TAMPA BAY

Native hybiscus photographs

courtesy of Shirley Denton

Contact
Information
Florida Division of Recreation & Parks
Department of Environmental Protection
850-245-2157 • www.floridastateparks.org

Hillsborough County Economic Development Department

Tourism Development Program
601 E. Kennedy Boulevard, 13th Floor, Tampa, FL 33602
813-272-7232 • www.hillsboroughcounty.org/econdev/tourism

Hillsborough County Parks,

Recreation & Conservation Department (PRC)
1101 E. River Cove Street, Tampa, FL 33604
813-975-2160 • www.hillsboroughcounty.org/parks

Tampa Bay & Company

401 E. Jackson Street, Suite 2100, Tampa, FL 33602 TAMPA BAY
813-223-1111 • www.visittampabay.com

This project received Your guide to state and regional parks, paved
financial assistance from:
and off-road trails, waterways and greenways
Play Green
Outdoor adventure in Hillsborough
County boasts remarkable wildlife
and some of the most unique green
spaces for eco-tourism opportunities.
Take for instance, Lettuce Lake Park
which combines a 240-acre wilderness
with activities like hiking, picnic
areas and an educational center
that leads visitors to an animal
inhabited cypress swamp.
State Parks
Among Hillsborough County’s Florida State Parks, Alafia
River State Park is well-known for its challenging off-
road mountain bicycle trails. Hillsborough River State
Park showcases limestone rocks and rapids, ancient
oak hammocks, and the history of Fort Foster with a
replica of an original Second Seminole War military fort.
Within the Little Manatee River State Park, its waterway
was designated an Outstanding Florida Water and is
part of the Cockroach Bay Aquatic Preserve.

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Y Y Y
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Facilities Wildlife Viewing Showers
www.geocaching.com/
seek and use the zip code Pets Allowed
search feature for location
coordinates.

 
Alafia River State Park
14326 S. County Road 39, Lithia, FL 33547
813-672-5320
www.floridastateparks.org/alafiariver
This park offers some of the most challenging off-
road bicycling trails in Florida. Once a phosphate
mine, the reclaimed land has unique topography that
offers some of the most radical elevation changes
in Florida. Equestrians and hikers can explore 20
miles of trails that travel through mixed-hardwood
forests, pine flatwoods and rolling hills. Bird-
watchers and nature enthusiasts will delight in the
abundance of wildlife along the trails. Scattered
lakes and the south prong of the Alafia River provide
opportunities for canoeing and fishing. Picnic
pavilions, a playground, horseshoe pit and volleyball
court are available. For overnight stays, the park has
a full-facility campground and equestrian friendly
campsites. Located 10 miles southeast of Tampa on
County Road 39.
The Hillsborough
River Canoe Trail
offers 34.5 miles
of waterway
with nine points
of access.
 
Hillsborough River State Park
15402 N. U.S. Highway 301, Thonotosassa, FL 33592
813-987-6771
www.floridastateparks.org/hillsboroughriver
Opened in 1938 as one of Florida´s first state
parks, this park is divided by the swiftly flowing
Hillsborough River. Fort Foster, a replica of an 1837
fort from the Second Seminole War, is in the park,
adjacent to the river. Fort tours are offered on
weekends or with a reservation. The river provides
opportunities for fishing, canoeing, and kayaking.
A canoe/kayak launch is available on the river.
Canoes can be rented at the park concession, which
also provides food, beverages, picnic supplies and
souvenirs. Hikers can walk over seven miles along
four nature trails. The Wetlands Restoration Trail
accommodates bicyclists and hikers. When weather
allows, visitors can enjoy a refreshing swim in the
park´s ADA-accessible swimming pool. The park
offers full-facility camping and a youth/group tent
campground. A primitive campsite is available via
foot trail; reservations are recommended. Located
12 miles north of Tampa and six miles south of
Zephyrhills on U.S. Highway 301.
Y

