This is a cute little park, they allow fishing, grilling and have picnic tables. You can bring your…read moredoggo but have their license on them because there's a trooper there waiting and watching! You can't have alcohol, or ground fires. And NO swimming! The trees are beautiful!

It is a cute but extremely small yet nicely shaded park. I was looking for walking path not a…read morewalking circle. But if you don't mind that then this is the place for you. Peaceful next to the water though!

I've driven past Lake Francis Preserve many times and never knew it existed…read more After traveling down the main road, I parked in the open field parking lot and walked the rest of the way into the park through the pedestrian gate. Almost immediately after entering the park, I seen cows not far away from where I was standing. The rest of my walk consisted of me walking toward them (further into the park) and them turning around every few feet. Eventually we reached a large group of cows at the end of the road near a gate. At this point, most of the cows moved out of my way but a few bulls stared me down. I yelled at one that I thought was going to come toward me and it swung it's head and backed away. It turns out Lake Francis leases it's land to a cattle rancher and he/she left their gate open probably on purpose so the cows can roam freely. Essentially where all the cows ended up congregating and eat at is where hikers turn to continue on a primitive trail that connects to Lake Dan Preserve. I didn't see any signs indicating a turn and kept going straight over a fence and a wild boar saw me and took off into the woods, and snarled at me as I passed by. When I reached the cattle rancher's out post I realized I wasn't where I was supposed to be and ended up walking back. So you don't make the same mistake I did, click the QR code on the trail guide sign at the pedestrian gate when you walk into the park because signage is poorly marked after entry. The QR code populates a website that displays several trails, and explains how they differ by showing photos. The scenery of Lake Francis is very pretty but there isn't much to do besides stare at the cows and use the deteriorating road as a jogging path. Be mindful there isn't much shade and there lots or cow poop everywhere. When I return I'd like to hike the primitive trail that leads to Lake Dan Preserve to see what that's all about. If you haven't visited Lake Francis give it a try and experience this park for yourself and take in the quiet setting of it's pastures and animals. It's very different from other nearby parks and all the busyness of Tarpon Springs Road is non-existent.

I was excited when I found Lake Frances Nature Preserve as I hadn't noticed it before, so I decided…read moreto investigate it. What I found was a Horse park, mostly. The parking area is for trailer parking, and there is a 1.5 mile road, but no shade. You can hike, but be aware of the local wildlife as this is as primative as you'll get.

If you like wildlife this is the place to be in Tampa. This is a great destination for outdoor…read moreenthusiasts. With numerous hiking trails, fishing spots, and picnic areas, this park offers something for everyone. clear waters of the Hillsborough River that runs through the park. The park is well-maintained and clean, with friendly and informative staff. There are also several campsites available for those who want to extend their stay. Overall, Hillsborough state park is an excellent place to relax, enjoy nature and engage in outdoor activities such as kayaking launch. There is a gift shop for light snacks. You will see wild life such as gators, tons of different fish and many different kind of birds. Admission is 6$, they take cash or card

We went glamping and it was a fun Experience. My family found it to be a ton a fun. The AC made a…read moreworld of difference during the angry Florida summer. I would recommend if you want to go camping with training wheels.

Do NOT drive here!!! And if you are physically disabled, avoid this park. This Pasco County Spring…read moreHill park is also known as Upper Pithlachascotoo River Preserve. And this review was written from the perspective of a lone, unarmed female who drives a Toyota SUV. In other words, take it from whence it comes... No park is worth RUINING my vehicle. Expect about 1/2 miles of pothole after pothole, broken gravel, & one crater that would truly be hazardous if a tire fell into it. No vehicle should travel this road to the county park, although there are homes & mobile homes along the drive. Truly one of the worst roads I've ever experienced! There was no one in the park upon my visit-- at least no other vehicle was parked in the designated lot. Had I screamed, NO ONE would have heard me but the animals. I did not feel safe being there alone. And NO DOGS are allowed. I didn't take many pics; I was too busy looking around to see if Freddy Krueger, Patrick Bateman, Norman Bates, Candyman, Leatherface, Ghostface, Hannibal Lecter, Michael Myers, Scarecrow, Negan, Reaper, Jason Vorhee, Chucky, & others of that ilk were following me! I highly suggest you read KEN K's review; he covered the park beautifully w/ words & pics. I also suggest you follow his bug spray recommendation. Will I return to hike this park? ONLY if I have a rugged companion & he drives us there:-) Seriously! It's just not worth it.

This is a newer preserve established in 2007 along the Pithlachascotee River and one of its…read moretributaries. There's a playground, picnic area, benches and a meeting house that's locked when not in use. There is also a garden with some labeled wildflowers in it as well as a plaque commemorating Robert J. Tietz who worked for Pasco county for more than two decades and helped establish it's land acquisition and preservation program. Signage discusses some of the wildlife and a map is posted. The preserve is good for hiking. There are a couple of looping trails off to the right (I think they go about 1.5 miles) and an elevated boardwalk trail over cypress swamp off to the left including a branch trail to a giant cypress tree. Fun area to explore if you enjoy nature. The roads to the park area in are unpaved and bumpy with some moon craters to avoid. The park is also known as the Upper Cotee Preserve. Trail map: http://www.pascocountyfl.net/DocumentCenter/View/11039

This was my first visit to Heritage Lakes Park. We were there for a band fundraiser as craft…read morevendors. The high school band was having a car show and craft fair near the band shell. This park is kind of split into two sections. One section is the ball/soccer fields and the other the band shell/open field area. There were tons of people with their kids over by the ball fields. The area where we were was nice too. The high school band and a couple other bands played music all day. The park is very well kept and has plenty of parking.

This is a 7,000 acre preserve with hiking, cycling, hunting, birdwatching, horseback riding,…read morefishing and camping opportunities. Here's the website for it: http://www.swfwmd.state.fl.us/recreation/areas/uh-upperhill.html

Went on a wander and came across the Weeki Wachee preserve…read more Free parking and a nice long paved walking trail. I didnt go far, i was trying to get the sunset and I was too late. I still got some very nice shots.

I was looking for a local place to get a few steps in. I've been here now, three times in one…read moreweek. I've rarely seen other people. Beautiful place to walk, and watch the sun set. Plenty of parking. A picnic table here or there.

A nice little park if you want a quiet place to go birdwatching. The 1/3 mile loop trail goes all…read morethrough the historic Boy Scout Preserve.

This 2010 sunrise to sunset park includes a 1/3 mile loop trail thru 18 acres of protected land;…read morefive historic Boy Scout fire rings; & one covered shelter above a lone picnic table. (At least one additional table could fit in the shelter.) This park once was an official Boy Scouts of America camping ground. At the entrance, there's parking for a handful of vehicles. The park includes a coastal hammock, salt marsh, & a mangrove swamp. Animals you're likely to find here include rattlesnakes, fiddler crabs, the white ibis, reddish egret, marsh wren, clapper rail, blue crab, seaside sparrow, swamp sparrow, & the roseate spoonbill. NO bikes, no motorized vehicles, no dogs/pets, no alcohol, no fires, & no hunting are allowed. Due to the marshy areas, I highly recommend bug repellent. The mosquitos were numerous & large. My partner in crime grabbed my keys & ran the rest of the trail; the mosquitos were THAT bad. From some of the trail conditions, it is obvious people have used motorized vehicles in this park, which unfortunately have created some deeply grooved & rough areas. I wouldn't recommend anyone physically handicapped visit this park. We heard some birds today, but saw absolutely NO wildlife (unless mosquitos count). It's an interesting trail, but one visit shall suffice.