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.
Broad trail through the preserveResources
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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.
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 kioskScrub 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.
Pines and oaks in the scrubRed 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.
Pondside picnic tableAt 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.
Abandoned roadThe 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.
Junction of the red and blue trailsFollowing 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 signReaching 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
Prairie pondContinue 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.
Spanish moss-covered oaksTrail Map
Explore More!
Video
A virtual walk at Bell Creek Nature Preserve
Nearby Adventures
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Triple Creek Nature Preserve Tying together adjacent Triple Creek and Balm Boyette Scrub Preserve, this nearly 5-mile hike loops through restored upland habitats.
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.
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