Little Manatee River State Park
215 Lightfoot Road, Wimauma, FL 33598
813-671-5005
www.floridastateparks.org/littlemanateeriver
The Little Manatee River begins in a swampy area
near Fort Lonesome and flows almost 40 miles
before emptying into Tampa Bay. The river has been
designated an Outstanding Florida Water and is
part of the Cockroach Bay Aquatic Preserve. Visitors
can fish along the river banks or rent canoes at the
ranger station. Wildlife enthusiasts can enjoy hiking a
6.5 mile trail through the park’s northern wilderness
area. For those who prefer their hikes on horseback,
the park has 12 miles of equestrian trails and four
equestrian campsites. Campers can spend the night
in a full-facility campground or hike out to a primitive
campsite along the trail. A youth/group campground
accommodates up to 20 people. The scenic picnic
area along the river has tables, grills and pavilions.
Pavilions can be reserved for a fee. Unreserved
pavilions are available on a first-come, first-serve
basis. Located five miles south of Sun City, off U.S.
Highway 301 on Lightfoot Road.
Y the abundant plant life is available on a self-guiding
 
Regional Parks
Welcome to the parks system of the Hillsborough
County Parks, Recreation and Conservation Department
(PRC)! Serving as the “Heart of Hillsborough” with more
than 70,000 acres of parkland, PRC’s Parks Services
Division provides accessibility to ten regional parks of
diverse natural character. Facilities and programming
encourage safe, responsible, and enjoyable resource-
based activities: picnicking, boating, canoeing,
swimming, hiking, nature study, bicycling, horseback
riding and camping. The Parks Services Division
also oversees trails/greenways offering facilities for
bicycling, inline skating, running and walking. For
more information, contact PRC at 813-975-2160 or visit
http://www.hillsboroughcounty.org/parks/parkservices/.
Alderman’s Ford Park
9625 Canoe Launch Loop, Lithia, FL 33547
State Road 39 (south of State Road 60 in East
Hillsborough County)
813-757-3801
History abounds at this park. It was one of the first
fording spots on the Alafia River and for many years
a popular place for political campaigning in Hillsborough
County. This scenic park includes the area where the
Alafia River branches into its north and south prongs.
The Alafia is one of the most popular canoe spots
in Florida. The park includes a modern, erosion-free
canoe launch. Several picnic areas are connected by
a pedestrian/bicycle loop path. A first-hand view of
nature study along a boardwalk and foot bridges.
E. G. Simmons Park Eureka Springs Park
2401 19th Avenue, N.W., Ruskin, FL 33570 6400 Eureka Springs Road, Tampa, FL 33610
Off U.S. Highway 41 in South Hillsborough County North of Interstate 4, near the junction of I-4 and
813-671-7655 U.S. Highway 301
813-744-5536

Near Ruskin on Tampa This botanical garden of rare and unusual plants is a
Bay, the 469-acre park result of many years of work by Albert Greensburg,
with a preserve has been who donated the site to Hillsborough County in 1967.
a popular area for outdoor The 31-acre park, the only botanical garden in the
enthusiasts since the mid- park system, features a greenhouse, trellised walks,
60’s. The park has picnic interpretive trails, boardwalks and a picnic area.
areas and a campground
with beautiful waterfront Lake Park
views. A public beach 17302 N. Dale Mabry Highway, Lutz, FL 33549
offers a perfect setting for sunning or swimming. South of Van Dyke Road
813-264-3806
A boat launch provides access to saltwater fishing
and boating. The park has fishing piers and areas Located in Northwest Hillsborough County, Lake Park
for bank fishing. Bird-watching is a popular pastime is a 600-acre park with five lakes, pine flatwoods,
among the shallow waters of the surrounding cypress swamps and hardwood hammocks. Along
mangrove swamps. with boating and fishing, the park offers picnic
facilities, a BMX track (bicycle motorcross), radio
Edward Medard Park control car track and an archery range. Lake Park
5737 Turkey Creek Road, Plant City, FL 33567 has equestrian facilities. It is the site of horse shows,
South of State Road 60 in East Hillsborough County
rodeos, and several state-wide archery shoots.
813-757-3802

This 1,281-acre park, formerly known as Pleasant

Grove, is on a reservoir operated by the Southwest
Florida Water Management District. The reservoir is
one of the most popular freshwater fishing spots in
Hillsborough County. The improved boat launching
facilities attract anglers. Medard includes camping
and picnic areas, equestrian trails, and a fishing pier/
boardwalk that leads to an observation tower on a
small island.

