Wilderness Parks

Hillsborough County’s Wilderness Parks are the conservation parks within the Lower Hillsborough Wilderness Preserve. Wilderness Parks are managed in cooperation with the Southwest Florida Water Management District. The Lower Hillsborough Wilderness Preserve encompasses 16,000 acres of preserved land, over 60 miles of trails, and 13 miles of the Hillsborough River. While the area is beloved for recreation and its natural beauty, its primary purpose is to store and supply water that could otherwise flood surrounding areas.

The Wilderness Parks include Dead River Conservation Park, Flatwoods Conservation Park, John B. Sargeant Conservation Park, Morris Bridge Conservation Park, Morris Bridge Biking Area, and Trout Creek Conservation Park. These sites consist of pine flatwoods, wetlands, and riverine forests that are home to wood stork, gopher tortoise, and eastern bluebirds. Each conservation park has its own unique recreation opportunities such as hiking, fishing, biking, horseback riding, and more.

Wilderness Parks are popular with cyclists of all abilities, offering miles of single- and double-track trails of varying difficulty and the Wilderness Trail, which runs through multiple parks for several miles of continuous riding.

Dead River Conservation Park

15098 Dead River Rd.
Thonotosassa, FL 33592

This site features pedestrian or bicycle access only and is ideal for nature enthusiasts looking for an escape. There is a two-mile hiking trail alongside the Hillsborough River through shady oak and palm hammocks, and the woods and river offer opportunities to fish, picnic, and view wildlife. The Old Fort King Trail traverses through Dead River and into Hillsborough River State Park.

Dead River Conservation Park page | Dead River Conservation Park trail map (PDF)

Flatwoods Conservation Park

14302 Morris Bridge Rd.
Thonotosassa, FL 33592

Best known for its 7-mile paved loop road, which serves as a multi-use trail, Flatwoods Park provides a nature-filled getaway. A 2-mile paved extension connects Bruce B. Downs Boulevard with the loop road. Park activities and features include a paved bicycle loop, off-road bike trails, remote picnicking, and nature trails.

Flatwood Conservation Park location page | Flatwood Conservation Park trail map (PDF)

John B. Sargeant Conservation Park

12702 U.S. Hwy. 301 N.
Thonotosassa, FL 33592

This park is best known for providing boating access to the scenic Hillsborough River State Canoe Trail which winds on the water through a jungle of hardwood trees, lilies, and wading birds and is popular with both new and experienced paddlers.

John B. Sargeant Conservation Park location page | John B. Sargeant Conservation Park trail map (PDF)

Morris Bridge Conservation Park

13630 Morris Bridge Rd.
Thonotosassa, FL 33592

Popular for its fishing and boat launch, this tranquil site is also great for wildlife viewing. Its trails and boardwalk through cypress offer bird enthusiasts glimpses of warblers, vireos, and limpkins.

Morris Bridge Conservation Park location page | Morris Bridge Conservation Park trail map (PDF)

Morris Bridge Biking Area

12651 Morris Bridge Rd.
Thonotosassa, FL 33592

The Morris Bridge Biking Area, directly across from Trout Creek Conservation Park, is a great starting point for access to the Wilderness Trail. Within the Biking Area, there are about 15 miles of biking and hiking trails to explore. There are no facilities at this site.

Morris Bridge Biking Area location page | Morris Bridge Biking Area trail map (PDF)

Trout Creek Conservation Park

12550 Morris Bridge Rd.
Thonotosassa, FL 33592

Near where Trout Creek flows into the Hillsborough River, this park is popular for hiking, fishing, canoeing, kayaking, and picnicking. As part of the Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail, Trout Creek is a hotspot for wood ducks, anhinga, egrets, and migratory warblers.

Trout Creek Conservation Park location page | Trout Creek Conservation Park trail map (PDF)

Hours

• Spring/Summer 7AM – 8PM
• Fall/Winter 7AM – 6PM
• Dead River is sunrise to sunset, every day

Fees

• $2 per vehicle, up to eight people
• $5 boat launch fee at applicable sites
• $25 Canoe/kayak rental fee at applicable sites

Rules

• Dogs must be on a 6-foot hand-held leash
• Alcohol / intoxicated people are not permitted in the parks
• Florida law requires bicyclists under the age of 16 to wear helmets
• Cyclists yield to hikers
• No swimming

For more rules and regulations, visit the rules and expectations page.

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