Taking the Scenic Route: The History and Future of the Upper Tampa Bay Trail

The Channel Park Trailhead sign welcomes you to enjoy the Upper Tampa Bay Trail

 Winding through the suburbs of northwest Hillsborough County, there's a perfect path to take a break from the buzz of car traffic and get your body moving. Shaded by oaks, palms, and pines; the Upper Tampa Bay Trail is a unique part of the Conservation and Environmental Lands Management department. While not a standard Conservation Park, this trail provides recreation opportunities for thousands of patrons a week, while also acting as a natural area buffer in suburban areas for native plants and wildlife. 

Much of the Upper Tampa Bay Trail was originally a railroad route, created in the early 1900’s by W.P. Lutz for his Tampa and Gulf Coast Railway. This railroad company connected areas of Tampa with Tarpon Springs and St Petersburg. As time ticked on, the use of the railway in the Tampa area slowed to a halt. In the 1990’s, “rails to trails” programs throughout the country began to reclaim unused railroad routes and make them centers for recreation and non-car commutes in suburbs. In the late 90’s and into the early 2000’s, much of what we now see as the Upper Tampa Bay Trail was paved and opened for public use. 

Trailheads feature amenities such as restrooms, water, parking, and places to take a break.

The Upper Tampa Bay Trail currently exists in two unique sections. The longest portion begins at the Memorial Trailhead and traverses 7.5 miles to Peterson Park. It is the most popular segment, seeing about 500 walkers, runners, cyclists and more on each weekday and an average of 1000 people a day on weekends. Trailheads throughout this section of trail offer chances to grab water, use a restroom, and act as meeting points for running clubs and friends.

The north section of the trail begins again near Van Dyke and Gunn Highway. The trail here runs about four miles through the Brooker Creek Headwaters Nature Preserve, offering a more peaceful and natural feeling route, and “ends” past the Lutz Lake Fern Trailhead where it connects to the Suncoast Trail in Pasco county. The Suncoast trail is a 54 mile trail from Odessa to Spring Hill.

The Upper Tampa Bay Trail is one of the only paved trails in our nature preserves, but offers a way for accessible exploration.

Why two sections? The Upper Tampa Bay Trail project began, and continues, in phases. Currently, the remaining two-mile gap between the trail sections has been highly anticipated. In 2024, the Hillsborough Board of County Commissioners approved $7 million of the expected $10 million it would take to allocate land and complete the trail connection.  As of publication, the project has received funding and Hillsborough County is currently researching the best routes to connect the trail. With an anticipated completion date of 2030, the Upper Tampa Bay Trail and the Suncoast Trail will offer a continuous 67 miles of safe recreational trail through Hillsborough, Pasco, Hernando, and Citrus counties.

In the last couple years, the Upper Tampa Bay Trail has seen some big changes. A trestle bridge crossing Rocky Creek near the Wilsky Trailhead was recently replaced . The original bridge was built when the trail was still a railroad and dated over a hundred years old. Over time, despite repairs, the safety of the bridge was compromised and made unsafe for users and impassable by emergency vehicles. In less than two years, the bridge was able to be rebuilt, wider and stronger than ever with a length of 126 feet and reinforced concrete deck.

While cycling, running, or skating we recommend keeping your eyes forward to avoid hazards – but if you’re taking a more leisurely stroll, you might see more nature than you expect while on the trail. Deer, coyotes, bobcats, and alligator call sections of the Upper Tampa Bay Trail home and traverse the trail just like you and I would. Birdwatching along the trail is also excellent with owls, ibis, woodpeckers, warblers, and more abound. Along the route through Brooker Creek Headwaters Nature Preserve, keep your eyes peeled for sundews, grass orchids, and native flowers such as Simmond’s Aster and the Pine Lily. The trail is a great way to introduce family and friend who might not be “outdoorsy” into enjoying nature while being close to urban conveniences. 

A runner enjoys the peace and scenery of the Upper Tampa Bay Trail through Brooker Creek Headwaters Nature Preserve.

Learn more about the Upper Tampa Bay Trail and find maps to plan your visit here.