Hiking Spree Details

Take a Hike!

The Hiking Spree offers several different types of trails to choose from, ranging from easy and moderate paved pathways to strenuous and rough terrain.

Whether you are looking for a short hike at a nearby neighborhood park, or you want to challenge yourself at a nature preserve, the Hiking Spree offers something for everyone. Pick the trails that are right for your fitness level.

Check out the different trail types:

Neighborhood parks and recreation center trails

• These are are generally short paved trails with water and facilities, unless otherwise noted

Conservation park trails

• These trails provide more of a nature experience than your typical Neighborhood Park trail. Though some are paved, most are primitive trails that take you through a variety of natural habitats ranging from upland pine flatwoods, to wetland swamps, to bottomland forests.
• Most of the Conservation Parks have amenities such as running water, restrooms, playgrounds, and manicured pathways

Nature preserve trails

• These trails take the nature experience up several notches. When hiking nature preserves, you will be leaving civilization behind. On a nature preserve, development is kept to a minimum to protect natural areas and wildlife.
• Nature preserve trailheads have small, unpaved parking lots, a fence with a walk-through entrance, and a small kiosk with trail information
• The nature preserve trails do not have restrooms or running water, and are unpaved, longer with fewer trail markers, and have rougher terrain

Florida State parks and other trails

• Trail conditions will vary based on the location from easy to moderate to strenuous. Some trails may be paved, while others might be undeveloped with rough terrain.
• You may want to call the park or location you are planning to hike ahead of time to check on amenities and accommodations  

Trail markers

Trails are marked with blazes. What are blazes? Many nature preserve trails are marked a certain color, usually red, blue, or yellow. These paint markings on posts or trees are blazes and will guide you in the proper direction. If you come to an intersection, look for a blaze for what direction to hike. Always carry a map when you are hiking a nature preserve.

New to hiking?

If you are new to hiking, we recommend getting your hiking legs at a Neighborhood Park trail, and then progress to the Conservation Parks and Nature Preserves. When hiking, always bring:

1. The correct trail map for your destination
2. A compass or GPS
3. Plenty of drinking water
4. Appropriate shoes
5. Sun protection

Tag us in your hikes

When you share your photos of your hikes, be sure to tag Hillsborough County on Facebook, X, and Instagram with #TakeAHikeHC.