 
Lake Rogers Park
9010 N. Mobley Road, Odessa, FL 33556
West of Gunn Highway
813-264-3917
The 272-acre park is a joint venture between
Hillsborough County and the City of St. Petersburg.
Natural features within the park are two fresh water
lakes, pine flatwoods, and oak hammocks. There are
picnic shelters, picnic tables, nature trails, barbecue
grills, fishing, canoeing and group camping.
Lettuce Lake Park
6920 E. Fletcher Avenue, Tampa, FL 33637
At Hillsborough River, just west of Interstate 75
813-987-6204
Lettuce Lake, opened in
1982, is a hub of activity.
The 240-acre site, northeast
of the Fletcher Avenue bridge
crossing the Hillsborough
Upper Tampa Bay Park
River, offers something for
everyone. Wooded picnic
areas are a favorite. A
bicycle path and jogging trail,
complete with a fitness course, meander through
the park. Lettuce Lake is a haven for nature study.
An interpretive center featuring exhibits leads to two
boardwalks and an observation tower where visitors
can view the cypress swamp with its abundance of
birds and other wildlife.
10
Lithia Springs Park
3932 Lithia Springs Road, Lithia, FL 33547
Southeast of Brandon
813-744-5572
The 160-acre park on the
Alafia River offers varied plant
communities, river cypress
swamps, hardwood hammocks
and high sand hills; terrain
not often seen in
Hillsborough County.
The major attraction is
the natural spring that
provides an excellent swimming experience with the
water temperature remaining near 72 degrees year
round. In addition to swimming, there is a bathhouse,
playground and picnic facilities. Lithia Springs is a
popular camping spot with 40 sites and two shower
houses.
8001 Double Branch Road, Tampa, FL 33635
Off State Road 580 on Old Tampa Bay
813-855-1765
The 2,144-acre park and preserve features fresh
water ponds, pine flatwoods, salt marshes, oyster
bars, salt barrens, oak hammocks and mangrove
forest. A major environmental study center, operated
jointly with Hillsborough Community College, is open
to the public and special-interest groups. Various
views of the bay and its habitat may be seen while
hiking on the boardwalk. Facilities for picnicking are
available.
11
Veterans Memorial Park and Museum
3602 N. U.S. Highway 301, Tampa, FL 33619
Highway 301 & Bypass Canal
813-744-5502

A dream conceived in the 1980s by Florida veterans,

Veterans Memorial Park and Museum opened on Wilderness Park
Independence Day in 1991 to pay tribute to armed 14302 Morris Bridge Road, Thonotosassa, FL 33592
forces members past and present. Displays highlight Access also at 18205 Bruce B. Downs
the role of Florida and its residents in military 813-987-6211
campaigns throughout history. Changing exhibits
The park includes Dead River,
honor those who served in the Civil War, Second
Flatwoods, John B. Sargeant Sr.,
Seminole Indian War, World War II, Korea and Vietnam.
Morris Bridge, and Trout Creek
The 40-acre park displays the Veterans Freedom
parks. This extensive network
Memorial dedicated to all American veterans and a
was developed in cooperation
Vietnam-era helicopter. The park is open daily with
with the Southwest
the museum open only on Saturdays and Sundays
Florida Water
from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., and on patriotic holidays.
Management District,
Special events are held on Memorial Day, Veterans’
the U.S. Army Corps of
Day, Pearl Harbor Day, National POW/MIA Recognition
Engineers and the City of Tampa. Activities on 17,000
Day and September 11.
acres include canoeing, fishing, off-road bike trails,
picnicking, boardwalk, and nature trails.

l o r e
A wetland is a

Ex p
natural community
where water is at
or covering the
surface of the
ground for all or
part of the year.

