Hiking Lake Rogers Park

On the edge of a bustling city, Lake Rogers Conservation Park is an oasis of natural land, and an exceptional spot for a picnic with the family.

In addition to its hiking trail, the park is a popular destination for fishing and paddling.

Along the hiking loop at Lake Rogers Park

Resources

Resources for exploring the area

Central Florida Orlando Explorers Guide book cover

Hikers Guide to the Sunshine State book cover

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Overview

Location: Odessa
Length: 2.4 mile loop
Trailhead: 28.113921, -82.586488
Address: 9010 North Mobley Rd, Odessa
Fees: $2 per vehicle
Restrooms: Portable restrooms at entrance
Land manager: Hillsborough County
Phone: 813-264-3917

Open 7 AM to 6 PM. Pets are not permitted.

Nonprofit youth groups are welcome to reserve the on-site youth camp, which offers tent sites with potable water, fire pits, picnic tables, restrooms and showers.

Directions

From US 19 and Keystone Rd, head east for 6.9 mile, turning right onto Boy Scout Rd. Continue on Boy Scout Rd for 3.5 mile, then turn left onto Crawley Rd. In 0.6 mile, turn right onto N Mobley Rd. The entrance will be on the right side of the road in 0.3 mile.

Hike

At the trailhead, be sure to pay for parking at the digital iron ranger situated next to a large, covered kiosk with a picnic bench.

Trail maps are displayed alongside information about the park.

Payment kiosk at entrance

Head south, passing a sign for the canoe launch before encountering a post marked with blue, red and green arrows.

These posts indicate the different trails and can be confusing at times. It is best to follow in the direction of the red arrows to stay on the trail circling the lake.

Post with hiker symbol and multiple colors

Trail marker post

The trail passes through a forested section for about a tenth of a mile before opening to a wide view of the lake.

A covered picnic bench sits conveniently on the edge of this scenic landscape. Continue past the bench and turn right to begin a counterclockwise loop around the water.

Covered picnic bench

Tall pines initially border the right side of the path, though shade is limited. Multiple benches and tables around the lake offer spots to rest or stop for a snack.

Along the trail, a series of small signs provide information about specific flora and fauna found in the park.

Shady resting spot

Short tunnels of Spanish moss draped oaks alternate with avenues cut through thick clusters of max myrtles and shrubs covered in grape vines.

Openings in this vegetation along the lake allow for picturesque views of the marshy shoreline and placid waters.

View of Lake Rogers

Crossing a short bridge on the south end of the lake, continue following red arrows as the trail gradually becomes more shaded under a canopy of oaks.

Ferns and palmettos carpet the understory as the pathway widens.

Oak hammock

Birds are the most common animals seen along the trail, wading in the lake and singing in the branches overhead.

A keen eye can spot a few different species of lizards as they dart along the leaf-covered forest floor.

Six-lined racerunner

Shortly before completing the loop, the trail passes a clearing with one of the best views of the lake. A pair of tables provide a great spot for a picnic.

At the canoe launch, turn right to head up from the lake and back to the trailhead.