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Leaning sand pines in scrub

Balm Boyette Nature Preserve

Open to foot traffic only, the western portion of Balm Boyette Nature Preserve provides a glimpse of endangered scrub ecosystems along a two-mile loop trail.

Lithia      ( 27.780115, -82.248700 )      2.0 miles

Balm Boyette Nature Preserve is a well-known destination among cyclists in the Tampa area.

The eastern portion of the preserve has trails that are multi-use, though none are designated specifically for hiking.

In November 2022, the county opened a piece of the park dedicated to hikers, allowing nature enthusiasts to explore Florida scrub habitats in a quiet setting.

Scrub forest with red blazes Hiking through the scrub at Balm Boyette


Resources

Resources for exploring the area

50 Hikes in Central Florida Central Florida Orlando Explorers Guide book cover Hikers Guide to the Sunshine State book cover

Disclosure: As authors and affiliates, we receive earnings when you buy these through our links. This helps us provide public information on this website.


Overview

Location: Lithia
Length: 2-mile loop
Trailhead: 27.779944, -82.248405
Address: 13998 Balm Boyette Road, Lithia
Fees: Free
Restrooms: Composting toilet at the trailhead
Land manager: Hillsborough County
Phone: 813-672-7876

Open sunrise to sunset, leashed pets allowed.

Sand pines in scrub forest


Directions

 
From the interchange for Interstate 75 and Big Bend Rd in Gibsonton, head east on Big Bend Rd for 0.4 mile, then turn right onto Simmons Loop. In 1.5 miles, turn right at US 301 S. Turn left onto Balm Rd in 0.7 mile. Continue straight for 5.3 miles, before turning left onto Balm Boyette Rd. The trailhead parking area will be on the right in 1.2 miles

Hike

Starting at the parking area, head eastward past the information kiosk, and take an immediate left onto a sandy service road.

Evidence of a scrub habitat is immediately apparent from the desert-like soil, sand pines, and dense shrubby oaks.

Trailhead sign at fence and power line Trailhead sign


A variety of endemic species line the wide pathway as it parallels an edge of the property under sparse tree cover.

In late fall and early winter, palaflox sports unique flowers alongside blossoms of showy garberia.

Flower blooms like little starbursts on tall stems Palaflox in bloom


Following red-blazed trees, the trail winds to the east, bordered by dense stands of sand pine.

As the pines transition to clusters of saw palmettos, the terrain becomes rough for a quarter mile before emerging at the edge of a large field.

Sand pines Sand pines in the scrub


A stark white sand road leads along the perimeter between open pasture and woods for 0.3 mile before the trail tapers and enters the thicket.

Diversity increases as the pathway meanders through thick brush interspersed with palmettos and golden grasses.

White sand path in scrub zone Path leading into the scrub


Taller trees begin to line the trail, casting dappled patches of shade on the narrow corridor.

Red-bellied woodpeckers chirp loudly overhead before swooping down onto snags in search of food.

Patch of sand live oaks create shade Shade on the trail


As a fire dependent habitat, the scrub features a mosaic of landscapes where flame has carved out open spaces among taller vegetation.

A few charred oaks flourish in open spaces created by this natural phenomenon.

Scorched tree in scrubby flatwoods Lone sand live oak


The trail snakes through tunnels of sand pines draped with Spanish moss, among a low-lying cover of scrub and myrtle oaks, then opens to a grassy access road in a half mile.

This tree-lined road slowly sweeps northward, reaching the trailhead after another quarter mile.

Sand pines with Spanish moss Spanish moss-covered pines


Trail Map

Balm Boyette Nature Preserve Trail Map


Explore More!

Video

A virtual walk in the woods at Balm Boyette Nature Preserve West


Nearby Adventures

More worth exploring while you’re in this area.

Footpath in a sand pine scrub

Rhodine Scrub Nature Preserve

An island of high ground in the Alafia River basin, Rhodine Scrub Nature Preserve protects more than 400 acres of Florida scrub habitat south of Riverview

Alafia River with rugged shoreline

Fishhawk Creek Preserve North

Hike rolling sandhills and rugged terrain sloping towards scenic views of the Alafia River and Little Fishhawk Creek near Lithia Springs.

Shaded forest road

Alafia River Corridor North

Looping through a former phosphate mine north of the Alafia River, this hike showcases the resilience of nature as the forest reclaims the land.

Trail under oaks flanked by ferns

Edward Medard Conservation Park

Meandering over hilly terrain past numerous scenic overlooks, the Singing Bluffs Trail at Edward Medard Conservation Park provides great birding among documented nesting bird colonies.

Trail Map (PDF) Official Website

Category: Central Florida, County Parks, Day Hikes, Hikes, Loop Hikes, Natural Lands, TrailsTag: Brandon, Dog-friendly, Lithia, Riverview, Tampa, Wildflowers

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