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.
Last summer, 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: River Bend Trail Loop is 1.5 miles; River Bend Trail Short Loop is 1.1 miles
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 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.
Address: 3931 Lithia Springs Rd., Lithia, Florida, 33547
Distance: Trail is a 3.1-mile loop
Hours: 8 a.m.-7 p.m. during the spring/summer; 8 a.m.-6 p.m. in the fall/winter
Amenities: $2 per vehicle, dog friendly, picnic area closed, restrooms available
Trail mix: When Lithia Springs re-open (closed temporarily during the pandemic), they’re good for a dip and a day trip.
Golden Aster Scrub Nature Preserve Trail
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Explore all your optionsBreak 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 2.6 miles
Hours: Sunrise to sunset
Amenities: Dog friendly, no water, portable restroom (sans toilet paper)
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
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.-6 p.m.
Amenities: $2 per vehicle (cash or card), dog friendly, portable restrooms, picnic tables, park benches
Trail mix: Swing by the nearby Dunkin’ Donuts to relax with a Coolatta.
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 2.2 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 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 (on weekends), picnic tables, dogs on leashes
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).
Clearwater/Largo
Boca Ciega Millennium Park Boardwalk & Recreation Trail
The park offers visitors a nice recreation trail with an oversized sidewalk to allow walkers, runners, roller-bladers and bikers to share the area comfortably. There’s a playground toward the back of the park, too. Take the boardwalk to the observation tower, which overlooks Pineapple Island.
Address: 12410 74th Ave. North (Old Oakhurst Rd.), Seminole, Florida, 33772
Distance: Boardwalk Trail is .7 miles; Recreation Trail is 1.1 miles
Hours: Daily, 7 a.m. to sunset
Amenities: Restrooms, pavilions, picnic tables, benches, water fountains, dog friendly (except on boardwalk, but there is a dog park), playground, wheelchair accessible, observation tower
Trail mix: If you have kids who enjoy playgrounds, swing by Seminole’s City Park off of Ridge Road.
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/Zephyrhills
Hillsborough River State Park River Rapids Nature Trail
The River Rapids Trail is one of four located within the park. The shade extends deep into the canopy in spots, but it doesn’t feel like you’re wandering aimlessly. The path is unpaved, but distinguishable from the surrounding trees and plants. There are some lovely views of the river from the lookout, boardwalks and suspension bridge. If Thor hadn’t been with me, I would have brought a book and listened to the rapids at the lookout while sitting on one of the many benches in that area.
Address: 15402 U.S. 301 North Thonotosassa, Florida, 33592
Distance: Trail is a 1.4-mile loop
Hours: Daily, 8 a.m. to sundown
Amenities: $4-$6 per vehicle, dog friendly, pavilions, picnic tables, restrooms
Trail mix: Stop at the IHOP off of Morris Bridge Road for a short stack.
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: Fall/winter, 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Spring/summer, 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
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 Loop
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.
Address: 16000 State Rd. 471 Lakeland, Florida, 33809
Distance: Trail is a 7.3-mile loop
Hours: Daily, 8 a.m. to sundown
Amenities: $3-$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.; 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.
Bradenton
Robinson Preserve
It doesn’t take long to figure out why this preserve is a popular choice among locals and tourists. Cross over the boardwalks and find open spots in the mangroves to look out to the Sunshine Skyway Bridge. Bring along a kayak or paddleboard and use the launch toward the south entrance. Pack your beach gear, too, since you’re only a 20-minute drive from Anna Maria Island.
Address: 1704 99th St NW, Bradenton, Florida, 34209 (North Entrance)
Distance: Various, but includes a 7.5-mile loop and a 2.5-mile paved path
Hours: Daily, sunrise to sunset
Amenities: Dog friendly, picnic areas, restrooms, water fountains, kayak launch, observation tower, bike friendly, wheelchair accessible trail available
Trail mix: Hit up the Sage Biscuit Cafe off of Cortez West Road.
Have a favorite trail we should add to our explorations? Have an outdoor adventure we should try? Curious about the ins and outs of fishing seasons in Florida? Know a cool business or owner to profile? Contact outdoors reporter Mari Faiello at mfaiello@tampabay.com. Follow @faiello_mari.