riverview: Pine Lily Loop (3.7 miles)
  • Cypress Creek Nature Preserve, Tampa: Two Loops Trail (3.4 miles)
  • Golden Aster Nature Preserve, Gibsonton: Blue Lake Trail (3.3 miles)
  • Blackwater Creek Nature Preserve, Plant City: Creekview Trail (4.4 miles)

Florida State Parks

  • Alafia River State Park, Lithia: Old Agrico Hiking Trail (1 mile)
  • Little Manatee River State Park, Wimauma: North Hiking Trail (6.5 miles)

Come prepared, and pace yourself
When hiking, it’s important to bring the following items:

  • Correct trail map for your destination
  • A compass or GPS
  • Plenty of drinking water
  • Appropriate shoes
  • Sun protection

Parks officials also recommend that novices first gain experience at a neighborhood park, and then progress to the conservation parks and nature preserves.

The neighborhood parks and recreation centers are generally short, paved trails with water and facilities, unless otherwise noted.

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.

What’s helpful, though, is nature preserves do feature trail markings, or blazes, usually colored in red, blue or yellow. These paint markings located on posts or trees will help guide you in the proper direction. So, if you come to an intersection, look for a blaze for what direction to hike. It’s recommended to always carry a map when hiking a nature preserve.

Participants are encouraged to post photos from their hikes using the hashtag #TakeAHikeHC. Visit HCFLGov.net/hikingspree for information and to register.

Published November 04, 2020

Annual Hiking Spree features new trails, challenges

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Hillsborough County’s annual Hiking Spree is back, with some new twists, turns and challenges.

The hiking extravaganza, now in its fourth year, encourages people to exercise, explore the outdoors, and experience nature through the county’s numerous parks and preserves.

The 2020 Hiking Spree trail list features 24 trails at 21 locations throughout the county.

Five of those parks sit within The Laker Lutz News coverage area: Carrollwood Village Neighborhood Park, Lake Conservation Park, Lettuce Lake Conservation Park, Upper Tampa Bay Trail— Lutz Lake Fern, and Brooker Creek Headwaters Nature Preserve.

Lettuce Lake Conservation Park is included in this year’s Hiking Spree. It is one of 21 parks and 24 trails people are encouraged to try out this fall and winter. (File)

The Hiking Spree is designed to offer something for everyone from hiking rookies to seasoned outdoor enthusiasts. Hikers can walk paths near their homes, but also are encouraged to explore new terrain throughout the county.

Here’s how it works: Hikers who complete at least eight trails between Nov. 1 and March 31, 2020 can earn a patch, a medallion for a walking stick or a dog tag. Hikers may repeat any trail twice for credit provided they occur on different dates. Participants may hike on their own, with a dog, with others or on guided park staff hikes.

Most trails range from less than a mile to more than 4 miles, labeled from easy to strenuous.

To captivate more daring hikers, lengthier trails ranging from nearly 7 miles to over 9 miles are new this year — at Alafia River Corridor Nature Preserve North and South locations in Plant City and Lithia, and Lower Green Swamp Nature Preserve in Plant City.

Incorporating some longer trails was requested by Hiking Spree participants last year, said Hiking Spree program coordinator Chris Kiddy, who also works for the county’s conservation and environmental lands management division.

Said Kiddy: “We’ve introduced a lot of people to hiking over the last few years with this, and some of the feedback we were hearing from last year was, ‘Hey, I love this, but I’d really like some longer hikes.’”

The Hiking Spree has shown to be a hit since introduced in 2016 by the county’s parks and recreation department.

About 1,000 people participated in the inaugural year, growing to about 3,700 participants in 2018-2019. County parks and recreation officials this year are hoping for as many 5,000 participants.

Kiddy has witnessed the surge over the years, as he gets trails ready each year and participates in the hiking challenge himself.

He put it like this: “What we hear more than anything from people is that they’re just amazed by how many opportunities that they have to see nature in Hillsborough County. We have over a million people in this area and you kind of think that it’s just this huge, urban area, (but) we have these little hidden places all over the county that are just places you can go to escape and get in touch with nature.”

While most parks and preserves and trails are rotated in and out of the Hiking Spree each year, a few locations are constants because of their popularity.

That includes Lettuce Lake, one of the county’s most visited parks, at 6920 East Fletcher Ave., in Tampa.

More than half of the park’s property lies in the natural floodplain of the Hillsborough River, consisting of a hardwood swamp forest. The remainder of the park consists of hardwood hammocks and pine flatwoods plant communities.

Within the park is a 1.25-mile paved exercise trail and 3,500-foot boardwalk with an observation tower that provides scenic views of the Hillsborough River and the opportunity to see all sorts of wildlife, from wading birds and songbirds, to alligators.

Kiddy said of the spot: “Pretty much everything you can possibly see in nature you see right there in that small area, I think that’s why people enjoy that so much.”

Another hiking favorite is the 1.25-mile Singing Bluffs Trail at Edward Medard Conservation Park, 95256 South County Road 39 in Plant City.

“That’s another one where you see a lot of wildlife,” Kiddy said, “and that one is also really cool and unique because it uses some old phosphate mines as part of the trail, so there’s some elevation changes on that trail that people seem to really enjoy.”

Organizers this year also have added a new adventure challenge called “Trail Magic.”

Each week, hikers will be given clues and directions on the county’s social media accounts to locate a hidden “Trail Magic” spot on a trail and then become eligible for a free prize.

