Hiking Violet Cury Nature Preserve

If you’ve followed this blog for a while, you know I love the little preserves that hide in plain sight—the ones tucked behind subdivisions or sitting quietly along a road you’ve driven a hundred times without noticing. Violet Cury Nature Preserve is one of those places. It’s small compared to the larger state parks I write about, but that’s exactly why I chose it: it offers a peaceful, woodsy escape without requiring an entire day, a long drive, or a complicated plan. If you’re in Tampa or Lutz and want a short, quiet hike through oaks, pines, and lakeside views, Violet Cury is the kind of preserve you end up returning to again and again.

Wander Florida is fully reader-supported. For that reason, this article may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase through one of the affiliate links, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. This revenue helps keep Wander Florida free and updated. I only recommend products or services that I would use myself. Read the full disclosure here.

About the Preserve

Violet Cury Preserve is a 160-acre nature sanctuary managed by Hillsborough County. It was acquired in 1995 through the Jan K. Platt Environmental Lands Acquisition & Protection Program (ELAPP), with help from the Florida Communities Trust. The preserve protects a mosaic of natural habitats: pine flatwoods, sandhill, marshes, oak hammock, and a freshwater lake named Flynn Lake.

The preserve is located at 1802 Sinclair Hills Rd, Lutz, FL 33549.

The Trails at Violet Cury Nature Preserve

There are three main trails at Violet Cury. Dozens of smaller, unmarked trails intersect with the larger, marked trails. When I visited in August 2025, I was on a time crunch. It was early in the morning, maybe 8:00 or 8:30, and I needed to get to nearby Moffitt Cancer Center later to visit my mom. For this reason, I stuck to the marked trails, primarily the yellow trail with a bit of the red trail at the beginning and end.

The main entrance to the park can be found on Sinclair Hills Road (bottom of the map). There’s no parking lot. Just a wide expanse of shoulder to park on. I recommend backing in so it’s easier to get out later. Sinclair Hills Road is two lanes and not particularly busy, but I find it’s always a good idea to make my post-hike life a bit easier.

From the entrance, I split off onto the yellow trail which passes briefly alongside a small pond. It was exceptionally low on water as we’re in a multi-year drought, despite the two hurricanes that dumped rain on us in September/October 2024.

The yellow trail passes through oak hammocks and pine flatwoods, crossing a dry creek bed at one point. There’s no bridge crossing it, like the ones at Gator Creek Reserve, so I imagine it’s been dry for quite some time. About 85% of this nature preserve is shaded, making it a great choice for getting outdoors during Florida’s hot summers.

Near the north turn of the yellow trail, I came across two bush huts (for lack of a better word). They’re pretty interesting and look rather well-made for what they are. I’m not sure who built them, but I enjoyed walking around them and getting a better look at the construction.

The trail turned back into the preserve, and I followed it along until I found a larger (though still unmarked) path. I took that to see where it would lead and stumbled across a dirt road (this seems to encircle the preserve and run through it) with several people and dogs using this wider, more open path. Across the road, I found Flynn Lake. I should note that the road isn’t a public one nor accessible to visitors at Violet Cury Nature Preserve. It was probably the property’s driveway or access when it was privately owned and now provides access to county vehicles when needed.

Near the end of the yellow trail, where it comes back to the red trail at Flynn Lake, I come across another interesting find: what looks like a foundation for a small building. Further research when I got home told me it was probably close to the original homesite on the property. This might have been a shed or something else left over from that era. There’s also an old cistern nearby.

I jump back on the red trail and head back to the entrance. All told, it’s a little over a mile though if you combine the three trails you can knock out about 2.5 miles, more if you wander along all the unmarked crisscrossing trails.

A Bit of History & Who Violet Cury Was

While the preserve bears Violet Cury’s name, there’s surprisingly little public biographical detail about her. According to a Tampa Bay Times article from 1996, Mrs. Cury owned the property before it was preserved, and she was known as an animal rights activist.

According to aerial photos from the time, it appears the land was used primarily for agricultural purposes in the 1930s. Some time in the 1940s, it became a seasonal home for the Cury family.

