The Not Too Short or Not Too Long Hike! Approx. 6.67-mile hike
Details
Wilderness Park – Trout Creek Site is located near the mouth of Trout Creek on the Hillsborough River. The trail is multi use, and we will encounter off-road cyclists, trail runners, and hikers. The trail is a natural wooded trail with mostly shaded canopy. The area is made up of cypress swamp, hardwood floodplain forest, upland hardwood hammocks, pine flatwoods, oak scrub, dry prairie, wet prairie, and lakes.
The day use fee is $2 per person. The machine takes cash (no change given) or credit card. There’s restrooms and potable water.
We will leave the Trout Creek parking area and go up the levee and then drop down into the main trail and continue the main trail until we hit Panther, a side trail. We’ll hike the Panther trail until we reach the Bruce B Down’s side of the Flatwoods Paved trail passing the Prairie Pond, which is so beautiful to see, a definite highlight of the hike. We’ll take a break at this point, which is approximately 3.35 miles. Then enter Panther trail again, returning on the other side of the trail and passing the prairie pond again, sweet! Then, turning back onto the main trail, to the levee and then ending at the parking lot at Trout Creek.
Note: sometimes the hogs dig some deep ruts into the trail, so wearing shoes appropriate for hiking over roots, zigzagging around hog holes is recommended.
Be prepared: sun protection, bug repellent, water, snacks, and anything else that will make your hike comfortable. Water is required for hiking.
ASSUMPTION OF RISK
Possible risks of this activity include Injury from a trip & fall, venomous snakes, stinging insects, venomous spiders, wildlife encounters, heat stroke, noxious vegetation, insect borne virus and disease, Covid 19, Influenza, and other airborne transmissible conditions. You are responsible for your own safety and should take whatever precautions you deem necessary. You assume all responsibility and risk associated with this event.
Please note we only wait approximately 5-10 minutes from the start time before heading out. If you are running late, it happens; please let me know by either texting or calling day of hike: 813-486-3713