Hillsborough: Rivers, Trails, and Cultural History

Hillsborough County manages sixteen public boat ramps, providing access to freshwater lakes and rivers as well as Tampa Bay. Water is therefore a common thread in planning your trip: depending on the location, boating, paddling, fishing, waterfront trails, or scenic views take center stage. Add to that hiking trails through varied landscapes and a cultural history stop in Ybor City. As you plan your stay, consider whether you’d most like to spend time on the water, on trails, or exploring cultural history.

By the Water: Reservoir, River, and Paddling Routes

Edward Medard Conservation Park brings together several ways to enjoy the water. Its 700-acre reservoir is used for canoeing, boating, and fishing. From an observation platform, you can look out over the reservoir. Away from the shore, there is also a three-mile trail through pine flatwoods and hardwood hammocks.

At John B. Sargeant Conservation Park, the Hillsborough River is a major draw: the park offers boat access to the river. Facilities include a small boat ramp, a boardwalk, and places to picnic and fish. Canoes and kayaks can be rented on site at the park office; check availability before your visit. At Hillsborough River State Park, you can watch Class II rapids and canoe or kayak along the Hillsborough River.

The South Prong of the Alafia River offers opportunities for canoeing and fishing. The locations described here differ not only in their waterways, but also in the activities available there—from fishing at the reservoir or river branch to paddling on the Hillsborough River.

Trails Through Varied Landscapes

Routes range from short loops and out-and-back trails to longer trail networks. At Alderman’s Ford Conservation Park, a 1.9-mile paved loop runs along the north and south prongs of the Alafia River. The area also has a historical connection: the park is located at a river crossing established by settler James Alderman in 1848. The park has four remote campsites.

Lake Dan Nature Preserve offers an approximately 2.5-mile out-and-back hike to Lake Dan. At Dead River Conservation Park, a 2.8-mile hiking trail follows the Hillsborough River through shady oak and palm hammocks. The remote park is accessible only on foot or by bicycle. These details help you consider route type and distance separately: one trail goes to the lake and back, while another follows the river.

For longer outings, Hillsborough River State Park offers seven miles of nature trails and opportunities to observe wildlife. Alafia River State Park has 20 miles of hilly trails through forests and flatwoods for hikers and horseback riders. Lower Hillsborough Wilderness Preserve encompasses 16,000 acres of protected land and more than 60 miles of trails. The varied distances and landscapes give you several ways to include nature trails in your trip plans.

A Distinctive Contrast of Landscape and Culture

Alafia River State Park is a reclaimed phosphate mine and has some of the greatest elevation changes in the state. Its hilly terrain and trails through forests and flatwoods offer a different experience from riverside trails or the trail through the hammocks at Dead River.

In Ybor City, a visit to the historic Ferlita Bakery takes you to a museum about Ybor City’s cultural history and the cigar industry. The exhibits are self-guided and provide written and audio information, with a video presentation as well. This museum visit offers a different way to experience the area than its nature and water attractions. If you’d like to include both in your trip, you can treat cultural history and time outdoors as separate priorities in your plans.

Discover more destinations: Sun City Center, Thonotosassa, Plant City, Tampa, Ruskin, Seffner, Riverview, Odessa, Brandon, Lutz, Lake Magdalene, Town 'N' Country, Apollo Beach, Temple Terrace.

For the broader travel overview: Florida.