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Shaded corridor under oaks

Little Manatee River Leonard Lee Trails

Two connected trails along the south side of the Little Manatee River explore a variety of habitats on former ranches now protected by Hillsborough County as Little Manatee River Corridor Nature Preserve.

Wimauma (27.677266, -82.269391)   5.6 miles   Little Manatee River Corridor

The Leonard Lee Trailhead is one of just a few access points to the linear Little Manatee River Corridor Nature Preserve.

Landscape in this tract is influenced by its proximity to the river. Scrub-like flatwoods transition to oak hammocks, buffered by improved pastures that are the subject of restoration.

Trail beneath pines Pine flatwoods

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 Paddlers Guide Florida
 
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Overview

Location: Wimauma
Length: 5.6 mile loop
Trailhead: 27.677266, -82.269391
Address: 2510 Leonard Lee Road, Wimauma, FL 33598
Fees: Free
Restrooms: No
Land manager: Hillsborough County
Phone: 813-671-7754

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

Directions


 
From Interstate 75, head east on SR 674 E for 7.1 miles, turning right at Leonard Lee Rd. In 2.3 miles, the trailhead will be on the right.

Hike

At the trailhead, take note of an informative kiosk displaying maps and information about the preserve. Head south through a large gate on a paved bridge spanning the Little Manatee River.

Dark, tannic waters flow swiftly below, between heavily vegetated banks under a shady canopy.

River in tree tunnel Little Manatee River

Continue southward on a dirt road, following red-blazed poles through a gap in the fence before passing the caretaker’s residence.

In a half mile, the road sweeps to the right, opening from a corridor of trees to an open field.

Trail between fences Red trail fence

The trail traces an edge of the wide, grassy area for 0.4 mile, passing tufts of golden-brown grasses alongside thin stalks of yellow eyed grass topped with vibrant blooms.

The well-maintained, wide pathway winds through pine flatwoods mixed with oaks.

Yellow bloom up close Yellow eyed grass

Oak limbs hang overhead, providing spotty shelter from the sun as the trail heads westward along a riparian corridor of the Little Manatee River.

While the waterway runs nearby, it is never visible through thick seas of palmettos lining the trail.

Shady trail Shady oaks

In a half mile, red blazes head back out into the open pasture. Surprised quails shoot out of the grassy landscape noisily flapping their wings as they escape perceived danger.

Prickly pears show off butter-yellow flowers next to puffy pink blooms of mimosa commonly known as sensitive briar.

pink puffy bloom Sensitive briar

At southwestern portion of the property, take a sharp left turn, following a straight section of trail for 0.7 mile across a flat expanse likely used in the past as a cow field.

Continue down the main road for 0.3 mile before turning right onto the blue trail.

live oak Live oak amongst saw palmettos

Heading east, walls of palmettos form a border with stark white sand on a road leading through scrubby flatwoods.

Spanish moss drapes from gnarled branches an occasional live oak covered in resurrection ferns.

Spanish moss hanging from trees Moss covered branches

The trail crosses a small creek in 0.6 mile, which may result in wet boots. A couple of rocks in the middle of the creek can be used to hop across to the other side.

Immediately after the creek, stay to the right to begin a loop on the blue trail.

Creek Creek crossing

Shade is very limited for the next 1.3 miles, as the loop crosses a wide-open area dominated by saw palmettos.

The mixture of environments invites a curious mix of persimmon trees, blueberries, broomsedge, as well as orange and yellow milkworts.

Finishing the loop, follow the blue blazes back west for 0.7 mile, turning right at the main road and crossing the bridge to the trailhead.

Yellow blossoms close up Yellow milkwort

Trail Map

Little Manatee Leonard Lee Trail Map

Explore More!

Video

A walk through this preserve

Nearby Adventures

Broad path in longleaf forest Little Manatee River Corridor Nature Preserve In the Little Manatee River watershed, the 579 Trailhead offers access to a pair of loop trails across palmetto prairies and shady oak hammocks.
View of river below footpath Little Manatee River Trail Scenery, rugged landscape, and botanical diversity are all important for a great Florida hike. You'll find that on this 6.5 mile hike, one of our all-time favorites.
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.
Little Manatee River at Camp Bayou Camp Bayou Nature Preserve Located on the banks of the Little Manatee River, Camp Bayou Nature Preserve provides an easygoing set of trails through a variety of natural Florida habitats.

Trail Map (PDF) Official Website

Chris Stevens
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