Hiking and Biking in Hillsborough River State Park

In early March we visited Hillsborough River State Park.  This is another of the the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) parks.  It was established to highlight the area surrounding the river rapids as a public park.  Many of the park's structures and the suspension bridge are examples of the CCC style of rustic architecture, in harmony with the natural environment.

Reflections in the
Hillsborough River
from a hiking trail

Although the park lies on the banks of the Hillsborough River we did not manage a canoe ride... too busy with friends in the Tampa and Branden area, avoiding a few rain showers, touring Ft. Foster, and exploring the park on foot and bicycle.

Blue-eyed grass along the
Wetlands Restoration Trail

The parks boasts four main trails and a section of the Florida Trail.  You can choose from the River Rapids Trail (1.2+ round trip), Baynard Trail (1.1 round trip),  Wetlands Restoration Trail (1.6 one way), and the Fort King Trail (6.7 miles one way).  So, we ventured off late afternoon on the Wetlands Trail and shortly encountered a huge mud puddle, after exploring the old dairy lands by foot, we returned to camp by riding the 5 mile black-top park road.

Old fence post on the
Baynard Trail
which crosses an old dairy farm

Given two dry days we figured the trails might be passable and attempted the Fort King Trail which shares part of the Wetland Trail.  Today we found a relatively dry passage, well not too wet, around the mud puddle.  The Fort King Trail crosses several public lands and requires you to exit the park, as we exited the park we discovered a beautiful shell packed road to a youth camp area.  This was the Dead River County Park and well worth exploring. The ride was easy, scenic, and filled with birds.  

Early 1900s Tractor
Ft. King Trail and Dead River County Park

Of course we explored the banks of the Hillsborough River which contains official and unofficial trails.  The unofficial trails tend to dead end but contain wonderful views.  Even though it was still cool at a few alligators were out for a sun-bath.

Look closely, that log in the center
is an Alligator

The Hillsborough River flows for 59 miles through west central Florida into the Tampa Bay.  The first know mapping was in 1769 by the British and named for Wills Hills, the British Colonial Secretary and Lord Earl of Hillsborough. With this length you will find excellent canoe/kayak areas, slower areas, and then the rapids.

Not the best canoe/kayak adventure
even going downstream

It is amazing how many river rapids you find in Florida and the Hillsborough River has Class II rapids.  This is one I would not want to canoe... too rocky but wonderful to view.  The River Rapids Trail is a nice hiking trail that borders the river and it is not all flat.  You know the river rocks had to come from somewhere!  The trail is lovely and this time of year blanketed in oak leaves.  However, it is best to keep a brisk pace and perhaps arm yourself with bug spray before the walk as the mosquitoes can be rather pesky if there have been recent rains.  As was the case on my visit.

River Rapids Trail
arching along the river bank

Rushing water has it's own energy so take some time to admire the river and drink in the energy from these awesome rapids.

The river roars over the rocks at this point