15 more Tampa Bay-area trails to hike, bike, explore
Editor’s note: A version of this story first appeared in the Tampa Bay Times in 2021. The story below has been lightly edited to update it for 2023.
Falling a bit behind on your New Year’s resolution to get out and explore Tampa Bay? We’re here to help, and the solution may be within walking distance.
Native Floridian Mari Faiello and a few fellow Tampa Bay Times staffers hiked some of the area’s best trails. And we quickly learned a second installment would be necessary. This time Mari struck out on her own (unless you count her 3-year-old German Shepherd, Thor).
There likely will be even more trails to tackle. In the meantime, enjoy some of these gems we discovered.
East Tampa
Alafia Scrub Nature Preserve
This preserve offers a nice, shady spot behind a populated area of Riverview. Get your exercise in without getting sunburned or breaking too much of a sweat. Be careful not to slip on the foliage or trip over tree roots. Around the halfway point of the loop, take the steps out to the mini pier to see some of the Alafia River. With all of the dirt and foliage, this trail might not fare well after a rainy day/afternoon, so it’s best to hit it up on a sunnier day.
Address: 10243 Elbow Bend Rd., Riverview, Florida, 33578
Distance: A .8-mile loop and a 1.3-mile loop
Hours: Sunrise to sunset
Amenities: Dog friendly, no restrooms/water
Trail mix: There’s no water onsite to cool down, so don’t miss the nearby Dairy Queen.
Fish Hawk Creek Nature Preserve North Loop
This unpaved loop is well-shaded and provides nice views of the water. Follow the white arrows and numbered posts (one through eight) to stay on the right path. There may be standing water spots, but not large enough to cause any panic. Just wet socks. And don’t forget your $2 to get into the preserve.
Address: 3931 Lithia Springs Rd., Lithia, Florida, 33547
Distance: Trail is a 3.1-mile loop
Hours: 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. during the spring/summer; 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. in the fall/winter
Amenities: Dog friendly, restrooms available, picnic tables
Trail mix: Lithia Springs is good for cooling off after and making a day trip out of your adventure.
Golden Aster Scrub Nature Preserve Trail
Break out the sunblock and a good hat. The trail is sandy, so prepare accordingly. There are a couple of nice water views about 0.5 miles in and an even better one about 1.5 miles in. With the palm fronds and scarce shade, this low-traffic trail reminded me a lot of Chito Branch Reserve in Lithia.
Address: 12181 East Bay Rd., Gibsonton, Florida, 33534
Distance: Trail is about 3 miles
Hours: Sunrise to sunset
Amenities: Dog friendly, no water, picnic shelters
Trail mix: If you go in the morning, stop in at Keke’s Breakfast Cafe on US-301.
Triple Creek Nature Preserve
The secluded dirt/sand/mud trail may push novice hikers a bit out of their comfort zone. If you opt to wear tennis shoes, bring plastic bags because you’ll definitely run into unavoidable water spots. If you opt for sandals, be careful of the debris and tons of sand at the start and end of your trek. Thor still hates water, but he navigated through the wet spots — and over the creek. Something to keep in mind if you bring the pooch. Keep an eye out for snakes in muddy areas, and pay attention to the red spots on posts and trees to stay on the “path.”
Address: 13305 Balm Boyette Rd. Riverview, Florida, 33579
Distance: Trail is 2.6 miles
Hours: Sunrise to sunset
Amenities: No restrooms or water, dog friendly, picnic tables
Trail Mix: Stop by the Publix on Fishhawk Boulevard for a Pub Sub after your walk.
Tampa
Lake Rogers Park Trail
If I lived closer to Odessa, I’d be at this park at least once a week. The swinging bench that overlooks the lake is the perfect place to relax with a book. The natural vegetation can obscure the view a bit in spots. Take the red trail to stay closer to the water. It’s also not a bad idea to wear a hat, though there is a nice breeze off the water. And it’s prepped for pets (there’s a doggy bowl by the water cooler station). A canoe launch at the start of the loop adds an extra way to explore.
