10 Best Trails for Hiking in Tampa (By a Local)
Hiking in Tampa is the perfect way to enjoy the outdoors and abundance of Florida wildlife.
While Florida may not be known for hiking, there are actually many scenic trails and walking paths in Tampa and the surrounding areas.
As a Tampa Bay local, going out for walks is one of my favorite things to do. From dog friendly trails to stroller friendly walking paths, there is plenty of options when it comes to hiking trails & walking paths in Tampa.
In this post, I’ve compiled the best hiking trails in Tampa, as well as some of the most popular walking paths in Tampa.
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Best Walking Paths & Trails for Hiking in Tampa
Below are the best walking paths and hiking trails in Tampa. Keep in mind, some of these are more urban walking paths with scenic water views, while others are more of a typical hiking experience through nature preserves.
1. Tampa Riverwalk
Location: 1910 N Ola Ave, Tampa, FL 33602 (Armature Works starting point)
Trail Length: 2.6 miles
Atmosphere: Urban cityscape
Fee: Free!
Tips: Visit Armature Works or Sparkman Warf for food & drinks
While the Tampa Riverwalk is definitely more of a walking path, it is by far the most famous trail in Tampa and is a must-visit.
The Tampa Riverwalk is a 2.6 mile pedestrian only walking path that runs along the Hillsborough River. It’s one of the best things to do downtown, and along the path you will find several restaurants, bars, and parks.
Whether you are looking for a stroller friendly activity in downtown Tampa or visiting the city for a few days – the Tampa Riverwalk is a great option!
2. Lettuce Lake Park
Location: 6920 E Fletcher Ave, Tampa, FL 33637
Trail Length: 1.25 miles
Atmosphere: Scenic nature preserve
Fee: $2 entrance per car
Tips: There has been recent construction closures on the boardwalk
Lake Lettuce Park is a 240 acre park with a few different trail options, including the 1.25 mile paved Hammock Trail and a 3,500 ft long boardwalk path with an observation tower.
The park is along the Hillsborough River, and provides scenic views over wetlands, oak-dominated hardwood forests, and cypress domes.
There are lots of wildlife that can be seen at Lettuce Lake Park, including different species of birds, alligators, turtles, and more.
You can easily spend a few hours here, as there are other things to do including canoe/kayak rentals, a playground for kiddos, picnic areas, and a fitness course.
3. John Chesnut Park
Location: 2200 E Lake Rd S, Palm Harbor, FL 34685
Trail Length: 2.6 miles
Atmosphere: Nature, lakefront views
Entrance Fee: Free
Tips: Very shaded, making it nice to visit even in the warmer months. Bring a picnic lunch as there are lots of picnic pavillions!
Located in nearby Pinellas County, John Chesnut Park is a 255 acre nature preserve that offers a variety of hiking trails and nature paths. The park is also adjacent to Lake Tarpon, and has many points of waterfront views.
I love going here for nature walks, because most of the park is very shaded and it has a unique Florida feel to it – with lots of swamp land mixed with tropical vegetation. There are also several boardwalk paths and paved paths that are stroller friendly if you are visiting Tampa with kids.
Last but not least, it is very common to see Floridian wildlife here – including deer, alligators, various bird species, and more.
4. Bayshore Boulevard
Location: Bayshore Blvd, Tampa, FL 33611
Trail Length: 4.5 miles
Atmosphere: Coastal, views of the Tampa skyline
Entrance Fee: Free
Tips: Tampa’s pirate festival, Gasparilla, takes place each year on Bayshore Blvd
Located in South Tampa, Bayshore Boulevard is a 4.5 mile long walking path, making it the 2nd largest sidewalk in the US.
The northern end of Bayshore Blvd will lead you into downtown Tampa, while at the southern end you’ll find the picturesque Ballast Point Park, which has a playground and views of downtown.
The views along Bayshore Blvd are stunning, as it runs along the bay and has views of the downtown skyline from certain points. Bayshore Blvd is more of a residential area, so you won’t find restaurants and bars along it as you do with the Riverwalk.
However, every year it does become one of the main areas for Tampa’s largest festival: Gasparilla.
5. Weedon Island Preserve
Location: 1800 Weedon Dr NE, St. Petersburg, FL 33702
Trail Length: Several – including a 1 mile loop and 2 miles of boardwalks
Atmosphere: Scenic, nature preserve
Fee: Free
Tips: Bring bug spray!
Just across the Tampa Bay in Pinellas County is Weedon Island Preserve. This 3,190 acre nature preserve has several trails and a cultural center that shares more about the Native American history and culture of Weedon Island. It’s a perfect day trip from Tampa.
One of the most popular trails is the Boy Scout Loop, which is a 1 mile loop that goes through pine flatwoods and maritime hammocks.
There are also 2 miles of boardwalk trails that go through the mangroves. Along the west boardwalk loop stands a 45-foot observation tower, which has scenic views of the preserve and the Tampa Bay.
Weedon Island Preserve is a great option for experiencing Florida’s natural habitat, and there are many species of birds and marine life that live here. Keep in mind, dogs aren’t allowed on this trail due to the wild animal species that live here.
6. Flatwoods Conservation Park
Location: 14302 Morris Bridge Road or 18205 Bruce B. Downs Blvd
Trail Length: 7 miles
Atmosphere: Scenic, nature views
Entrance Fee: $2 per car
Tips: This is a great biking trail in Tampa!
Flatwoods Conservation Park is a Hillsbourgh County Park that has a 7 mile paved trail called the Flatwoods Loop. There is also an additional 2 mile extension trail that goes from the Bruce B Downs Blvd entrance & parking to the main loop.
