Tampa Hiking Meetup Group

If you haven't signed up for the Hiking Spree please do so here: https://hcfl.gov/residents/parks-and-leisure/hiking-spree/hiking-spree-registration-and-trail-lists

Registration is free but you must be signed up to get your rewards.

IMPORTANT!: Take 301 to Lightfoot Road and then turn right on Wild West Lane.

Alltrails Park info: Here
Hillsborough County Info: Here
TRAIL SCOUTS Avenza Map: Here

Date: Saturday, November 21, 2026
Meet: 8:15 AM
Hike Begins: 8:30 AM SHARP
Location: Little Manatee River State Park

Address: 215 Lightfoot Road, Wimauma, FL 33598
IMPORTANT!: Take 301 to Lightfoot Road and then turn right on Wild West Lane.

Meeting Location: Equestrian parking area
Distance: Approximately 4–5 miles
Difficulty: Moderate
Entrance Fee: $5 per vehicle (2–8 occupants) or $4 for a single occupant

## About the Hike

Our first stop on this year's Hiking Spree is the Dude Lake Trail, a 2.2-mile loop that winds through pine flatwoods, scrub habitat, and open areas.

After completing the official Hiking Spree trail, we'll explore some of the park's additional connected trails, aiming for approximately 4–5 miles total.
Expect a mixture of sandy trails, open sunny areas, and natural Florida scenery. Some sections are shared with horseback riders, so we'll be mindful of others enjoying the park.

## What to Bring

• Plenty of water (at least 2 liters recommended)
• Comfortable hiking shoes suitable for sandy terrain
• Sunscreen and insect repellent
• Hat or sunglasses
• Snacks if needed
• Your Hiking Spree trail information

## Important Information

Please arrive by 8:15 AM so we can get everyone together and begin hiking promptly at 8:30 AM.

We'll meet at the equestrian parking area inside the park. Allow extra time to enter the park and find our meeting location.

Our planned mileage may change slightly depending on trail conditions and the additional trails we choose.

With Thanksgiving just around the corner, this is a great opportunity to get outside, enjoy some fresh air, and make progress on your Hiking Spree before the holiday festivities begin!
We hope to see you on the trails!

We will do the Live Oak Loop and add on the quarter mile Loblolly loop.
📍 Location:
775 East Knights Griffin Road
Plant City, FL 33565
Trail details:
Alltrails Map
Hillsborough County Webpage

• Distance: ~1.9 miles
• Mostly flat, well-maintained trails
• Beginner-friendly pace
• Mix of sun and shade

What to bring:

• Water
• Comfortable walking shoes
• Sun protection
• Bug spray (just in case)

Parking:
Free parking available at the preserve.

Date: Saturday, April 25th | Time: 8:15 AM Step off at 8:30 AM.
Location: Upper Tampa Bay Conservation Park, 8001 Double Branch Rd., Tampa, FL 33635
Distance: ~2.3 miles
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Fee: $2 per vehicle (county park entry)
https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/florida/otter-bobcat-and-eagle-loop

Join us for an afternoon hike on the Otter, Bobcat & Eagle Loop Trail at Upper Tampa Bay Conservation Park.

This scenic loop winds through shady pine flatwoods and along the edges of coastal marshes — a great place to spot birds, crabs, and maybe even an otter or two! We’ll meet near the Nature Center parking area and start at 8:30 AM. The trail is flat and easy to follow, with a few sandy sections and boardwalks. Expect the hike to take about 60–75 minutes, giving us plenty of daylight to enjoy the views.

What to Bring: Water, sun protection, bug spray, and comfortable closed-toe shoes (trails may be muddy after rain).

Parking: There’s a $2 per vehicle fee at the entrance kiosk. Please carpool if possible, as weekend afternoons can be busy.

Please text/call me if you're going to be a little late so we can wait for you. 727-688-3150