05/03/2024
🥾Time to hit up a hike
Tampa hike
Grab your hiking boots and discover TBAY’s most remote views. | Photo via Hillsborough County
From quick and easy loops around town to drives that take you to fantastic beaches and forests, our region has so many options to hit the trail. So lace up your hiking boots, because we’ve compiled a hiking guide for the Tampa Bay area with 12 routes and trails to help you plan your next adventure and experience breathtaking views.
Note: While parks and trails may be listed as open, we recommend checking park websites before visiting for further info, current trail conditions, and the safest practices for the area.
Key: Easy = 🥾| Moderate = 🥾🥾 | Hard = 🥾🥾🥾
(Spoiler alert, we don’t have any hard trails because most of Florida is flat.)
Hillsborough
Baynard Trail and Seminole Trail, Hillsborough River State Park, Thonotosassa
Difficulty: 🥾
Length: 5.5-mile loop
Pet friendly: Yes, leash required
The lengthy trail winds through the beloved state park, which boasts its own Class II river rapids. But don’t worry about time, the hike should only take a little under two hours. Parking is $6 per vehicle.
Flatwoods Loop Trail, Flatwoods Wilderness Park, Lutz
Difficulty: 🥾
Length: 11-mile loop
Pet friendly: Yes, leash required
Take a break from the hectic city life with a lengthy hike down this tree-lined trail frequented by deer and wild turkey. Plus, the trail is paved + suitable for folks using wheelchairs or strollers.
Weedon_Island_preserve_-_panoramio.jpeg
Explore the pocket of St. Pete paradise that is Weedon Island while making new vet friends. | Photo via Wikimedia Commons
Pinellas
Weedon Island Preserve Trail, St. Pete
Difficulty: 🥾
Length: 4.3-mile loop
Pet friendly: No
Make your way through a pristine slice of Tampa Bay’s outdoors on the boardwalk or dirt trails, taking in all the wildlife and flora of the preserve. Don’t want to go it alone? The Weedon Island Cultural and Natural History Center offers a variety of tours, like the Guided Naturalist Tour + Photography Hike.
Fort De Soto Park Nature Trail, Fort De Soto County Park, Tierra Verde
Difficulty: 🥾
Length: 1.4-mile loop
Pet friendly: Yes, leash required
This scenic trail offers breathtaking views of nature with a diverse range of wildlife, such as crabs and woodpeckers. Enjoy informational panels throughout the trail about the local flora and fauna. Plus, pack the blankets and umbrellas for a little beach action after.
