Dead River Loop - Member Hike
| Hike Name: | Dead River Loop |
|---|---|
| Country: | United States |
| State: | Florida |
| Nearby Town: | Thonotosassa |
| Rating: |  |
| Directions: | Hillsborough River State Park - 9 miles north on hwy 301 from Fowler avenue intersection |
| Total Hike Distance: | 7.50 miles |
| Hike Difficulty: | Easy |
| Permit Required: | No |
| Hike Type: | Roundtrip, Loop Hike |
| Hike Starts/Ends: | Wetland Restoration Trailhead in Hillsborough River State Park |
| Trails Used: | Dead River Road, Wetlands Restoration Trail, Dead River Trail, Ft. King Trail |
| Backcountry Campsites: | No |
| Backcountry Water Sources: | Rivers |
| Management: | State Park Service |
| Contact Information: | Hillsborough River State Park http://www.floridastateparks.org/hillsboroughriver/default.cfm Suncoast Chapter of the Florida Trail Association http://suncoast.floridatrail.org/ |
| Best Season: | Winter, Spring, Fall |
| Users: | Hikers, Bikers |
| Road Conditions: | Secondary Paved Roads |
| Hike Summary: | This is one of my favorite loop hikes near bustling Tampa. I am reminded of how lucky we are to have a good amount of preserved land amidst the sprawl. This hike is actually on State Park property and on Hillsborough County Park land. Starting off at the Wetland Restoration Trail in HRSP you head out and follow it across open grassy trail. You see a sign where you are leaving the State Park and entering Dead River Park - which is county. This begins a very pleasant shaded trek along the river until you reach Dead River Park. There is a scenic bridge and nice picnic areas here. Restrooms and water are also available. After visiting this park you head out on Dead River road which is a beautifully canopied roadwalk on hardpack shell. You eventually come to a sign for the Ft. King Trail which you can take back into HRSP and back to the trailhead for the Wetland Restoration Trail. This last section is mostly open and unshaded - only a concern during hot months. |
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