From Waterfalls to Wildlife: Your Epic Adventure Starts at Hillsborough River State Park

Between oak branches and palm fronds, the sky winked cornflower blue. Underfoot, the wide path crunched with fallen leaves and crushed rocks. The large pavilions exploded with the sounds of people laughing and the smells of grills cooking food. I side stepped two kids running to the playground and consulted the map of Hillsborough River State Park on my phone.

After spending the morning hiking at McKethan Lake, an afternoon at this state park near Tampa became an easy last-minute decision. Hiking at Hillsborough River State Park has been on my to-do list for quite a while, especially because we live little more than an hour away.

I first thought to walk the River Rapids Trail, because the rapids are one of the park’s biggest attractions, then loop back around to the Fort Foster Interpretive Exhibit. However, the full parking area for the River Rapids Trail drove me further into the park where I found a shady spot in parking lot 3.

This lot provides access to the suspension bridge, picnic areas, and a couple miles of nature trails, including the River Rapids Trail. Parking lot 4 provides access to the canoe launch, pool, café, and more picnic pavilions. All of the trails the in park connect somewhere, except the Fort King Trail which is accessed outside of the main entrance to the park.

About Hillsborough River State Park

Hillsborough River State Park was one of the first state parks established in Florida by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC). Many of the buildings constructed during that era still exist at the park and house the restrooms, café, storage, and other park operations.

The park encompasses a total of 3,383 acres with 2,343 of those considered wetlands, including a portion of the Hillsborough River. There is a campground with 114 campsites, a primitive campground, nearly 14 miles of nature trails, an ADA-compliant pool, and the Fort Foster Interpretive Exhibit. Fort Foster itself is located across US Highway 301 from the main entrance to the state park and is open only for groups and special events.

The History of Hillsborough River State Park

Land acquisition for Hillsborough River State Park began in 1934. This same year the CCC began work in the park. The unit assigned to the park served primarily as a forestry unit. They built fire towers and fire lanes and planted seedlings. Under supervision of the National Park Service, 60 men constructed the caretaker’s cottage, fire tower, and support buildings.

In 1935, the park became part of the Florida State Park system. From 1935 to the park’s opening in 1938, the CCC built the recreation facilities. Additional frame and native stone residences were constructed by the state before 1941. The park originally contained 900 acres.

Prehistory Around Hillsborough River

Geologists have determined that the Hillsborough River has flowed for approximately 27,000 years. The first people who migrated to the area arrived between 12,000 and 15,000 years ago. Water sources such as the river and nearby lakes and springs were important places for these hunter-gatherer societies. They provided fresh water as well as drew game and fish which the native people hunted.

Pottery appeared approximately 2,000 years ago. At this time, the native populations still lived a seasonal, migratory existence. By the time the first Europeans made contact in the 1500s, however, these nomadic bands had settled into villages with extensive trading routes. The Timucua and Tocobaga of this area built large mounds. Some of these mounds in the Tampa Bay area still exist and are preserved in city, county, and state parks.

Things to Do at Hillsborough River State Park

Like many of the award-winning Florida State Parks, Hillsborough River State Park offers tons of fun activities and adventures to experience. Pitch a tent (or park an RV) beside the river. Take a walk beside the river to see the Class II rapids. Launch a kayak or canoe and paddle to those rapids. Stand suspended over the river. Step into a wildflower wonderland on miles of trails. Learn more about the history of the area.

Camping at Hillsborough River State Park

The Hillsborough River campground offers 114 campsites with electricity and water. Though the campground is (more or less) located beside the river, there are no riverfront sites or river-accessible sites. Of the the 114 spots, ten are ADA-compliant and only two are tent-only sites. Additionally, 19 sites carry 30 amp electric hook-ups while the rest carry 50 amp service.

Divided into three loops, the campground is restricted to campers only and has a dump station, canoe launch, and campfire circle. Each loop provides a restroom/shower building. With treed sites reminiscent of the area’s flora, the campground offers a shady respite after spending a day enjoying the park. Bonus for pet owners: dogs are welcome!

Group Primitive Camping

Hillsborough River State Park offers a primitive campground in an ecologically-sensitive area for use by recognized nonprofit and community organizations, such as the Scouts, Boys & Girls Clubs, and church groups. Pets are not allowed in this campground due to its location in an ecologically-sensitive part of the park. Four wooded camping areas provide water, picnic tables, grills, fire rings, and a restroom with cold water showers. The primitive campground does not have electricity. Campers in this area have to pack in and out as there is no vehicle access. The nearest parking lot is more than one mile away.