The 7 mile loop is a paved, wide trail which makes it ideal for hiking or as a bike path in Tampa. Along the trail, you might be able to see a variety of wildlife including deer, alligators, turtles, armadillos, birds, and more.
One unique feature of this trail is that there are 4 different water stops along the way where you can refill your water bottle. Trust me, staying hydrated in the Florida heat is essential!
Another thing to note is that there are 2 entrances to the Flatwoods Loop: you can either start at 14302 Morris Bridge Road or 18205 Bruce B. Downs Blvd. As a county park, there is a $2 entrance fee.
7. Courtney Campbell Causeway Trail
Location: 8549-8597 Campbell Causeway Access Rd S, Tampa, FL 33607
Trail Length: 9.5 miles (one way)
Atmosphere: Coastal views
Fee: Free!
Tips: Beautiful sunsets here
Courtney Campbell Causeway Trail is a 9.5 mile pedestrian path that is on the southern side of the Courtney Campbell Bridge across the Old Tampa Bay.
This trail has beautiful views over the Tampa Bay, and sometimes you can even spot dolphins!
The trail is popular and can get busy with other people biking, jogging, or walking.
There aren’t many facilities on the trail other than a few picnic spots that are close to Ben T Davis Beach. Also, there isn’t really bathroom facilities available so keep that in mind.
8. The Suncoast Trail
Location: Several trailhead starting points
Trail Length: 54 miles
Atmosphere: Wide paved trail with wooded and agricultural views
Entrance Fee: Free
Tips: Perfect trail for biking in Tampa
The Suncoast Trail is a 54 mile long trail that runs through 4 counties in the Tampa area: Hillsborough, Pasco, Hernando, and Citrus.
This trail is a local favorite for walking and biking because it is wide and paved. The trail follows along parts of the Suncoast Parkway and goes through a mix of suburban, agricultural, and natural areas along the way.
Being such a long trail, there are several starting points including Odessa, Lutz, Spring Hill, and more.
9. Hillsborough River State Park
Location: 15402 US-301, Thonotosassa, FL 33592
Trail Length: 4 trails totaling 7.3 miles
Atmosphere: Scenic, nature preserve
Fee: $6
Tips: Camping available, including Timberline’s Glamping tents
This state park in Tampa has 4 different hiking trails that total 7.3 miles. The trails are natural and scenic, and go along the Hillsborough River, through wetlands, and through dense hydric hammock forest. These trails are filled with wildlife, including lots of alligators!
Since this is a state park, there are a variety of amenities available including a campground with RV spaces, a tent area, and glamping tent rentals.
10. Upper Tampa Bay Trail
Location: 7020 Lutz Lake Fern Rd, Odessa, FL 33556
Trail Length: 13 miles
Atmosphere: Suburban/urban parts, scenic nature on other sections
Fee: Free
Tips: Rocky Creek Bridge section is closed until at least the end of 2025
The Upper Tampa Bay Trail is a 13 mile trail. The southern section of the trail is 8 miles long and has a mix of suburban and urban scenery. This part of the trail also includes the RockyCreek Bridge and the historic Tampa Gulf Coast Railway trestle.
The northern part of the trail is 4.5 miles and starts at Van Dyke Road. It then heads north through the Brooker Creek Preserve. This section of the trail is in a more serene, nature setting and you are more likely to see wildlife here.
Tips for Hiking in Tampa
- Do NOT go in ponds, wetlands, or other swampy waters. There are alligators in every pond/swamp in the Tampa area. Alligators usually leave humans alone, but you don’t want to go into their space as they can be dangerous if disturbed.
- Make sure to bring the essentials – water, bug spray, and sunscreen.
- Check the weather beforehand, but keep in mind that thunderstorms can come on quick during the summer/early fall. If you hear thunder or see lightening, go inside as lightening strikes can be dangerous in Florida.
Essentials for Hiking in Tampa
If you plan to go hiking in Tampa there are a few things you need to bring. Keep in mind, Tampa’s weather is hot & humid most of the year!
Water – make sure to bring plenty of water, it is easy to get dehydrated from the heat!
Sunscreen – Tampa has some strong UV rays, so don’t forget your sunscreen
Bug Spray – If you are going in the wetlands, wooded areas, or nature preserve than you need to have bug spray. There is the possibility of biting black flies, mosquitos, etc. that can be in these areas.
Tennis shoes, hiking shoes, or other closed-toed shoes – If you are going to be on unpaved trails, wear closed toed shoes. You don’t have to wear official hiking boots, but you don’t want to wear sandals on unpaved trails because of possible bugs, snakes, etc.
FAQ: Hiking in Tampa
Tampa has lots of hiking trails, especially within its many nature preserves, county parks, or state parks. Many of these trails are very scenic and you can see an abundance of wildlife – including alligators! Tampa also has several well kept walking paths with beautiful views of Tampa Bay, including the Riverwalk and Bayshore Boulevard.
Tampa’s Riverwalk is 2.6 miles long, and runs adjacent to the Hillsborough River in downtown Tampa. The Riverwalk is a must-visit and is one of the best free things to do in downtown Tampa!
Trail’s End: The Best of Tampa’s Walks and Hikes
While many people may not thing of Tampa as a place to go hiking, there are several great walking paths and hiking trails in Tampa to explore. Whether you are looking for a scenic walk along the Tampa Bay or to get out and explore some of Florida’s nature preserves and hiking trails – there is definitely something for everyone!
Want to visit other areas of Florida?
Check out my guide to taking a road trip to Key West from Tampa. Alternatively, you could head north to Florida’s oldest city – St. Augustine.
