Hiking
Al Lopez Park features a woodsy 1.2-mile paved trail that is looped. Along the trail, you will find restrooms, picnic shelters, BBQ grills, fishing piers, two ponds, a community center, fitness stations, and a dog park.
Al Lopez Park is one of the best hikes in Tampa for those that want to bring their kids along. You will find a wonderful playground that will serve as a great spot for your kids to let out some energy and break up the hike.
Admission is free and the daily hours are from sunrise to sunset. There are tons of large trees all throughout the park, so it is very easy to find shade on hot days.
The park contains several ponds and lakes that are great for spotting alligators, turtles, and egrets. Make sure to bring a camera along on your hike to capture all of the beautiful Florida wildlife.
Rocky Creek Trails Nature Preserve
Rocky Creek Trails Nature Preserve is one the hikes in Tampa that is great for beginner hikers or people with limited energy as it is a short trail. The trail is a half mile in total length and it gets a lot of traffic.
The trail is well-maintained and consists of both unpaved and boardwalk areas. Rocky Creek Trails Nature Preserve is well known for bird watching and pretty wildflowers.
Hillsborough River State Park
Now, we visit one of the historic site hikes in Tampa. The Hillsborough River State Park is home to Fort Foster which was utilized during the second Seminole war. It is truly one of the Best Hikes In Florida you must see!
The park features four different hiking trails that total 7.3 miles. The trails guide hikers through lush hydric hammock forest. Elevation changes are found throughout the trail and as well as interpretive displays.
The Wetlands Trail has a diverse variety of flora and fauna. If you pay close attention, you might be able to spot the rare Blazing Star flower that has pink and purple petals; a favorite for monarch butterflies and hummingbirds.
It is common to see hawks, eagles, bobcats, and songbirds while hiking at the Hillsborough River State Park. The park is open from sunrise until sunset and the entrance fee is $6 per vehicle.