Violet Cury Nature Preserve Loop

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...

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 ...

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...

Philippe Park Trail is a loop trail that is good for all skill levels located near Safety Harbor, Florida.

Sawgrass Lake Park Trail is a loop trail that takes you by a lake located near St. Petersburg, Florida.

We started near the Bellair Golf Course and went south. When you go along the golf course, watch for pikas, coyotes, and fox.  It is a good idea to head South first, so that the winds propel you forward in the second half of your ride. We went down Indian Rocks Road and rode by the ocean - the neighborhoods are nice to ride through and keep you off the busier streets. When you hit W Bay Dr., yo...