Overview

Hillsborough River State Park, constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps in 1936, is one of the oldest state parks in Florida. The river through the park is noted for its rapids and surrounding hardwood forests. Visitors may find wild turkeys, pileated woodpeckers, barred owls, red-shouldered hawks, otters, and deer. Canoes and paddle boats are available, and there is a launch site for private canoes.

While the Hillsborough River State Park Trail is a 3.2 mile loop, you can use the River Rapids Nature Trail and the Baynard Trail as connectors to walk 6 miles through the forests along the river. The Hillsborough River State Park Trail connects to the Baynard Trail along a short-blue blaze found just north of the river across the swinging bridge, clockwise on the Baynard Trail for 100 yards. Look for the “FT” traihead sign on the left.

Forests of sweetgum, hickory, cabbage palms, and ancient live oaks shade this beautiful loop, which winds its way along the river and around cypress-lined floodplains. A primitive campsite is tucked away at the end of a blue blazed side trail on the north side of the loop.

Map

In Hillsborough River State Park along US 301 north of Tampa, south of Zephyrhills.

 Disclaimer: While FTA strives to maintain accurate information and is constantly updating its geodatabase, the trail and development along the trail corridor is constantly changing. The data has been collected from a variety of sources and accuracy varies. FTA provides this data for recreational purposes only and does not intend the data as a survey. 

Centerline data Florida Trail System (c) 2007 Florida Trail Association, Inc.

Trailheads

Park at the River Rapids Nature Trail for a longer walk, or near the concession stand for the most direct access to the trail.

Features

Campsites

Geologic

Conditions

Mostly level walking (with some drops into floodplain channels) through deeply shaded forests with many scenic views.  

Precautions

The main loop trail is blazed orange. Side trails are blazed blue. Bring insect repellent!

Restrictions

 Fees are charged for entrance to the park and for backpack camping. Backpack camping is permitted only at the established trail campsite. There is a limit of 12 persons per night at the trail campsite. Campfires are allowed only in the fire circle at the trail campsite. There is no water at the campsite. Carry four quarts for an overnight trip. 

Resources

Hillsborough River State Park

Central 3 Loop Trails

50 Hikes in Central Florida

Hiker’s Guide to the Sunshine State