12 13
County Preserves
Cockroach Bay Aquatic Preserve
3709 Gulf City Road, Ruskin, FL 33570
813-671-7754 • Contact: Richard Sullivan
http://www.hillsboroughcounty.org/parks/
conservationservices/
Cockroach Bay is the most
beautiful and unspoiled section
of Tampa Bay. Mangrove islands
stretch for 5 miles from the south
edge of the mouth of Cockroach
Bay to the U.S. 41 bridge over
the Little Manatee River. Thick
seagrass beds cover the offshore
bay bottom out to a depth of
6 feet. The estuaries near the shore are natural
nurseries and habitat for marine life. The landward
sections of the preserve are important components of
the overall system, providing freshwater runoff and
habitat for many species that use the estuaries for
feeding and breeding.
Just beyond the high-tide mark, lies coastal
hammock, an upland community of salt tolerant
species like live oak and red cedar. Farther upland,
former coastal pine flatwoods were farmed or in
some areas mined for shell, leaving large, water-
filled pits. The old fields and pits are returning to
native upland forest and tidal wetlands. They provide
a natural transition from coastal wetlands to upland
habitats. This restoration results in more protection
for the Cockroach Bay ecosystem and provides a
home for a diverse and healthy wildlife population.
14
The Cockroach Bay area is very popular for bird-
watching and general nature appreciation. Once
habitat restoration areas are better established,
hiking trails will be extended to the upland sections
of the preserve.
The preserve is a popular fishing destination. Parking
at the boat ramp is at a premium during the peak,
spring season. A canoe and kayak launching site near
the boat ramp provides access to two marked trails
through the mangroves. An online brochure map is
available from the County.
Wolf Branch Creek Preserve
Regional Parks/Conservation Services -
Hillsborough County Parks, Recreation and
Conservation Department
813-671-7754 • Contact: Richard Sullivan
North side of 19th Avenue N.W., between Villemaire
Road and E.G. Simmons Park.
There are three access points to this 1,127-acre
preserve for hikers during daylight hours. Two gates
are on Villemaire Road. One is on the west side
before the bridge over Wolf Branch Creek. The other
is on the north side, just after the 90-degree turn
at Wolf Branch Creek. An additional gate is located
on 19th Avenue N.W., three-quarters of a mile west
of Villemaire Road. The Preserve at the mouth of
Wolf Branch Creek has
mangrove islands, a
mangrove shoreline, and
extensive seagrass beds.
15

The Preserve also has intact coastal wetlands behind
the mangrove shoreline consisting of salt barrens,
high marsh and coastal hammocks. The higher upland
area of the Preserve was cleared decades ago. It
was used first for tomato farming and later for cattle
grazing and shell mining. The old pastures and shell
pits recently were restored by the Southwest Florida
Water Management District SWIM Department.
They now are interconnected tidal wetlands and
newly planted upland areas that will become pine
flatwoods and coastal hammocks. The Preserve was
purchased by the Hillsborough County Environmental
Lands Acquisition and Protection Program (ELAPP)
in 1993. Wolf Branch Preserve is open to hikers
during daylight hours. No marked trail system is
available. A trail system is under development
through a partnership with the developer of MiraBay,
a residential community just east of the Preserve.
Once completed, the trail will feature a parking area,
shell pathway and interpretive displays.
The breeding
population
of birds in
Hillsborough
County totals
nearly 50,000
nesting pairs
annually.
16
Nature Centers and Sanctuaries
Alafia Banks Bird Sanctuary
The Alafia Banks Bird Sanctuary is on two spoil
islands at the mouth of the Alafia River near
Riverview. The Sanctuary is ranked as the most
important wading bird colony in Florida. It has one of
the most diverse, well-established nesting colonies in
North America. Contact the Tampa Audubon Society at
www.tampaaudubon.org.
Camp Bayou Outdoor Learning Center
4140 24th Street S.E., Ruskin, FL 33570
813-641-8545 • Contact: Dolly Cummings
www.campbayou.org
On the Little Manatee River
in Ruskin, the 160-acre
preserve packs diverse Florida
habitats into a small space. It
offers a Nature Center, Paleo
Preserve Fossil Museum, Native
Peoples’ Camp, butterfly habitat,
native plant gardens, canoe
launch and hiking trails through
pine flatwoods, hardwood hammock and wetlands.
It is home to gopher tortoise (a threatened species
in Florida) and other interesting animals and plants.
Camp Bayou Outdoor Learning Center operates as a
partnership between the Hillsborough County PRC and
the Ruskin Community Development Foundation, Inc.
17

