TAMPA \u2014 The holiday season brings turkey, stuffing and pumpkin pie, often enjoyed while watching college and professional football. It\u2019s good for the spirit, but not as beneficial for the waistline.<\/p>\n
Hillsborough County Parks and Recreation has a solution to get residents off the couch and burning calories. It\u2019s 10th annual Hiking Spree started Nov. 1 at the Lettuce Lake Park\u2019s Hammock Run Trail and runs throughout the county until March 31.<\/p>\n
Once registered, participants must complete eight of the 25 listed trails by the March 31 deadline. Participants may also hike a trail of any length, anywhere in the world.<\/p>\n
The trails were chosen to accommodate various skill and fitness levels, offering opportunities to access nature and discover the county\u2019s abundant flora and fauna. Dogs are welcome on most trails, which are wheelchair accessible. The trails are scattered across Hillsborough County from, Little Manatee River state park to Lake Dan Nature Preserve in Odessa to the Crystal Springs Blackwater Creek Nature Preserve and all points in between.<\/p>\n
Several trails are located at neighborhood parks in the North Tampa area, including the 0.4-mile All People\u2019s Fitness Trail at Lesley \u201cLes\u201d Miller Jr. All People\u2019s Community Park and Life Center.<\/p>\n
The Parks and Recreation Department noted that neighborhood parks are good for beginners, are typically shorter \u2014 the longest in that group is 1.4 miles \u2014 offering amenities such as paved trails, parking lots, restrooms and running water.<\/p>\n
Seven trails are at conservation parks, such as Lake Conservation Park\u2019s 1.6-mile Lake Vista Trail. These trails are slightly longer \u2014 between 0.67 and 2.33 miles \u2014 are closer to nature and run through various habitats. Some are paved, and many have running water, restrooms, playgrounds and manicured pathways.<\/p>\n
Six are at nature preserves, such as Blackwater Creek Nature Preserve\u2019s 6.4-mile Savannah Trail. Trails in this group are the longest on the list \u2014 between 1.7 and 6.4 miles \u2014 and are maintained closer to their natural state. They are more rugged and challenging, with virtually no development, unpaved parking lots and trails, no running water or restrooms.<\/p>\n
Three trails are at state parks, such as McIntosh Preserve\u2019s 1.5-mile Live Oak Loop. These trails are in various conditions, some paved and others with rougher terrain. The Parks and Recreation Department recommends calling ahead to determine whether a trail meets a hiker\u2019s needs and abilities.<\/p>\n
Hikers who submit their completion form by May 31 will be eligible for a free sticker and their choice among a 2025-2026 Hiking Spree medallion, patch or dog bandana.<\/p>\n
The spree began in 2016 to encourage residents to explore the county\u2019s beautiful parks and preserves. Its timing coincides with the area\u2019s best weather and with bird-watching season.<\/p>\n
For more variety, the Parks and Recreation Department offers several guided hikes, including bird-watching hikes, a holiday light-themed hike at Boyette Springs Park, and a \u201cBattle for the Galaxy\u201d hike at Carrollwood Village Park.<\/p>\n
The parks department recommends beginners start with neighborhood parks and work their way up to nature preserves and conservation parks.<\/p>\n
Trails are marked with blue, yellow or red blazes on trees or posts to indicate the direction of the trail.<\/p>\n
Hikers should always bring the correct trail map, a compass or GPS, sturdy shoes, bug spray, sunscreen, SPF hats or clothing, snacks and plenty of water.<\/p>\n