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    Bell Creek Nature Preserve

    4.1 (21 reviews)
    Open • 8:00 am - 4:00 pm

    Bell Creek Nature Preserve Photos

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    Nice hike just off McMullen rd. Trails are easy to get to and easy to walk on. Some trails are mostly sand, so be ready if you're pushing a stroller. You can view many places where gopher tortoises go to nest.

    Bullfrog creek nature preserve on the Hillsborough county hiking spree
    Nicole M.

    This is a deceivingly long almost 5 mile primitive sandy trail. There are plenty of tracks of coyotes deer and boar to keep you occupied. I would bring water or a coffee as the walking trail is long. The trail is dog friendly! Tip: when driving up drive past the sign and down the long dirt road behind the houses and keep going until you see a sign not to hop the fence and this is where you will park and start.

    Resting in the shade
    Macy B.

    Very nice hiking spot for us and our large dogs. Saw lots of wildlife, especially turtles on the yellow path. Beware that the map at the front shows one way only in miles. We thought it was going to be a couple miles max and we ended up doing almost 4! No big deal, definitely user error. We will definitely be back to do the other paths. Hoping that the others are more into the woods as the yellow path was mostly an old paved road.

    New sign - Employees Only!
    Kathy T.

    This was a fun hike. It really isn't much, but there is some beauty to be seen. It's just nice to be able to leisurely stroll and take in all the greenery. I am sure during the Spring there are lots of wildflowers. We ran across very few when we went. It mostly was just very green. The trails are marked. The people who run the nature preserve are very nice when we met them inside the air conditioned structure. We were shown a map and various other amenities. I would just go during early Spring or Fall months. It is very hot and humid during the Summer, as Florida summers are sweltering. Make sure you bring lots of water and wear comfortable shoes.

    Jerome L.

    A little too crowded for my comfort level but a nice bike path trail with some great views of the river, peaceful, quiet and serene. Some sand and some root branches growing underneath path. Watch some path areas carefully.

    Cocoon   By Journeys photography 941  #Jp941

    These preserve has been my oasis away from everything. Everything I mean, COVID-19, this Preserve has been open most of the time and it's big enough for social distancing. I have been visiting this place for the last 6 moths, I had no idea it existed. Funny story, I got lost, haha, yes I did but it was well worth it. I can meditate, have a picnic, jog/running, and have lunch by the pond. It's peaceful and during the day, it has shade in some areas. I would recommend wearing a hat and good shoes, water will be a plus during mid day. I am a local photographer and I find this place a little peace of heaven. I will share some photos just to show the beauty in the preserve. Also, you will see different plants and animals throughout the year.

    The Beginning!
    Jessica T.

    There is a red building that is across from the parking lot that is The Conservation and Lands Management Department to the park. ~~~~~~~~~~~ There are trucks and other vehicles and buildings in storage in the back of the office building that's only used for staff. This is where we met Andy and he took us inside so he could tell us a little bit about the park. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ There is a parking lot but it's small and there isn't a fee to enter or to walk the trails. We signed up to receive monthly e-mails about activities that we maybe interested in. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ The trails are more for walking than running or biking. You come up to a fork in the middle of the path and it's your decision to decide which path to take. I would like to explore both paths but not in the same day. It is best to hike in the mid morning in the hotter months and in the colder months anytime is good. There is a creek that runs along one of the trails that is more active during the cooler months especially when it rains because the creek rises up and there is more habitat and wildlife to see. There are some bugs in this park which changes according to season. SEE YOU SOON!

    Entrance
    Bo W.

    This park has a lot of potential, but is lacking the general maintenance and upkeep expected from a public park. The trails were so overgrown, it was unclear if we were on the right path. Even from the entrance, with signage and everything, it just didn't look like a park. Not very inviting. Hopefully in the near future this place will get the attention it deserves.

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    Edward Medard Park

    Edward Medard Park

    4.4(38 reviews)
    9.8 mi

    This park is beautiful! It is one of the most fun parks that I have been to since moving here…read more The trails are all so lovely and picturesque! The views, lakes, springs, trees, and vines are all just so beautiful. You can spend a whole day walking all of these beautiful trails! If you are a photographer looking for a great photo shoot, then this would be the place!