Trails
The Hillsborough County PRC offers a
variety of greenways for cyclist, hikers,
walkers, runners, inline skaters,
equestrian riders and the physically-
Suncoast Trail
challenged. All can exercise and
enjoy the natural wonders of
Tampa’s urban, suburban and
rural environments. Over 100
miles of trails provide a variety of
recreational options that range
from the Suncoast Trail, a paved
trail beginning in Hillsborough
County and extending 42 miles
into Hernando County at Highway
98; to the more than 30 miles
of off-road single track trails
in Wilderness Park, and to the
Upper Tampa Bay Trail.
For more information or details
on trails, visit http://www.
hillsboroughcounty.org/
parks/parkservices/trails.cfm.
18
Old Fort King Trail
Near John B. Sargeant Park off U.S. Hwy. 301
813-987-6208
During the Second Seminole War, Fort King Road
served as the main transportation and communication
route between Fort Brook in Tampa and the Seminole
Agency in Ocala. The trail is near the original Fort
King Road which followed a route believed to be part
of the path taken by Hernando deSoto on his expedition
of conquest in the 1540s. Features include: biking
(off-road and on-road), hiking, horseback riding,
inline skating, parking, restrooms, trail head and
walking on a paved surface, extending 6.7 miles.
Hillsborough County PRC
(Channel Park Trailhead)
813-801-6732
Contact: Tina Russo, Trail Manager
http://www.dep.state.fl.us/gwt/guide/regions/
westcentral/trails/suncoast.htm
The paved Suncoast Trail, an officially-designated
part of Florida’s Statewide Greenways and Trails
System, begins in northern Hillsborough County. The
network parallels the Suncoast Parkway toll road
for 42 miles from Tampa through Land O’ Lakes and
Brooksville, a multi-county cooperative network.
At points along the trail, resting spots and markers
recall historical significance, emphasize transitions
between ecological communities and identify native
species. To start at the trailhead at Lutz Lake Fern
Road (the southern terminus of trail), take Dale Mabry
Highway (CR 597) north to Lutz Lake Fern Road. Take
a left (heading west) and continue approximately 3
miles until you pass under the Suncoast Parkway.
Trailhead is on the right.
19
Town ‘N Country Greenway
Parking located at the Shimberg Sports Complex, 7309
Baseball Road (near Hanley Road and Armand Drive).
813-801-6732 • Contact: Tina Russo, Trail Manager
This stormwater retention area between two
residential neighborhoods has been developed into a
short but peaceful greenway trail. The area offers an
excellent opportunity for butterfly watchers most of
the year. Features include: biking (on-road), drinking
water, hiking, inline skating, parking. Trail is 3 miles
on a paved surface.
Upper Tampa Bay Trail
Located just west of Sheldon Road off Waters Avenue.
813-801-6732 • Contact: Tina Russo, Trail Manager
http://www.dep.state.fl.us/gwt/guide/regions/
westcentral/trails/pdfs/UTB_Trail_PDF.pdf
The paved trail winds its way from the community of
Town ‘N Country to suburban Citrus Park. The path
follows a former railroad corridor. It crosses Rocky
Creek by way of a wooden suspension trail bridge
built on top of the original railroad bridge timbers,
and affords a view of the CSX railroad trestle. Other
points of interest along the trail are the Town ‘N
Country Preserve, Town ‘N Country YMCA, and the
Citrus Park Town Center Mall. Features include:
biking (on-road), drinking water, hiking, horseback
riding,inline skating, parking, restrooms,trail head,
walking. Trail is 7.5 Miles on a paved surface.
