It’s that time of year again! Tampa Bay is getting cooler (ish). So let’s lace up our hiking shoes, smear on the sunscreen, and fill up the water bottle to hit the trails for the Hillsborough County Hiking Spree. The Hiking Spree officially began on Saturday, November 4. The annual Hiking Spree began in 2016 and draws thousands of participants each year.
Hillsborough County Hiking Spree
The annual Hiking Spree began in 2016 to encourage people to exercise, explore the outdoors, and experience nature through the many parks and preserves in Hillsborough County. One of the principal organizers, Brad Lympany, got the idea from his childhood in Ohio. He says a district there started their hiking spree in the 1960s and, “Our family would participate every year, and I saw how it brought the community together and provided a sense of ownership in their county parks.”
This year’s Hiking Spree trail list features 25 trails at 22 parks and preserves throughout the county. This includes three new trails located at Northwest Equestrian Park, Bullfrog Creek Wildlife and Environmental Area, and J.C. Handly Sports Complex.
Seeing all the county has to offer
The environmentally diverse sites are spread throughout the county and range from neighborhood parks like Carrollwood Village Park to large preserves with multiple habitats like Edward Medard Conservation Park. The trails offer something for everyone, from hiking rookies to seasoned outdoor enthusiasts. Hikes are rated easy, moderate, or strenuous. Lengths range from 4 miles to less than a mile.
During this time of the year, hikers may see everything from wildflowers and migrating song birds to a gator in the Hillsborough River. “Even more urban settings like Carrollwood Village park have beautiful roseate spoonbills and white ibis from time to time,” Lympany adds.
Related: Hillsborough County Trails That Have the Most Shade
Lympany’s favorite trail in Hillsborough County is in a small park that has access to a wonderful hidden back bay with birds and manatees. “The popularity of the Hiking Spree has encouraged us to develop our trail networks and provide more opportunities to explore our area,” Lympany explains.
He says that his current fave trail is Blackwater Creek. Located north of Plant City, he recommends the 5-mile red loop. He says the sunsets are great. Just be sure to get back before it’s too dark!
Spree details
Complete at least eight between Nov. 1 and March 31, 2024, to earn a limited-edition patch featuring a roseate spoonbill, medallion for a walking stick, or pet bandana. One of the hikes can be at a location of the participant’s choice that is not on the list.
Residents are encouraged to bring their leashed dogs on the hikes. Last year over 2,000 people registered their dogs in the Hiking Spree.
There are a number of events during this year’s hiking spree, including:
- A guided hike will be held at the J.C. Handly Sports Complex on Nov. 18 that is tailored for Pokemon Go enthusiasts.
- Audubon Volunteer Dr. Mary Keith will lead a slow-paced walk on Nov. 12 through Lettuce Lake Park while seeking out our favorite feathered friends, such as woodpeckers and spoonbills.
- Audubon Volunteer Dr. Mary Keith will lead a walk on Nov. 25 through Alderman’s Ford Conservation Park in seacrh of all kinds of birds.
- Other special planned activities over the next few months, such as bird hikes and full moon hikes.
With the use of the Hillsborough FL Nature Tours app, residents can take a guided tour of Hillsborough County nature preserves and conservation parks, courtesy of their cellphone.
