As you’re planning your next getaway to Tampa, don’t forget to include some time to take in the sights through hiking trails spread throughout the city. It can help you recharge your batteries after a busy week of work while also giving you access to the beautiful scenery that only nature could provide. Check out our suggestions below on where you can find hiking trails in Tampa!
Courtney Campbell Causeway West Trail
Courtney Campbell Causeway West Trail is a 5.5-mile trail that connects with Fort De Soto Park and offers Downtown Tampa and Clearwater Beach views. The trailhead is near JFK Boulevard and Causeway Boulevard at Gateway Middle School. The stretch is exceptionally flat with benches along the way, perfect for viewing wildlife such as birds, butterflies, gopher tortoises, rabbits, and more!
Tampa Riverwalk
The 3.5-mile trail offers several great perks: it’s close to downtown, perfect for people of all ages and fitness levels, and gives visitors breathtaking views of wildlife, including manatees. The Riverwalk is also home to several restaurants (Rivergate Park has one of its signature locations) and even hosts significant events like the Gasparilla Music Festival (one of America’s Top Festivals by Florida Trend magazine). The Riverwalk is lined with plenty of hotels, shops, restaurants, and bars if you want to make it an all-day excursion or use it as an excellent starting point before heading into town.
Flatwoods Loop Trail
Starting from a small parking lot, you’ll follow a short dirt path that will take you into a well-marked trail. While slightly rocky and steep, it won’t be too hard to navigate if you’re an experienced hiker. In about 45 minutes, you’ll arrive at a large lake surrounded by cypress trees – perfect for picnicking or just kicking back and taking it all in. The only drawback is there isn’t much shade – so plan accordingly!
Lettuce Lake Park
Lettuce Lake Park is located within Tampa’s city limits, but it feels like you’re out in nature. The park has over 8 miles of hiking trails with difficulty levels. One path makes a loop around Little Big Lake and ends back at its starting point after an even 3-mile hike that’s great for all skill levels! It is also home to two fenced off-leash dog parks, one for small dogs and one for large dogs.
Flatwoods Park
Flatwoods Park is one of Tampa’s best hiking trails, offering a wide range of short and long hikes. The enormous park offers nearly four miles of hiking trails with various levels of difficulty. If you want to hike on some easy terrain, you can do a quick loop at just under a mile to take you to some lakes and a beautiful boardwalk along Flatwoods Creek that leads to a peaceful grove of trees. Or, if you have more time, there are plenty of challenging paths that lead through pine forests and across bridges high above lakes or Flatwoods Creek.
New Tampa Nature Park
The urban hiking trail is one of the best places to take your dog and yourself. It’s part of Hillsborough County’s greenway system and contains a variety of flora and fauna. The area includes an observation tower with great views over Lake Thonotosassa and enjoyable outdoor activities for seniors to view wildlife such as deer, raccoons, and armadillos. Wildlife aside, you will see native Florida plants like scrub palmetto and sabal palms along New Tampa Nature Park’s 3-mile loop trail.