The hidden spot will rotate between each of the designated Hiking Spree trails and will have signs showing off the giveaway you could win, once you locate it. Giveaways will range from hiking supplies to massage gift certificates.

Kiddy said the concept derives from thru-hikers on the Appalachian Trail to describe an unexpected act of kindness or goodwill that lifts a hiker’s spirits. In that environment, it’s often something as simple as being offered a snack or drink by a passing hiker or an onlooker offering a hot meal and a shower at their cabin.

“We just kind of wanted to play on that and approach providing some ‘trail magic’ of our own for the hiking spree,” Kiddy said.

This year’s Hiking Spree will be celebrated with a kickoff party on Nov. 9 at 9 a.m., at Upper Tampa Bay Park, 8001 Double Branch Road in Tampa.

The event will include games, nature arts and crafts, outdoor workshops, and classes on orienteering, knot tying, how to make your own hiking stick, and more. A variety of hikes will be offered, including a plant ID hike, birding hike, bug walk, and kids hike.

Registration for the Hiking Spree is available at hcflgov.net/hikingspree. Cost is free, though there is a $2-per-vehicle fee to enter some parks.

Also of note: The county is seeking volunteers to join its new Trail CATS (County Associated Trail Stewards) stewardship program, to help county staff maintain existing trails and explore new trail opportunities. Duties may include blazing and trimming trails, inspecting trails, installing signs, and other trail-related tasks.

For more information, email Chris Kiddy at .

Here is the list of parks and trails for the 2020 Hiking Spree:

Neighborhood Parks and Recreation Centers — short, paved, trails with water and facilities

  • All People’s Life Center: All People’s Fitness Trail (0.4 miles)
  • Branchton Neighborhood Park: Gray Fox Fitness Trail (0.75 miles)
  • Carrollwood Village Neighborhood Park: Laurel Oak Fitness Trail (1 mile)
  • Dover District Neighborhood Park: Arrowhead Fitness Trail (1.2 miles)
  • Jackson Springs Neighborhood Park: Conejo Fitness Trail (0.5 miles)
  • Ruskin/Baudette Neighborhood Trail: Quiet Pines Fitness Trail (0.5 miles)
  • Stephen J. Wortham Park: Bluestem Hiking Trail, Sand Pine Trail (3.1 miles total)

Conservation Parks — mid-range, well-maintained paths and trails

  • Alderman’s Ford Conservation Park: Two Rivers Loop, Rivers Edge Trail (2.2 miles total)
  • Edward Medard Conservation Park: Singing Bluffs (1.25 miles)
  • Eureka Springs Conservation Park: Peaceful Paths Trail (0.75 miles)
  • Lake Conservation Park: Tortoise Trail (3.2 miles)
  • Lettuce Lake Conservation Park: Limpkin Loop, Cypress Dome (2.2 miles total)
  • Upper Tampa Bay Conservation Park: Bobcat, Eagle, and Otter Trails (1.7 miles)
  • Upper Tampa Bay Trail—Lutz Lake Fern: Robin Trail (3.3 miles)

Nature Preserves— No facilities, subject to daily conditions

  • Alafia River Corridor Nature Preserve-North: Old Mine Trail (7 miles)
  • Alafia River Corridor Nature Preserve-South: Chito Branch Trail (6.7 miles)
  • Alderman’s Ford Nature Preserve: Riverbend Trail (3.5 miles)
  • Brooker Creek Headwaters Nature Preserve: Ramblewood Trail (3.6 miles)
  • Camp Bayou Nature Preserve: River Ramble Trail (2 miles)
  • Lower Green Swamp Nature Preserve: Cone Ranch Trail (9.5 miles)
  • Wolf Branch Nature Preserve: Salty Trail (2 miles)

For information or to register, visit hcflgov.net/hikingspree.

Published October 30, 2019

Take a walk on the wild side during American Wetlands month

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Nature-lovers can explore four of Hillsborough County’s most scenic wetlands areas during free tours being offered as part of American Wetlands Month.

Myriad bird species make their home in Alderman’s Ford Conservation Park, such as red-shouldered hawks. (Courtesy of Hillsborough County)

The guided tours are being offered by the wetlands division of the Environmental Protection Commission of Hillsborough County, and the Conservation and Environmental Lands Management Department of Hillsborough County.

Guides will give tour-takers a chance to learn about different kinds of plants and find out why wetlands are important, said Jackie Jordan, wetlands division project manager for the Environmental Protection Commission of Hillsborough County.

Some of those benefits include serving as a habitat for many wildlife species, providing recreational opportunities, filtering drinking water and reducing flooding hazards, Jordan said.

This is the schedule of the upcoming tours:

  • May 5 from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m.: Lettuce Lake Conservation Park, 6920 E. Fletcher Ave., in Tampa.
  • May 11 from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m.: Lutz Lake Fern Trailhead, 7020 Lutz Lake Fern Road in Odessa.
  • May 19 from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m.: Alderman’s Ford Conservation Park, 100 Alderman’s Ford Park Drive in Plant City (There is more than one entrance, this one is the best one to use).
  • May 25 from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m.: Upper Tampa Bay Conservation Park, 8001 Double Branch Road in Tampa.

Although the tours are free, there is a $2 park entry fee per vehicle, for up to eight people.

Other things to know about these tours:

  • Anyone under 18 must be accompanied by adult
  • Hikers will walk a distance of 1 mile to 2 miles

Those planning to go on the tour are advised to bring water in a refillable container, a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen and bug spray.

Bringing a camera is a good idea, too, Jordan said, noting there will likely be some photo opportunities.

Published May 2, 2018