Alligator Alley Loop

Escape into wild Florida on the River Rapids Nature Trail just minutes from downtown Tampa at Hillsborough River State Park. After a delayed flight had me spending an unexpected night in the Tampa area, I was pleasantly surprised to roll into Hillsborough River's campground without a reservation and snag a spot to sleep for the night ($24/night plus taxes and fees).  The next morning, well re...

Start at John B Sargeant State Park--they do have a $2 parking fee. There is a canoe rental and shuttle service on site called Canoe Escape. They do have kayaks as well. If you own your own canoe you can pay for the shuttle service to pick you up at the end if you choose not to paddle out and back.There are a few routes to take:Sargeant Park to Morris Bridge Park: 2 hour paddleSargeant Park to ...

Located just 10 miles from downtown Tampa right off I-4, this short trail runs through a 31-acre botanical garden.  The park has a variety of exotic plans, ferns, flowers and plants as well as a 0.3 mile boardwalk through cypress, maple and oak trees.  Run by Hillsborough County, there's a $2 fee to park and access the grounds of the park.  It's a short trail and if you go fast, you'll see just...

The Buster Island Loop hike is the longest hike in the park at 6.7 miles. It is completely flat and easy hike that goes through a varied landscape. The trail starts from the north side of the parking lot (only one parking area). Follow the blue connector trail a short way to a road. Here you will see a sign for the Buster Island trail to the left. Follow the road over a canal where the road the...

I'm not sure why this trail is called Gobbler Ridge. I do understand the Gobbler part as there are wild turkeys in the park. However, I don't think there is a ridge in all of Florida! Anyway, this is a nice trail about 2.8 miles long marked with green blazes. The trailhead is from the south end of the parking lot past a playground or you can access the trail via a connecting trail from the Nort...

This trail is accessible to hikers, cyclists, equestrians and dogs. It takes you through open Florida landscape enlivened by wildflowers and also takes you past Dixie and Bear Lakes on the way to the much larger Lake Louisa. The trail is out-and-back, so you can go the whole way or choose do just do a portion if you're looking for a shorter adventure.