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Grassy path through pine flatwoods

Lake Conservation Park

A forested escape north of Tampa, Lake Conservation Park features a network of trails where you can loop nearly four miles around a series of small lakes.

Tampa      ( 28.11891, -82.50300 )      3.9 miles

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Aptly named Lake Conservation Park is a Hillsborough County Park, a family-friendly destination where the Tampa metro reaches Lutz.

The park provides a variety of opportunities for outdoor recreation. Multiple well-shaded trails crisscross around and between the five lakes in the park.

Much of the trail network is shaded by a canopy of hardwood hammocks. You can shorten the length of this hike by using the cross trails.

The park also offers kayak launches into the lakes, a BMX track, horse arenas, an archery range, and a group camping area. Picnic areas mean you can plan a family getaway.

Puddle in grassy footpath under oaks and pines In the pine flatwoods of Lake Conservation Park


Resources

Resources for exploring the area

Central Florida Orlando Explorers Guide book cover 50 Hikes in Central Florida 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: Lutz
Length: 3.9 mile loop
Trailhead: 28.11891, -82.50300
Address: 17302 N Dale Mabry Hwy, Lutz
Fees: $2 per vehicle
Restroom: One by the one by the gazebo, and another by the horse arena
Land manager: Hillsborough County
Phone: 813-264-3806

Open 8 AM to 7 PM spring and summer, 8 AM to 6 PM fall and winter.

Leashed dogs welcome.

Grassy path in pines


Directions

 
From Interstate 275, head west on E. Bearss Ave for 3 miles, then take a right onto SR 597. Head north for 2.4 miles, and the entrance will be located on the left.

Hike

Begin this loop hike near the boat launch at Lake Starvation. Take note of a kiosk at the trailhead displaying information and a map of the park.

Some sections of the trail are a bit ambiguous, so a map allows for easier navigation.

Head down a crushed shell path that gently weaves through an open grassy area dotted with oaks and pines.

Crushed shell path past a picnic area Shell path past Lake Starvation picnic area


Traveling north, the trail passes a dozen young longleaf pines planted alongside the sandy road.

This part of the trail is geared towards fitness, and several exercise stations border the path.

Convenient water stations are dispersed along way as the trail takes a slight turn to the west, under an archway of oaks.

Outdoor exercise station with water cooler One of the exercise stations


At 0.8 mile, turn right onto a narrower grassy trail heading west. A variety of native vegetation covers the ground as the path leads into an area of pine flatwoods.

Several spots show potential for seasonal flooding, but the network of trails makes it easy to backtrack and reroute if needed.

Grassy path between pines In the pine flatwoods


The markers along the trail ascend in number but seemed to be a bit sporadic and challenging to follow.

As the trail approaches the northwest corner of the park, a map is helpful to stay on track.

A few sharp turns in the path traverse a somewhat swampy area that emerges onto a grassy service road.

Crossing under a powerline right-of-way, take a left turn and head south.

Grassy road between tall pines Along the grassy road


Follow the road along the west side of the property for half a mile. The surrounding land gradually becomes drier, and a sign for the youth camp can be seen to the left.

Shortly after the trail crosses a road on the western entrance to the park, turn left onto a sandy path heading towards the powerlines.

Two track road towards power lines Sandy two-track path


Clumps of palmettos gradually give way to hardwoods covered in Spanish moss. The trail is well traveled and easy to follow in this section.

Ferns and patches of caesarweed lay in the shade under oak branches that stretch up and over the wide path.

Path under archway of oaks Archway of oaks along the trail


Green arrows on posts begin to mark the trail, as it makes a few turns towards a gate with a sign indicating a nearby archery range.

It is important to take heed of these signs and be sure to remain on the green trail, which is well marked in this section.

Sign warning of archery range down side trail Archery range sign


Saw palmettos are the predominant feature as the packed sand pathway winds through an area thick with green vegetation.

Emerging onto a path carpeted with grass and bordered by beautyberries and low-lying wet areas, the trail continues for a bit before reaching a wooden gate at the end of a dirt park road.

Trail lined by saw palmettos Saw palmettos along the trail


Head down the road until it turns left, becoming paved for a short section near the entrance of the park.

In a quarter mile, the trail ends back at the parking area, completing the loop around Lake Conservation Park.

Kayak launch at kiosk adjoining marshy edge of lake The launch into Lake Starvation


Trail Map

Lake Conservation Park Trail Map


Explore More!

Video


Nearby Adventures

More worth exploring while you’re in this area.

Cyclist on paved Flatwoods Loop

Flatwoods Park

In addition to the 6.9 mile paved bike path loop at its core, Flatwoods Park at Lower Hillsborough Wilderness provides many different routes for outdoor exploration

Lettuce Lake Park

Lettuce Lake Park

At the north edge of Tampa, Lettuce Lake Park protects 240 acres along the Hillsborough River, with a loop trail and boardwalk that shows off cypress swamps and uplands.

Mobbly Bay

Upper Tampa Bay Conservation Park

Three short nature trails – the Eagle Trail, the Otter Trail, and the Bobcat Trail – explore different aspects of this conservation park’s ecosystems, including the mangrove-lined estuary

Hillsborough River State Park

Hillsborough River State Park

Water in motion: the Hillsborough rapids foam and froth over limestone boulders beneath grand cypress trees in Class II rapids. One of Florida’s oldest state parks, Hillsborough River State Park showcases this masterpiece of nature from an overlook and trail system built by the Civilian Conservation Corps.

Trail Map (PDF) Official Website

Category: Biking, Central Florida, County Parks, Day Hikes, Equestrian, Hikes, Loop Hikes, Off Road Biking, Parks, TrailsTag: Dog-friendly, Family-Friendly, Lutz, Palm Harbor, Tampa, Tarpon Springs, Zephyrhills

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