The land that became the preserve was purchased by the county in 1995. It opened to the public around 2000, after local volunteers (including an Eagle Scout) helped lay out the trail system.

Interestingly, the preserve has faced some challenges: there is a record of a fire investigation (arson) in 1997 documented in the county archives.

An archaeological survey in 2014-2015 discovered an old cistern and building foundation, likely the one located on the yellow trail.

What to Do at Violet Cury Nature Preserve

Violet Cury Nature Preserve is a great spot for visitors looking to enjoy a quiet, woodsy escape without traveling far from Tampa or Lutz. The main attraction is the trail system which provides a peaceful walk through oak hammocks, palmetto stands, cypress edges, and the scenic shoreline of Lake Flynn. It’s a relatively easy trail—perfect for a short morning hike, nature walk, or a reset after a busy week.

Birdwatchers will enjoy the variety of species that frequent the lake and surrounding woods, including wading birds, songbirds, and occasional raptors circling overhead. The preserve is also a good place for wildlife viewing, especially turtles, small mammals, and the lizards that dart across the sandy path.

Photographers will find plenty to capture, from reflections on the lake to moss-draped oaks and seasonal wildflowers. While small, the preserve offers enough quiet corners and natural beauty to make it a relaxing place to wander, breathe deeply, and enjoy a slice of Florida’s native landscape.

Because it’s a walk-in preserve, Violet Cury doesn’t have developed amenities or recreational facilities—no playground, picnic areas, or restrooms—making it an ideal spot for anyone who prefers quiet, natural spaces without crowds.

Planning Your Visit

When to Go

• Best time: Cooler months (fall through early spring) are ideal — mornings are calmer, bugs are less aggressive, and the temperature is more comfortable.
• After rain: Trails may have standing water in spots, so waterproof shoes or trail runners are smart.

What to Bring

• Water (always)
• Bug spray — mosquitoes can be a thing, especially in marshy parts
• Sunscreen (some parts are shaded, but sun still filters)
• Good shoes
• Camera or phone for photos

Safety & Trail Tips

• Stay on marked trails (yellow or red-blazed loops or blue-blazed out and back)
• Tell someone your hiking plan
• Download a map
• Call Hillsborough County (or emergency) if needed — for emergencies, dial 911
• Be aware in the rainy season: some trail sections may flood or be muddy

Rules / Etiquette

• Leave no trace: pack out trash, stay on trail
• Respect wildlife — don’t feed animals
• There are no restrooms or water fountains, so plan accordingly

Wrapping It Up: Violet Cury Nature Preserve

Violet Cury Nature Preserve feels like a “right under your nose” secret: it’s very accessible to Tampa and Lutz, but once you’re in, the suburban noise fades away. The mix of ecosystems — lake, hammock, flatwoods — makes it appealing not just for a walk, but for nature observation and reflection. And while there are no major facilities, that’s part of its charm: simple, quiet, raw.

For anyone looking to escape into nature for an hour or two without driving hours, Violet Cury is a gem. It’s perfect for a morning reset, some birdwatching, or just a peaceful stroll.

Let’s Connect!

Follow me on Facebook, YouTube, and Instagram. And if you’re looking for a great community for sharing travel tips, discounts, secret spots, and hidden gems, go join my Facebook group, Florida Travel Tips & Secret Spots.

Hiking Resources:

Hiking Boots: My go-to hiking boot is Merrell’s Waterproof Hiking Boot. It’s extremely comfortable, lightweight, and water-resistant – perfect for Florida!

Hiking Day Pack: This daypack from Waterfly has been the best addition to my outdoor gear this year. I often take my camera and phone as well as the water we have to have in Florida’s heat. This pack is lightweight and has tons of pockets for storing everything I need to take with me.

Swell Water Bottle: I most often take my Swell bottles with me because they keep water cold, a must for me when hiking in Florida’s heat.

Collapsible Water Bottle: This is a great water bottle to keep in a hiking pack and fill at home or keep in the car in case you forget your Swell bottle at home.

Walking Poles: Though Florida’s mostly flat, there are places and times when walking poles are useful. I love these for their durability and because they’re collapsible so are easy to carry and store.

Hotels: We use Booking.com for lodging when we’re ready to compare and book hotels.