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Trail through oak hammock

Bell Creek Nature Preserve

Weaving through scrubby habitats on an oasis of natural land surrounded by development, Bell Creek Nature Preserve provides a window to Florida’s vanishing landscapes.

Riverview      ( 27.840748, -82.301452 )      4.2 miles

Bell Creek Nature Preserve protects over 470 acres of land that nearly became a neighborhood. Construction had progressed enough to start a road at the south end before the project was halted.

A well-maintained trail system allows public access to the property, which is home to a multitude of native wildlife.

Red blaze on skinny pine Broad trail through the preserve


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: Riverview
Length: 4.2 mile loop
Trailhead: 27.840748, -82.301452
Address: 10940 McMullen Road, Riverview, FL 33569
Fees: Free
Restrooms: Yes
Land manager: Hillsborough County
Phone: 813-672-7876

Open sunrise to sunset. Dogs are allowed on a leash.

Lake with picnic table


Directions

 
From Interstate 75, head east on Gibsonton Dr for 1.1 miles, continuing straight onto Boyette Rd. In 1.6 miles, turn right onto McMullen Rd. In 0.9 mile, the trailhead will be located on the left side of the road.

Hike

Starting at the parking area, head east through a gap in the trees toward a large kiosk displaying maps and information about the preserve.

Turn right to begin the hike, following a wide, sandy pathway around a bend in the trail.

Trailhead kiosk Trailhead kiosk


Scrub oaks and sand pines border the pathway as it winds through a dry landscape accented with wispy gold and sage tinted grasses.

Bright green sand pine saplings sprout alongside scattered prickly pear cactus and small saw palmettos.

Broad path between trees Pines and oaks in the scrub


Red blazes lead the way as a small pond becomes visible on the right in a quarter mile. An inviting picnic bench is situated trailside, offering an excellent view of the tranquil waters.

Longleaf and slash pines begin to dot the landscape, towering over vibrant Florida paintbrush and goldenrod wildflowers.

Picnic table and pond Pondside picnic table


At 0.7 mile, the trail reaches an abandoned paved road that seems completely out of place. Sand encroaches along the edges of deteriorating asphalt as it cuts through an otherwise healthy scrub habitat.

Today, this juxtaposition serves as a stark example of what the area resembled before housing development radically changed the landscape.

Unfinished road in scrub Abandoned road


The trail follows this road for a quarter mile before heading northward and transitioning to a wetter habitat bordered by live and laurel oaks.

In 0.2 mile, the red trail meets a blue blazed side trail. Turn left to continue on the red trail as it leads into a wide field.

Trail junction in grassy spot Junction of the red and blue trails


Following a mowed pathway through the grassy pasture, the trail heads directly north for 0.2 miles before making a sharp left turn.

Near the middle of this open space, short wooden perches have been placed alongside the trail next to signs indicating borrowing owl nesting sites.

Burrowing owl sign Burrowing owl sign


Reaching the opposite side of the clearing, the trail returns to the woods, tracing the edge of a prairie pond.

Depending on the season and recent rains, the path may be under shallow water in spots where it is near the naturally fluctuating body of water

Wetland area Prairie pond


Continue to follow the red blazes to the beginning of a small loop at 1.8 miles. At the north end of the property, a half mile loop meanders through a mix of mesic and xeric oak habitats.

It is interspersed with a variety of pine trees. Upon completing the loop, retrace steps on the red trail, returning to the trailhead in 1.8 miles.

Red tipped post next to oaks Spanish moss-covered oaks


Trail Map

Bell Creek Nature Preserve Trail Map


Explore More!

Video

A virtual walk in the woods at Bell Creek Nature Preserve


Nearby Adventures

More worth exploring while you’re in this area.

Palmetto lined corridor

Alafia Scrub Preserve

Discover a new perspective on the Alafia River basin on this easy loop through riverside uplands with a scenic overlook at its center.

Leaf-strewn broad path in pine forest

Fishhawk Creek Preserve South

An easy-going 2.8-mile loop trail explores the south tract of Fishhawk Creek Preserve providing a glimpse of a few natural and endangered Florida habitats.

Pieces of wood in a creek

Triple Creek Nature Preserve

Tying together adjacent Triple Creek and Balm Boyette Scrub Preserve, this nearly 5-mile hike loops through restored upland habitats.

Red Trail Golden Aster Scrub

Golden Aster Scrub Western Loop

Creating a 5.2 mile loop on the west side of Golden Aster Scrub Nature Preserve, the Red and Yellow Trails reveal a diversity of habitats.

Trail Map (PDF) Official Website

Category: Central Florida, County Parks, Day Hikes, Hikes, Loop Hikes, Natural Lands, TrailsTag: Brandon, Dog-friendly, Family-Friendly, Gibsonton, Riverview, Tampa

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Line of pines with shrubs and a grassy trail foreground

Pasture Reserve

Pasture Reserve
Boardwalk looping along lakeshore as seen from above

Bonnet Springs Park

Bonnet Springs Park
Waterway flowing through lush forest with path beyond

Dickson Azalea Park

Dickson Azalea Park
Florida rosemary growing in bright white sand

Shadow Bay Park

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