Biking/Cycling
The Alafia River State Park is one of the most favored
off-road biking choices in Florida. On 17 miles of
trails, skilled riders from all parts of Florida enjoy this
20
collection of scary drops,
hillside ledges, high-speed
banked turns and
intimidating ridge tops.
This single-track is
built on the rugged
terrain of a previously
mined area. Contact the Alafia River State Park
office at 813-672-5320, or SouthWest Association of
Mountainbike Pedalers (SWAMP clubbers) at
www.swampclub.org.
The Hillsborough County PRC offers off-road biking
for various skill levels at several areas, with the most
popular spots at Wilderness Park and Balm-Boyette
Preserve. For more information, contact PRC at
813-975-2160 or visit http://www.hillsboroughcounty.
org/parks/parkservices/trailgrid.cfm.
Hiking
On U.S. Highway 301 south of Sun City, the Little
Manatee River State Park provides access to a
preserved sliver of wilderness along the Little Manatee
River. The hiking trail, with loops of 3 or 6.5 miles, is
one of the most interesting day hikes in Central Florida.
It offers a broad diversity of habitats and scenic views
along the river and Cypress Creek. There is a primitive
backcountry campsite. For details, call 813-671-5005,
or visit www.floridastateparks.org/littlemanateeriver.
Discover Florida’s hundreds of opportunities for hiking
at the Florida Trail Association, www.floridatrail.org.
Hiking is also a popular activity at many sites in the
Hillsborough County PRC system. For more information,
contact PRC at 813-975-2160 or visit http://www.
hillsboroughcounty. org/parks/parkservices/trailgrid.cfm.
21
A Paddling Paradise
Situated on Florida’s largest open-
water bay with estuaries and ribbons
of rivers, Hillsborough County counts
its blessings when it comes to liquid
assets. From Bay-front beaches
at E.G. Simmons Park and Picnic
Island Park to nearby award-
winning Gulf of Mexico beaches,
sea-lovers can sail into the
experience of a lifetime. For
inland water enthusiasts, the
Hillsborough and Alafia Rivers
offer rich wildlife and serene
sites and unique experiences.
A boon for outdoor enthusiasts,
Hillsborough County’s many
waterfronts pose endless,
year-round opportunities
for kayaking, canoeing,
fishing, birding, boating,
windsurfing, snorkeling and
eco-touring.
22
Blueways
Hillsborough Blueways are paddling trails for canoes
and kayaks on the rivers, creeks, bays and estuaries
throughout Hillsborough County. The benefits of a
system of paddling trails are many, including the
promotion of a healthy, non-polluting, family-friendly
outdoor recreation and the potential to contribute to our
local economy. Many paddling trails traverse areas with
special ecological, geological or historical features.
They provide excellent educational opportunities for
outdoor enthusiasts. Paddling offers individuals a
chance to relive the experiences of Native Americans
and early explorers, appreciating their place in history.
Paddling a stream, river or bay increases appreciation
for good stewardship practices. It may result in more
support for clean-ups, habitat restoration and improved
water quality. For more information, visit http://www.
hillsboroughcounty.org/parks/parkservices/blueways/.
To access a county-wide map of canoe and kayak
launch sites in Hillsborough County, visit http://www.
hillsboroughcounty.org/parks/parkservices/blueways/
resources/publications/HCBlueways_AL_CoverPage.pdf.
Boat Ramps / Water Access
http://hillsboroughcounty.org/parks/parkservices/
BoatWeb.pdf
23

