Flatwoods Nature Reserve is a network of paved and non-paved trails located in the Hillsborough Nature Reserve in Tampa.
The Hillsborough Nature Reserve is thousands of acres of untouched Florida wilderness and sitting amongst it is the Flatwood Nature Reserve.
The park has two main entrances, the main entrance on Morris Bridge Road which includes parking and a visitor center and the other entrance located on Bruce B. Downs BLVD (which is the entrance I choose to use). Both locations cost just $2 for parking and there are restrooms, places for picnics, and cold water available.
The park has various hiking trails, with both paved and off-road trails, making it ideal for dedicated hikers but more for bikers, both on and off-road bikers. The inner path is a paved 7-mile loop which is perfect for anyone wanting to enjoy the Florida weather with a long, looping path while not having to deal with any kind of traffic. As for hiking and walkers, it can be a great system of trails to try out, but choose the entrance from Morris Bridge. This entrance provides the visitor center, it’s right near the Hillsborough River, and gives you a quicker access to the nature trails.
The entrance from Bruce B. Downs is probably a little bit tougher for the casual walker/hiker as the paved route that connects to the 7-mile loop is about 2 miles long and if you are looking for a leisurely nature trail, this is not the path you should take as it is cleared on both sides and a perfect path for bikes (not for a casual hike).
Overall, Flatwoods is a great, hidden spot in the North and New Tampa area that is located in the middle of the Hillsborough River basin. It is a perfect spot for a long bike ride or some off-road hiking.
Travels With Matt Blog 