With over 300 miles of hiking trails in Hillsborough County, there's lots to explore
Grab your hiking boots and discover Hillsborough County’s wild side. Enjoy a casual stroll on boardwalks and paved pathways at our conservation parks, or delve deeper into the woods at one of our nature preserves.
Best hiking spots
- Alafia Scrub Nature Preserve
- Alderman's Conservation Ford Park
- Bell Creek Nature Preserve
- Blackwater Creek Nature Preserve
- Cockroach Bay Preserve
- Edward Medard Conservation Park
- Flatwoods Conservation Park
- Golden Aster Scrub Nature Preserve
- Lettuce Lake Conservation Park
- Lithia Springs Conservation Park
- Lower Green Swamp Nature Preserve
- Triple Creek Nature Preserve
- Trout Creek Conservation Park
- Upper Tampa Bay Conservation Park
Look for blazes
A blaze is colored paint, usually red, blue or yellow, marked on posts or trees that guide you in the proper direction so you know which way to go.
You will often see the term “Follow the (insert various trail color) blaze” in the trail descriptions. Even though a trail may be marked with blazes, it's a good idea to always carry a map when you are hiking.
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
Don't miss out on the annual Hiking Spree
From the beginning of November to the end of March we host our annual Hiking Spree. We choose a wide variety of hiking trails from around the county. The trails range from easy and paved to strenuous with rough terrain.
Register each year and complete eight hikes to get a prize. We even encourage you to hike with your dog and get a them a prize too.
Find out more about the Hiking Spree