Florida State Paddling Trails
The Florida Department of Environmental Protection
(FDEP) is the lead state agency in environmental
management and stewardship. Through its Florida
Greenways and Trails Designation Program, the FDEP
identifies paddling destinations by their quality and
variety of experiences. The Designation Program is
intended to promote good stewardship of paddling trails
and enhance recreational experiences. The Florida
State Paddling Trails brochure can be accessed at
http://www.dep.state.fl.us/gwt/PDF/FL_Paddling_Trails.
pdf.
The following Florida’s Designated Paddling Trails are in
Hillsborough County.
Alafia River Paddling Trail featuring
Alderman’s Ford and Lithia Springs
This six-mile trail is suitable for beginner to
intermediate level paddlers. It features short
stretches of limestone shoals and Class I rapids
(depending on water levels). Paddlers can journey
through scrub,hardwood hammock and river swamp.
An array of wildlife includes
ibis, woodstork, osprey, red-
shouldered hawk, pileated
woodpecker, kingfisher, blue
heron, songbirds, alligators
and turtles. Swimming is not
recommended in the river
but allowed at Lithia
Springs, as long as
boats are tied up at
the mouth of the spring
run. Trail put-in at Alderman’s Ford Park (south of
State Road 60 near State Road 39, 813-757-3801)
24
with take-out at Lithia Springs Park (southeast of
Brandon, 813-744-5572).
http://www.dep.state.fl.us/gwt/guide/designated_
paddle/Alafia_guide.pdf
Hillsborough River Canoe Trail
The Hillsborough runs from
Crystal Springs to the City of
Tampa’s Rowlett Park. From
nearly pristine conditions, this
31-mile trail winds its way
to Tampa Bay through rural,
suburban, and urban settings.
White ibis can be seen resting,
while pileated woodpeckers
work in the pines. Clusters
of lilies dot the waterscape.
Bobcats explore the surrounding
terrain. The scenic north section
is short and well-suited for beginner paddlers. The
river’s headwaters begin there as a slow-moving
sheet flow through a heavily vegetated forest with
no discernible channel. The middle section is suited
for beginner to intermediate paddlers, with some
portages possible. The south section is rated for
intermediate paddlers because of its length and
the possibility of high winds, waves, and motorboat
traffic. http://www.dep.state.fl.us/gwt/guide/regions/
westcentral/trails/hills_river.htm
Little Manatee River Paddling Trail
Near Bradenton, this tannin-tinted river has a sandy
bottom and steep banks. With numerous access
points along this 7-mile trail, paddlers will journey
through a range of habitats including sand pine
scrub, willow marsh, and hardwood forest. Look for
otter and turtles along the way. An occasional eagle
soars overhead. The trail ends on the south bank at
Little Manatee River State Park.
http://www.dep.state.fl.us/gwt/guide/designated_
paddle/LManatee_guide.pdf.
25

