The Hiking Spree is Finally Here!

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It is our favorite time of year in CELM- the Hillsborough County Hiking Spree. This annual program runs from November 1, 2023 – March 31, 2024, and encourages residents to discover their own path. CELM partners with Parks and Recreation to select around 25 trails throughout the county. Trails are sorted by level of difficulty and access to facilities and amenities. Once you hike eight of the trails, you can earn a limited-edition patch or medallion. Canine hiking companions can earn a reward as well- their own special bandana!

 

This year's Hiking Spree patch

How Do I Get Started?

Visiting HCFLGov.net/HikingSpree is the perfect place to start. This site showcases all things Spree, including the trail list and links to the registration form. Registration is free and is required to claim your reward.

How Can I Stay Connected?

Guided hikes will be added throughout the season and will be published in the Trailblazer as well as on HCFLGov.net/HikingSpree. Spots are limited, so don’t delay in registering!

Ranger James leads a guided hike.

How Can I Have the Best Experience?

Before embarking on your adventure, make sure to be prepared for the kind of trail you’ll be experiencing. Conservation Park trails are sometimes paved, though most are primitive trails through a variety of habitats. Most of the conservation parks have restrooms and playgrounds. Nature Preserve trails leave civilization behind, and development is kept to a minimum to protect sensitive habitats and wildlife. Preserves do not have restrooms or water fountains. Regardless of where you hike, be sure to have a printed or digital copy of the trail map and check mileage- some of the original brochures have a misprint in the mileage for Brooker Creek Headwaters Nature Preserve and Blackwater Creek Nature Preserve. You can also download our audio tour app, Hillsborough FL Nature Tours, to learn about your hike at your own pace! If hiking with your pup, check in advance to be sure the trail is dog-friendly and always keep your dog on a leash to protect both them and our sensitive habitats and wildlife. 

Wynona is modeling this year's dog bandana.

Which Trail Should I Explore First?

This is the best part of all—hitting the trails! We will be highlighting different trials throughout the season, but here are a few to get you started:

Edward Medard Conservation Park. 

The Singing Bluffs trail is very unique! Who said all hikes in Florida are flat? Created by the mining of the area before it was reclaimed for conservation, the meandering fingers of land reach out into the reservoir lake and up and down hills where various birds like to nest. Watch your head as you spot the egrets, spoonbills, vultures and other birds who call Medard home.   


Lettuce Lake Conservation Park 


The fan favorite is back again, Lettuce Lake’s Hammock Run and Boardwalk Trail is a long loop of the park’s best features. Enjoy walking through oak hammocks, pines, along the boardwalk stealing glimpses of birds and basking alligators through the cypress trees. The boardwalk also features an observation tower for a beautiful view.   


 

Blackwater Creek Nature Preserve 


The lovely Savannah Trail winds through some of the finest remaining pine savannah habitat in the county. You’ll hike past palmetto, meadow beauty flowers, and towering pine trees, under majestic oaks, and down to beautiful Blackwater Creek. Look for deer, hawks, fox squirrels, and otters as you hike! This sunny 6.4-mile trail should be enjoyed by experienced hikers who are ready to take on one of the Spree’s longest adventures.  

 

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