Below is a list of the top and leading Hiking Trails in Tampa, FL. To help you find the best Hiking Trails located near you in Tampa, we put together our own list based on this rating points list.
Tampa’s Best Hiking Trails:
The top rated Hiking Trails in Tampa, FL are:
- Lettuce Lake Park – one of Hillsborough County’s most visited parks
- Cypress Creek Nature Preserve – part of a vast wildlife corridor which extends into Pasco and Polk Counties
- Lower Hillsborough Wilderness Preserve – nature preserve with picnic areas, over 60 mi. of forest trails & a river for canoeing & fishing
- Flatwoods Park – entryway with a parking lot & paved pathways connecting to the woodland park’s 7-mile main trail
- Tampa Riverwalk East End – a nonprofit organization working in partnership with the City of Tampa to develop, activate and promote Tampa’s downtown waterfront
Lettuce Lake Park
Lettuce Lake Park is one of the most popular parks in Hillsborough County. Moreover, half of the park’s land is covered by a hardwood swamp forest in the Hillsborough River’s natural floodplain. Hardwood hammocks and pine Flatwoods plant groups make up the rest of the park. The park has woodland picnic spaces and playgrounds, as well as a 1.25-mile paved fitness route and a 3,500-foot boardwalk with an observation tower that overlooks the Hillsborough River. On weekends, park rangers and volunteers lead ecological education trips.
Products/Services:
Hiking Trail
LOCATION:
Address: 6920 E Fletcher Ave, Tampa, FL 33637
Phone: (813) 987 6204
Website: hillsboroughcounty.org/locations/lettuce-lake-conservation-park
REVIEWS:
“The boardwalk and paved walking trail make this a nicely accessible park. Many people use the park to get some quiet, nature-filled exercise. Call or check the website to see if canoes/kayaks are available to rent, and explore the far shorelines for birds and alligators. Pavilions are available to rent as well. There’s also a large kids playground area. Pets and bikes are allowed in the park, but they cannot go on the boardwalk. The scenery can be dramatically different if you visit during different times of year, so be sure to come back and see what’s changed.” – Jessica Boulton
Cypress Creek Nature Preserve
Cypress Creek Nature Preserve is a large wildlife corridor that runs across Pasco and Polk counties. Cypress Creek flows into the Hillsborough River, providing the region with substantial water quality benefits. Hardwood forests and swamps, pine Flatwoods, wet prairies, cypress stands, and freshwater marshes are among the natural habitats found within the preserve. Pavilions are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Approximately 1300 feet southwest of the parking area is a walk-through gate leading to a hiking trail.
Products/Services:
Hiking Trail
LOCATION:
Address: 18000 Lizards Tail Rd, Tampa, FL 33647=
Phone: (813) 264 8513
Website: hillsboroughcounty.org/en/locations/cypress-creek-nature-preserve
REVIEWS:
“Open sunrise to sunset. Nice parking area and the tail head is a short walk on the sidewalk towards the school. You can’t miss it. I really the well marked and colored trail. Before you go look on the Hillsborough County website for the trail map to get your bearings on the different loops and color markers. The trail was dry. The tall grasses and wild flowers were very picturesque” – Caroline Recio
Lower Hillsborough Wilderness Preserve
Lower Hillsborough Wilderness Preserve contains one of Hillsborough County’s largest contiguous recreation areas. As important as this location has become in providing enjoyment to the Tampa Bay area, its primary role is water storage and supply. Following significant flooding caused by Hurricane Donna in 1960, the United States launched the Four River Basins, Florida Project. The Army Corps of Engineers is working to save Tampa and Temple Terrace from flooding. Another significant goal of the LHWP is to protect natural resources. The Hillsborough River, which runs about 13 miles and is one-fourth of its length, is the area’s most notable natural feature.
Products/Services:
Hiking Trail
LOCATION:
Address: 15846 Morris Bridge Rd, Thonotosassa, FL 33592
Phone: (352) 796 7211
Website: swfwmd.state.fl.us/recreation/lower-hillsborough-wilderness-preserve
REVIEWS:
“Some great trails on a beautiful day. I went there for a bike ride and let me tell you the names are tricky. I’m definitely out of shape and haven’t ridden a bike in a while and even the “easy” trail had me putting in some work, but it was fun and so worth it. I’ll also add be it hiking or riding bring bug spray! The mosquitos were out in full force!!” – Willis Lucero
Flatwoods Park
Flatwoods Park is a nature-filled hideaway known for its seven-mile asphalt circular road that acts as a multiuse trail. Within the Park lies the Morris Bridge well-field, with well-houses visible along the trail. Bruce B. Downs Boulevard and the loop road are connected by a two-mile paved extension. A paved bicycle circle, off-road bike trails, secluded picnicking, and nature walks are among the park’s activities and amenities.
Products/Services:
Hiking Trail
LOCATION:
Address: 18205 Bruce B Downs Blvd, Tampa, FL 33647
Phone: (813) 987 6211
Website: hillsboroughcounty.org/en/locations/flatwoods-conservation-park
REVIEWS:
“I had a great time at Flatwoods Park. Things were a little wet from the rain but we were still able to go on the paved path. When it is not as wet, there are a lot of off road trails. These are really fun for biking. They also had a couple of checkpoints throughout the trails with shade and cold water. It gets really hot so I love knowing they have these check points to help people stay hydrated. I will note that if you are walking you may not make it to a check area so make sure to bring water!” – Tiffany M
Tampa Riverwalk East End
Tampa Riverwalk East End is a non-profit organization dedicated to developing, activating, and promoting Tampa’s downtown waterfront in collaboration with the City of Tampa. Their goals are to connect downtown riverfront parks, museums, attractions, and businesses while also supporting the Riverwalk’s continued expansion and development, resulting in an enticing outdoor destination and a stronger sense of community. Support additional growth and development along the Riverwalk that improves community access to the riverfront, improves transportation and connectivity and expands people-oriented uses and experiences.
Products/Services:
Hiking Trail
LOCATION:
Address: Tampa Riverwalk, Tampa, FL 33602
Website: thetampariverwalk.com
REVIEWS:
“Nice 1.4 mile run. But several spots were blocked. And detours were easy enough to follow but inconvenient.” – Rob Montana
Monica has worked as a journalist for nearly a decade having contributed to several large publications online. As a business expert, Monica reviews local and national businesses.