For more information and up-to-date
events go to www.visittampabay.com.
January
Florida Challenge Trail Run
Half Marathon & 5K Trail Run
Alafia River State Park
www.tamparaces.com
Poker Canoe-Hike-Ride
Buckets holding sealed
cards are hung from trees
and placed along the
river throughout the park
for participants to find
while canoeing, hiking or
horseback riding. The best
“poker hand” wins $100
prize. Food and drinks also
available.
Little Manatee River
State Park
813-671-5005
February
Annual Chili Cookoff
3rd Saturday in February
E.G. Simmons Park
813-671-7655
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Fort Foster Living History and
Period Rendezvous
Annual living history reenactment sponsored by the
Hillsborough River State Park Preservation Society
featuring military, Seminole, and civilian re-enactors,
settlers, traders and craft demonstrations. Admission:
a nominal donation is requested.
Hillsborough River State Park
813-987-6771
Squiggy Classic
3rd Weekend in February
Fitness Weekend • Wilderness Park
813-987-6211
www.hillsboroughcounty.org/parks
March
Echo-Eco Quest
Adventure Race
Alafia River State Park
With canoeing, mountain
biking and trail running.
813-685-0935 • info@echoecoquest.org
Regatta Rowing Championships
March - May • Harney Park
813-987-6208 • www.hillsboroughcounty.org/parks
April
Camp Bayou Outdoor Learning Center
Spring Open House
813-363-5438 • www.campbayou.org
Ruskin Family Fishing Tournament
E.G. Simmons Park
Sponsored by GFWC Ruskin Junior Woman’s Club
813-781-1959 • Contact: Amber Council
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May
Ruskin Tomato & Heritage Festival
E.G. Simmons Park • 813-645-3808
www.ruskintomatofestival.org
Talon Adventure Race
8-12 Hour Adventure Race • Alafia River State Park
www.tamparaces.com
October
Annual Haunted Woods
Annual event sponsored by the Hillsborough River
State Park Preservation Society which features a
Haunted Woods Trail, Coloring Contest, Costume
Contest and Family Tram Ride (Saturday Night ONLY!).
Refreshments, Games, Goodies, and Moonwalk will
also be available for an additional fee. Admission: a
nominal donation is requested.
Hillsborough River State Park
813-987-6771
Florida State Championship Series 5
Off-road Mountain Bike Race • Alafia River State Park
www.goneriding.com
Mystery Map Adventure
A themed obstacle course for travel on foot or
horseback with prizes to participants that match
the Mystery Time set for competition. A new theme
offered every year like “A Day at The Circus”, show-
casing family fun with food, booths, and music with
a Circus flavor.
Little Manatee River State Park
813-671-5005
November
Alafia Challenge Canoe and Kayak Race
Organized by the Alafia River Basin Stewardship
Council and the Hillsborough County PRC to benefit
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preservation programs for the Alafia River.
813-684-7300
alafiachallenge@msn.com • www.alafiachallenge.com
Alafia Fat Tire Festival
Off-road Mountain Biking • Alafia River State Park
Pre-registration required.
813-689-5109 • www.swampclub.org
Holiday in the Park
Holiday celebration held on Fridays and Saturdays in
late November and early December featuring a Hay
Ride along trails and Nature Center decorated with
holiday-themed displays and lights. Admission: a
nominal donation is requested.
Upper Tampa Bay Park
813-855-1765
Ruskin Seafood Festival
1st Weekend in November • E.G. Simmons Park
813-645-3808
www.ruskinseafoodfestival.org
The X-Country Marathon
Full-Marathon, Half-Marathon
and 5K Courses
Alafia River State Park
www.tamparaces.com
December
Camp Bayou Outdoor Learning Center
Holiday Open House
813-363-5438 • www.campbayou.org
Holiday Tree Lighting Festival
Entertainment, games, snow slide, food
Joe Chillura Courthouse Square
813-975-2160 • www.hillsboroughcounty.org/parks
Lutz Arts-n-Crafts Show
1st Weekend in December • Lake Park
813-264-3806 • www.hillsboroughcounty.org/parks
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 Fl
or
ida
Hillsborough County

Hillsborough County, Florida

State Parks
1 Alafia River State Park

14 2 Hillsborough River State Park

8
9 2 3 Little Manatee River State Park

10 Regional Parks
4 Alderman’s Ford Park
5 E.G. Simmons Park
6 Edward Medard Park
7
12 7 Eureka Springs Park
13 8 Lake Park
9 Lake Rogers Park
6 10 Lettuce Lake Park
11 Lithia Springs Park
12 Upper Tampa Bay Park
11 4
17 13 Veterans Memorial Park
and Museum
14 Wilderness Park
41
1 County Preserves
15 Cockroach Bay Aquatic Preserve
16 Wolf Branch Creek Preserve
16
5
Nature Centers & Sanctuaries
17 Alafia Banks Bird Sanctuary
15
18
18
3 18 Camp Bayou Outdoor
Learning Center

30 31