Florida Trail Section

Hillsborough River State Park contains a section of the Florida National Scenic Trail—a continuous footpath stretching 1,300 miles from Big Cypress National Preserve in South Florida to Fort Pickens on the Gulf Islands National Seashore in the Panhandle. This 4.5-mile out-and-back section samples the trail's character through the river's floodplain forests and adjacent flatwoods, following the iconic orange blazes that mark the FT throughout its length.

The trail crosses the Hillsborough River's floodplain multiple times, navigating through stands of bald cypress and water hickory where wading may be necessary during the summer wet season. Limestone outcrops punctuate the forest floor, and the trail passes over several tributary stream crossings on log bridges. Long-distance hikers use this section as part of multi-day treks connecting Hillsborough River with Withlacoochee State Forest to the north. The moderate rating reflects the trail's length and potential wet conditions rather than elevation. Gopher tortoise burrows are common in the upland sections, and the floodplain hosts abundant wildlife including white-tailed deer, armadillos, and wild turkeys.