    Was here last week. Totally forgot to catalog my first Catfish! It's crazy how many years i cone…read morehere n never catch one. Always come home with like bluegills n a random tilapia. You can see the catfish all over the lake just swimming by your bait n just testing you lol there's a crap ton of them near the pier but you gotta be careful cuz there's tons of alligators there to. I pulled out a nice size Catfish n then lost my second one to a damn alligator! Im happy the line broke cuz if i had lost my Shakespeare rod to i would've been more pissed! I got lucky n the couple nearby gave their bluegills. Went home happy with 1 catfish n 4 bluegills. Shared tips n bait store locations with a family camping there to. I wish the park entrance dude sold worms. It would be extra money for the park. I kept the catfish for a couple days in my aquarium, but he wouldn't take to it. I fillet his ass with the other fish. Doing fish tacos later. I used night crawlers from bass pro n sprayed them with-garlic sent to amplify the smell. I will try my homemade punch bait next tome. I found something tasty for them. Oh yeah, i caught some ghost shrimps in a cup but let them go. They look like glass at first then they moved around nicely. They are at grass edge, i do not recommend you get close to the edge!! Use a fishing rod n tie a water bottle or cup at the end with bait in it. I use catfish punch. Please don't let your pets get near the edge either. Gattor follow u when you are near water. Keep track of your kids!

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    Edward Medard Park
    Edward Medard Park
    Edward Medard Park

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    Ballast Point Park - Another view from Ballast Point Park

    Ballast Point Park

    4.3(93 reviews)
    11.5 mi•South Bayshore

    Ballast Point Park is located South of Bayshore off inter bay and has a fantastic shaded kids…read moreplayground with a younger and older kids area, 3 slides, and even a splash pad play area. There's a fantastic seafood restaurant, fishing pier, and pretty water views too! During the winter months when the sun sets early at 530-6, the park really should have lights for the playground at least until 8pm. There's not enough parking spots for this park and parking on side of road has signs that say no parking which is ridiculous because everyone parks on the side of the road anyways. If you're in the south Tampa area and looking for pretty water views, casual seafood, or a fun kids playground, definitely visit Ballast Point Park!

    This is a beautiful and sort of hidden part towards the end of Bayshore drive. It's such a lovely…read morespot that's much more quiet and slow compared to the ever busy Bayshore area. If you have a family, this can be a perfect spot to spend the better part of a day. It has everything you need- a walking path, a big playground, and a cafe. Oh, and bathrooms of course. There's also a gorgeous view of the distant Tampa skyline overlooking the water. They have swinging benches where you can enjoy the view of the water and it's so serene. Unfortunately, there is usually a pier & boardwalk you can walk out upon as well. But (assumingly) due to Hurricane Helene & Milton it is still closed down and under construction. That was definitely a bummer but will make the park that much better once it's open again. Such a lovely little area that's almost a hidden gem in Tampa!

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    Ballast Point Park
    Ballast Point Park - Sunset at the pier

    Sunset at the pier

    Ballast Point Park

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    Brandon Parkway Trail - Great place to run for this area!

    Brandon Parkway Trail

    3.8(16 reviews)
    6.1 mi•Brandon

    This is a nice place for a walk. My family and I enjoy coming here. On our visits, parking has been…read moreavailable.

    The brief review I wrote down when I got back to my car was that this trail is Short, Loud, and the…read moreParking is weird. I date to say this trail is more than a mile long but I could be wrong. It's paved the whole way and has a pond running most of the length of it. There are plenty of places to sit if you get tired or watch the birds. Now is it peaceful? Hmm...as many others have mentioned, it's close to a very busy road and all the roads that intersect are also very busy. Even with headphones on, it's still pretty loud. You also have to cross one of the busy streets near the parking area and you really have to be cautious because there is no stoplight and only one of the three directions has a stop sign so two of the streets don't have to yield and may not see you crossing. The parking is also odd. There is a small paved area that stops at the dead-end down by TD Bank and you can park on the shoulders and grass on both sides of the street leading to the dead end. If you don't like parking in the grass you should probably get here during non-peak times as the parking fills up quickly. Honestly, I'd rather walk off-trail in the grass like on a hiking trail as it's not as harsh on my feet but if you're just looking for a short trail to do some running or walk in the evening, then this might be the spot for you.

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    Brandon Parkway Trail - Sunset

    Sunset

    Brandon Parkway Trail
    Brandon Parkway Trail

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    Bell Creek Nature Preserve - hiking - Updated September 2026

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