This is a beautiful 2,144-acre park and preserve featuring salt and freshwater boating and kayaking as well as family recreation. Enjoy kayaking and canoeing, fishing, hiking, picnicking and the environmental study center and more.
What is Upper Tampa Bay Park and Where Is it Located?
The park was once home to Florida India tribes and Native American shell mounds can be seen at several locations inside the park. Located in Western Hillsborough County, Upper Tampa Bay Park features a 600-acre peninsula on Old Tampa Bay.
A 2,144-acre park and preserve, this site has a variety of land features including fresh water ponds, pine flatwoods, salt marshes, oyster bars, salt barrens, oak hammocks and mangrove forest.
A major environmental study center is operated jointly with Hillsborough Community College and is open to the public and special interest groups. Various views of the bay and its habitat may be seen while hiking on the boardwalk. While most of the park has been preserved, facilities for picnicking are available.
Outdoor activities to Enjoy at Upper Tampa Bay Park
Visitors to Upper Tampa Bay Park can enjoy a wide variety of outdoor activities, including:
- Hiking: The Park features several hiking trails that wind through the forested areas and marshlands. These trails offer scenic views of the surrounding landscape and provide visitors with an opportunity to explore the park’s diverse habitats.
- Biking: Upper Tampa Bay Park has a 2.4-mile paved bike trail that winds through the park’s various ecosystems. This trail is a great way to experience the park’s natural beauty while getting some exercise.
- Fishing: The park has several fishing piers and a boat ramp that provide visitors with access to the bay. Anglers can catch a variety of fish species, including snook, redfish, and trout.
- Kayaking and Canoeing: Visitors can bring their own kayaks or canoes and explore the park’s waterways. The park also offers kayak and canoe rentals for those who do not have their own equipment.
- Picnicking: The park has several picnic areas with tables and grills, making it a great spot for a family picnic or a group gathering.
- Birdwatching: Upper Tampa Bay Park is home to a variety of bird species, including egrets, herons, ospreys, and bald eagles. Birdwatchers can enjoy observing these species in their natural habitats.
Upper Tampa Bay Park offers a range of outdoor activities for visitors of all ages and interests, making it a great destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.
What Kind of Wildlife Can be Spotted at Upper Tampa Bay Park?
Upper Tampa Bay Park is home to a diverse range of wildlife, both on land and in the water. Visitors to the park can spot a variety of animal species, including:
- Birds: The park is a popular destination for birdwatchers, with over 200 bird species recorded in the area. Some of the most commonly sighted birds Include ospreys, eagles, herons, egrets, and sandhill cranes.
- Fish: The waters around the park are home to a variety of fish species, including snook, redfish, trout, and tarpon. Anglers can often be seen fishing from the park’s fishing piers and boat ramps.
- Mammals: The park is home to a variety of mammal species, including raccoons, opossums, armadillos, and squirrels. Visitors may also spot larger animals such as bobcats and coyotes.
- Reptiles and Amphibians: The park’s wetlands provide habitat for a variety of reptile and amphibian species, including alligators, turtles, snakes, and frogs.
Amenities or Facilities Available at Upper Tampa Bay Park
Upper Tampa Bay Park offers a range of amenities and facilities to enhance visitors’ experiences. Some of the amenities and facilities available at the park include:
- Visitor Center: The park has a visitor center where visitors can learn more about the park’s history, habitats, and wildlife. The center also has exhibits, educational programs, and interactive displays.
- Picnic Areas: The park has several picnic areas with tables and grills, making it a great spot for a family picnic or a group gathering.
- Playground: The park has a playground area for children, featuring slides, swings, and other play structures.
- Restrooms: The park has restroom facilities located throughout the park for visitors’ convenience.
- Fishing Piers and Boat Ramp: The park has several fishing piers and a boat ramp that provide visitors with access to the bay for fishing and boating activities.
- Hiking and Biking Trails: The park features several hiking and biking trails that wind through the forested areas and marshlands. These trails are well-maintained and offer scenic views of the surrounding landscape.
- Kayak and Canoe Rentals: The park offers kayak and canoe rentals for visitors who do not have their own equipment, allowing them to explore the park’s waterways.
Overall, the amenities and facilities available at Upper Tampa Bay Park make it a comfortable and convenient destination for visitors to enjoy a variety of outdoor activities and experiences.
What Special Events or Programs are Offered at Upper Tampa Bay Park?
Upper Tampa Bay Park offers a variety of special events and programs throughout the year that are designed to educate, entertain, and engage visitors of all ages. Some of the events and programs offered at the park include:
- Guided Nature Walks: The park offers guided nature walks led by experienced naturalists who share their knowledge of the park’s habitats, wildlife, and history.
- Ranger-led Programs: The park rangers offer a variety of educational programs, including talks on wildlife and habitat conservation, birdwatching, and ecosystem management.
- Junior Ranger Program: The park’s Junior Ranger Program is designed for children ages 6-12 and offers a variety of activities and challenges that teach them about the park’s natural resources and conservation efforts.
- Annual Nature Fest: The park hosts an annual Nature Fest, which features live animal exhibits, educational programs, nature walks, and other activities.
- Concerts and Special Events: The park occasionally hosts concerts, movie nights, and other special events throughout the year.
- Volunteer Opportunities: The park offers a variety of volunteer opportunities, including trail maintenance, wildlife monitoring, and habitat restoration projects.
The special events and programs offered at Upper Tampa Bay Park provide visitors with unique opportunities to learn about and connect with the park’s natural resources and wildlife. Visitors are encouraged to check the park’s website or contact the park directly for information on upcoming events and programs.
Summary
Upper Tampa Bay Park is a beautiful natural area in Hillsborough County, Florida, that offers visitors a wide range of outdoor activities, including hiking, biking, fishing, and kayaking. The park is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including birds, fish, mammals, reptiles, and amphibians. Visitors can also enjoy a variety of amenities and facilities, such as picnic areas, a playground, and restrooms. Additionally, Upper Tampa Bay Park offers a variety of special events and programs throughout the year, including guided nature walks, ranger-led programs, and an annual Nature Fest, providing visitors with unique opportunities to learn and connect with the park’s natural resources and wildlife.