Address: 9010 North Mobley Rd. Odessa, Florida, 33556
Distance: Trail is a 2.4-mile loop
Hours: 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Amenities: $2 per vehicle (cash or card), dog friendly, portable restrooms, picnic tables, park benches, potable water
Trail mix: Swing by the nearby Dunkin’ Donuts to relax with a Coolatta.
Lettuce Lake Regional Park Loop
I absolutely loved hiking this trail. The park is full of shade and nice amenities along the paved 1.2-mile loop. There are water fountains and even some doggy fountains along the paved path. You can take your dog along for the ride (like I did) or bring your bike, skateboard or roller blades. You can walk along the boardwalk, too, which features an observation tower. Park at any of the lots within the park, and you can find an entrance to the trail. And don’t forget your $2 (in cash) for the park fee. Students attending USF or Florida College should bookmark this place, since it’s close to both campuses.
Address:
Distance: Trail is 1.25 miles
Hours: Daily, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. (spring/summer), 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. (fall/winter)
Amenities: Dogs allowed (except on the boardwalk), bathrooms and water fountains along trail, roller blading, skateboarding, biking, and canoe and kayak rentals (available at park’s entry station)
Trail mix: Grab a Frappuccino from Starbucks or Coolatta from Dunkin’ to celebrate your trek.
Violet Cury Nature Preserve Loop
If you’re looking for another water spot, try Violet Cury. Be careful not to slip on leaves and bring a walking stick to help avoid stepping on a snake. Look out for trail posts (white diamonds) and yellow paint on the trees to stay on the right path. This might not be the best option after a rainy day.
Address: 1802 Sinclair Hills Rd. Lutz, Florida, 33549
Distance: Trail is 2.25 miles
Hours: Sunrise to sunset
Amenities: Dog friendly, bike rack available, no restrooms/water
Trail mix: Can’t beat a custard from the nearby Culver’s.
Palm Harbor/Dunedin
John Chesnut Sr. Park Loop
If you’re not looking to wander too far off the beaten path, opt for this paved trail. There’s no sign that says where to start or end, but it wraps around the outskirts of the park. There’s plenty of shade and a dog park, too. Stay to the left when entering the park, and take in the view of Lake Tarpon from the observation tower.
Address: 2200 East Lake Rd., Palm Harbor, Florida, 34685
Distance: Trail is a 2.7-mile loop
Hours: Daily, 7 a.m. to sunset
Amenities: Observation tower, restrooms, water fountains, picnic tables, dog friendly, dog park, horseshoe pits, playgrounds, boat ramp (fee charged)
Trail mix: Sip on a Strawberry Açai Refresher, with lemonade, from Starbucks.
Pinellas Trail at Wall Springs Park
Wall Springs Park is another gem with a water view. It’s an easy, paved loop with great amenities to spend the day. The best part is the lookout toward the back of the loop (and Boggy Bayou is just a great name). Bring snacks or lunch; plenty of picnic tables around.
Address: 3725 Desoto Blvd., Palm Harbor, Florida, 34683
Distance: Trail is a 1.1-mile loop
Hours: Daily, 7 a.m. to sunset
Amenities: Observation tower, dog friendly (except on piers and docks), wheelchair accessible, restrooms and picnic tables
Trail mix: Grain and Berry is a nice brunch spot (opt for the Caprese Deliciousness Avocado Toast).
St. Petersburg
North Bay Trail
While somewhat popular with locals, the North Bay Trail offers a good glimpse of the St. Pete life for visitors and Tampa residents. The trail starts by the St. Pete Pier and goes all the way up to Rio Vista Park. While the path itself was enjoyable, I was disappointed with the lack of upkeep (there were dead fish leftnover from fishing adventures on the grass bank) and little to no shade. However, the view of the water and the parks around made it enjoyable. If you decide to go for a good chunk of time, use the ParkMobile app (when available) so you don’t have to cut your visit short. You can also bring a hammock to swing in under some palm trees while enjoying a nice book if you have some time to kill and want to enjoy some Florida sunshine.
Address: Vinoy Park or the St. Pete Pier make for good starting points with nearby parking
Distance: Trail is about 6 miles
Hours: Daily
Amenities: Restrooms, dog-friendly (on leash), public parks
Trail mix: Check out the St. Pete Pier and grab a bite to eat (and maybe an adult drink) while you’re there.