Hiking at Hillsborough River State Park

More than seven miles of hiking trails within the main entrance of the park, hiking at Hillsborough River State Park provides a multitude of opportunities to see wildlife, observe the natural beauty of this part of Florida, and get a little exercise. Another nearly seven miles can be directly accessed south of the main entrance or as part of the Wetlands Trail hike. Some of the trails can be flooded during the rainy season.

River Rapids Trail – 1.2 miles

This is probably one of the most popular trails as it leads to the river rapids from parking lot 2 or 3. At 1.2 miles, the trail passes along the river as well as through a hydric hammock. Boardwalks and observation decks provide places for hikers to view the rapids and river while benches offer rest for those who need it.

The trail is shady with oaks, palms, and other native trees stretching far overhead to form a cooling canopy. Some places along the trail open to narrow walkways down towards the river where it’s easier to see the fish, birds, and alligators that call the river home.

Warning: Swimming is prohibited in the Hillsborough River within the state park.

Baynard Trail – 1.1 miles

One of the most iconic views in Hillsborough River State Park is on the way to this short, easy trail – the suspension bridge and overhead views of the Hillsborough River. The Baynard Trail winds through a hydric hammock, parts of which might be flooded during rainy season.

While parts of this trail pass through oak and pine trees, the trail littered with dried needles and leaves, other parts are covered in boardwalks to help hikers traverse and enjoy the wet portions of the trail. Part of the trail also passes alongside the river providing glimpses of the treed reflections in its clear waters.

Seminole Trail – 3.2 miles

The Seminole Trail is a 3.2 mile loop though hikers will take in 3.4 miles of the park as the beginning point of the trail is not directly at the parking lot or stationary bridge. This trail, like the Baynard and River Rapids trails, passes through hydric hammock and alongside the Hillsborough River. Like much of the park, this trail is prone to flooding during rainy season.

Wetlands Restoration Trail – 1.6 miles

Located away from the river, this trail begins in a pine flatwoods community, often characterized by pine trees, smaller oaks, and sandy soil. The trail forks about halfway in and provides hikers the opportunity to continue on the Wetlands Restoration Trail or pick up the longer Fort King Trail.

Fort King Trail – 6.7 miles

The Fort King Trail can be accessed from the Wetlands Restoration Trail or from its own trailhead south of the Hillsborough River State Park main entrance. This trail is the hardest of the trails in the park. It follows the route of Fort King Road, an Indian trail-turned-road which lead from Fort King in Ocala to Fort Brooke in Tampa in the 1800s. This trail crosses Highway 301 to include a 1 mile paved portion then crosses Highway 301 again and ends at John B Sargeant Park.

Canoeing and Kayaking at Hillsborough River State Park

The park offers three canoe launches for use by canoes, kayaks, and paddle boards. Motorized vessels are not allowed on the waters within the state park. One of the canoe launches is in the campground and only available to registered campers. Canoe and kayak rentals enable guests to experience the river and rapids up-close or bring your own.

Paddling upriver from the launches, paddlers can navigate the rapids and see wildlife such as herons and alligators up close. The steep banks of the river prevent landing so be prepared to paddle but floating down river from the rapids provides an easy ride back to the launches.

SPRING 2022 UPDATE: Canoe and kayak rentals are closed until further notice.

Geocaching

Join in the fun of Operation Recreation Geotour! Available at 71 of the Florida State Parks, Operation Recreation Geotour encourages visitors to participate in the fun outdoor game. Find caches at 20 parks and receive a geocaching coin. Florida State Parks recently launched Operation Kids Geotour. Specifically designed for kids, some caches now include one of six nature cards. Of course, it’s always possible to find caches in state parks hidden by individuals and not part of Operation Recreation Geotour. Use the geocaching website or app to find all the caches at Hillsborough River State Park.

Other Activities at Hillsborough River State Park

There are many other things to do at Hillsborough River State Park. These include:

• bicycling
• horseback riding
• ADA-compliant pool (closed for renovations until Summer 2023)
• pool café (closed until the pool reopens in Summer 2023)
• Fort Foster interpretive exhibit
• wildlife viewing
• playground
• picnicking
• weddings
• fishing

Getting There and Other Details

Hillsborough River State Park is located at 15402 US-301 near Thonotosassa and Zephyrhills in the Tampa Bay area. The park is open daily from 8:00 AM to sunset. Entry fees range from $2/person to $6/vehicle.

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