Tampa-St. Petersburg is known as a major metropolitan area located on the west coast of Florida. But hikers and naturalists also understand that dotted throughout Tampa and its surrounding areas are an abundance of trails for the avid explorer.<\/p>\n
These attractions are examples of the uniqueness of Florida\u2019s biodiversity that have captivated the inhabitants and charmed visitors for as long as locals can remember.<\/p>\n
Alafia River State Park<\/a><\/strong>\u00a0located in Lithia is open daily to the public from 08:00 AM until sundown. The park does not charge an entrance fee and pets are welcome as long as they are kept on a leash.<\/p>\n According to the park\u2019s website, this particular area is a paradise for hikers as well as horseback riders and mountain bikers who love coming here to enjoy the many trails that begin from a central point heading downhill, a rarity in Florida!<\/p>\n The Alafia River twists and turns through Alderman\u2019s Ford Nature Preserve, carving its way through the landscape, the water\u2019s song calming the mind and bringing peace and contentment to the heart and spirit \u2013 sound therapy.<\/p>\n Trekkers familiar with the area know that here the trails offer the hiker the chance to watch the birds and listen to their song or cool off under an ancient Oak tree.<\/p>\n The main trail named the \u201cDurant\u201d trail is 3.3 miles long and\u00a0designated by Florida Hikes<\/strong><\/a>\u00a0as moderate with the exception of points where ascending the river bluffs is required.<\/p>\n Caladesi Island offers easy to moderate hikes along a system of trails that total 2.9 miles, all of which begin and end at a point called \u201cIsland Trail\u201d.<\/p>\n Veer off to the \u201cHammock Trail\u201d that takes the hiker through one of the few remaining patches of virgin slash pine in Central Florida then to Dunedin Pass where the sun lights up the water.<\/p>\n Up ahead await mangroves and a lagoon that is home to a variety of birds, including snowy egrets and the endangered roseate spoonbill that make this space the perfect place for peace, contentment and reflection.<\/p>\n Eagle Lake Park is located near Tampa in Largo. From the moment you reach the beginning of the main trail you are hit with the sight of tall pine trees that create dense woods.<\/p>\n The songbirds sing to the hiker, welcoming them into the forest and down to the banks of the river where the Cypress trees stand.<\/p>\n If you are lucky enough to find your way to the bald eagle\u2019s nest located in one of the tallest pines, you may see one resting on a branch or swooping down to catch a meal in the water.<\/p>\n Hillsborough River Hiking Trails (located in Hillsborough River State Park) lists six miles of some of the best hiking trails in the state for visitors to enjoy.<\/p>\n Shorter loops on the upper level of the park or lower ones that take the hiker through shady trails lined with old Oak trees are both short in length and easy to walk. Whichever path you choose you will enjoy a rarity in Florida \u2013 rapids!<\/p>\n The river rapids created by the tannic water that flow over the limestone rocks makes the \u201cNature Trail\u201d a place of serenity.<\/p>\n Hikers can head to the \u201cBaynard Trail\u201d where a suspension bridge awaits the traveler underneath the canopy of the forest to an open area a short distance ahead where the fragrance of wild citrus groves act as the perfume of the woods, eventually reaching the \u201cFlorida Trail\u201d. From there the hike takes you through sections of cypress, oak,\u00a0and hickory that have stood the test of time.<\/p>\nDiscover the sights and sounds of the Alafia River in Alderman\u2019s Ford Nature Preserve.<\/span><\/h2>\n
Enjoy a day of pure heaven on Caladesi Island.<\/span><\/h2>\n
Where can I watch eagles nesting in the Tampa area?<\/span><\/h2>\n
Yes, you can experience rapids in Florida!<\/span><\/h2>\n
What makes the Hillsborough River Trails so special?<\/span><\/h2>\n
What can I see in the Weedon Island Preserve?<\/span><\/h2>\n