Weedon Island Preserve Trail
Weedon Island Preserve is a great spot for a short walk, escaping into the sounds of nature, right in the middle of everything. Located about 20 minutes from both downtown St. Petersburg and downtown Tampa, just at the base of the Gandy Boulevard bridge in St. Pete, it’s easy to get to. None of the trails are challenging — they’re flat, well-cleared and a couple of miles or less. The trails cross from sunny to shaded, so be prepared for both. The preserve offers an observation tower and platform, each on different trails, as well as a lookout point, with a picturesque tunnel through the trees to the water. There are picnic tables scattered throughout (carry your trash out!) and also a Cultural and Natural History Center with bathrooms, but the hours are limited. The downside is that the trails are not especially well-marked. You’re not going to get lost forever, but grab a map to reference at the forks.
Address:
Distance: The longest loop is 4.3 miles, but there are plenty of opportunities to cut it shorter.
Hours: Daily, 7 a.m. to 15 minutes before sunset (daily closing time is posted at the park entrance)
Amenities: Restrooms and water available at the Cultural and Natural History Center, which has different hours (Thursday to Saturday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Sunday 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.). No pets.
Trail mix: Grab a Pub Sub to enjoy at the picnic tables from the Publix at the Gateway Market Center.
Clearwater/Largo
Lake Seminole Park Trail
This is another trail I’d hit up twice a week with Thor if it was closer. The park is well-kept and free. The oversized paved loop allows walkers, runners, roller-bladers and bikers to choose between 1 or 2 miles. If you’re lucky (possibly unlucky?), you’ll see an alligator in the nearby pond. And a baseball/softball park is across the parking lot from the trail next to the restrooms.
Address: 10015 Park Blvd. North, Seminole, Florida, 33777
Distance: Trail is a paved 1- or 2-mile loop
Hours: Daily, 7 a.m. to sunset
Amenities: Restrooms, pavilions, picnic tables, benches, water fountains, dog friendly, playgrounds, canoe launch, wheelchair accessible
Trail mix: Bring your kids — and kayaks — to the Seminole Waterfront Park nearby.
North Tampa
Morris Bridge Conservation Park
Perfect for a short journey. It’s also good for fishing off the nearby piers and kayaking/canoeing. The wooden boardwalk loops around part of the park and offers views of the Hillsborough River while introducing you to the swampier parts of Florida nature under plenty of shade.
Address: 13630 Morris Bridge Rd. Thonotosassa, Florida, 33592
Distance: Trails include a 0.3-mile boardwalk loop, a 14.4-mile unpaved loop and others
Hours: 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. during the fall/winter; 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. during the spring/summer
Amenities: $2 per vehicle, restrooms, piers, boardwalk, dog friendly
Trail mix: If you’re into biking, swing by Flatwoods Park, which features a 7-mile paved loop.
Lakeland
Colt Creek State Park Orange Trail
Horseback riding is an option in this park. This grass trail is well-maintained and takes you deep into the pine tree forest on the preserve, and another goes around Mac Lake. If you’re up for a challenge, bring your mountain bike out on the loop. Including the Orange Trail, the park offers more than 15 miles of marked trails.
Address: 16000 State Rd. 471 Lakeland, Florida, 33809
Distance: Trail is a 6.4-mile loop
Hours: Daily, 8 a.m. to sundown
Amenities: $4 per car, dog friendly, picnic pavilion and benches, restrooms
Trail mix: Lakeland Ice Cream Company is known for it Cotton Candy Burrito.
Lakeland Highlands Scrub
I’m still not a fan of trails that aren’t marked well, but if you’re the adventurous type, explore away. The 551-acre area includes a 2.8-mile loop and a short .6-mile trail (Shady Oak), among other options.
Address: 6998 Lakeland Highlands Rd. Lakeland, Florida, 33813
Distance: Trails range from 0.6 miles to 2.8 miles.
Hours: 6 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. during standard time; Daylight savings: 5:30 a.m.-8 p.m.
Amenities: No water, dog friendly, portable restrooms available, picnic areas open
Trail mix: Stop at HTeaO for a delicious coconut tea.
Former Times staff writer Diana C. Nearhos contributed to this story.
