The recent hurricanes caused significant damage and forced us to close many parks locations, including:
- Conservation, neighborhood, and specialty parks
- Nature preserves
- Sports complexes and rec centers
- Boat ramps
While most park locations have opened, due to damage and continued safety concerns, some remain closed.
Before visiting any park location, please use the "Find Park Status" button below to see if the location is on the closed/partially closed list.
The 2500-acre Cypress Creek Nature Preserve is part of a vast wildlife corridor which extends into Pasco and Polk Counties. Cypress Creek drains into the Hillsborough River and thus provides important water quality benefits to the region. Natural habitats within the preserve include hardwood forests and swamps, pine flatwoods, wet prairies, cypress stands and freshwater marshes.
Pavilions can be used on a first-come basis. A walk-through gate leading to a hiking trail is located approximately 1300 feet southwest of the parking area. View a map from the parking lot to the trail.
Hiking safety guidelines
Always be prepared when hiking on nature preserves:
- Bring plenty of water
- Download the map
- Tell someone your plan
- Wear proper shoes and sun protection
- Stay on marked trails
- During the rainy season, many trails will have standing water.
- If you think you are lost, call us at (813) 672-7876
- In case of an emergency, call 911