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Footpath in a sand pine scrub

Rhodine Scrub Nature Preserve

An island of high ground in the Alafia River basin, Rhodine Scrub Nature Preserve protects more than 400 acres of Florida scrub habitat south of Riverview

Riverview      ( 27.82408, -82.28782 )      4.0 miles

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Rhodine Scrub Nature Preserve spans diverse ecosystems, from seasonally flooded wetlands to sandy prairie views in a classic example of Florida scrub landscape.

A system of wide trails winds through the conservation land, showcasing stands of longleaf pine and sand pine among oaks draped in epiphytes.

Accessed through the multi-use trails of adjoining Stephen J. Wortham Park, the trails of Rhodine Scrub Nature Preserve are for hiking only.

Sand pine scrub along grassy trail On the high ground of Rhodine Scrub


Resources

Resources for exploring the area

50 Hikes in Central Florida Central Florida Orlando Explorers Guide 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 mile loop
Trailhead: 27.82408, -82.28782
Address: 12108 Rhodine Rd, Riverview FL 33579
Fees: Free
Restrooms: One at the trailhead
Land manager: Hillsborough County
Phone: 813-672-7876

Open sunrise to sunset. Leashed pets permitted.

Equestrians share use of the Bluestem Hiking Trail inside Wortham Park, but have a separate entrance with horse trailer parking area at 12597 Sykes Rd, Riverview.

Fenceposts in trail with warning sign about no horses

Stephen J. Wortham Park, the gateway to Rhodine Scrub, offers a picnic area and playground along a small pond.


Directions

 
From Interstate 75, take exit 250 and head east on Gibsonton Dr for two miles. Turn right onto Balm Riverview Rd for another two and a half miles, then turn left onto Rhodine Rd. The entrance is half a mile down the road on the left.

Hike

Starting at the parking area within Stephen J. Wortham Park, head north on the Green Trail.

At the trail kiosk, there is a sign calling it the Bluestem Hiking Trail, a 1.4 mile loop blazed green.

Green tipped post in sidewalk next to kiosk Start of the Bluestem Trail


It is paved for a short walk to a large wooden bridge. The bridge can be very slippery and may require use of the handrails.

On the opposite side of the bridge, the trail is grassy and wide. A sign nearby advises caution, as this is a multi-use trail used by horses as well.

Broad bridge Bridge along the Bluestem Trail


A little under a quarter of a mile into the hike, the Bluestem Trail starts a loop. Stay to the right and continue northward.

The trail remains wide, bordered by pines and palmettos for another tenth of a mile until it meets the Red Trail.

Post with green and red stripes and number 2 on it Where green and red blazes meet. Numbered posts are at major junctions


The Red Trail is marked with a post with an arrow indicating a right turn. Horses are not allowed into this part of the trail system.

Head down the Red Trail toward the entrance to Rhodine Scrub Nature Preserve.

Rhodine Scrub sign after bridge Sign at the start of the preserve trail system


The trail can be muddy. It narrows just before a small bridge over a creek named Pelleham Branch. A sign for the preserve can be seen when crossing the bridge.

Aside from being a wide established trail, blazes are painted regularly on trees and posts. Branches from large oaks hang overhead, covered in Spanish moss.

Oak hammock Oaks covered in Spanish moss


At 0.9 miles, turn right to start a counterclockwise perimeter loop of the preserve. You quickly meet a yellow blaze at a T with the Yellow Trail junction.

The Yellow Trail follows a sandy access road. Some parts at the beginning have the potential for flooding.

Wildflowers at base of yellow-blazed post Junction along the Yellow Trail


If having wet shoes is an issue, skip the Yellow Trail by making a left at the T at Marker 6 and continuing on the Red Trail for a short distance until it meets the Blue Trail.

Continue along the Blue Trail east to meet the other end of the Yellow Trail to rejoin the perimeter hike. This drier route knocks 0.6 mile off the hike.

Young longleaf pine adjoins trail Young longleaf pine


The Yellow Trail is well blazed and dotted with a multitude of wildflowers. Young longleaf pines sprout alongside the trail beside prickly pear cacti.

The path meanders south for a bit, then loops back north toward the Blue Trail, meeting it after 1.9 miles.

Sand pine Young sand pine trailside


At the Blue Trail junction, turn right and follow the blazes eastward. The ecosystem becomes drier, and sand pines are prominent.

A sandy road winds up and back towards the Red Trail, gradually opening to a small prairie with a pond in the middle.

Edge of broad prairie with circular pattern of grasses Prairie view


A red blazed post at 2.9 miles indicates the end of the loop, and a route back to the beginning. The path becomes wooded again, bordered by oaks and more wildflowers.

Clusters of sand pines and palmettos sporadically appear until the red trail descends towards the creek once more.

Sand pines A cluster of sand pines


Crossing the bridge over Pelleham Branch again at 3.5 miles, head west to the junction with the green blazes.

If you want to add another 0.8 mile of hiking with a loop around the county park, follow the green blazed Bluestem Hiking Trail straight ahead.

Multipurpose trail sign This trail is shared by hikers and equestrians


It loops down to the equestrian entrance and reconnects just a little south of this trail junction.

Otherwise, turn left to head back. You pass the second junction with the green blazes at 3.8 miles.

Continue across the bridge and along the paved path to the parking area to complete a 4 mile hike of Rhodine Scrub Nature Preserve.

Roserush Roserush in bloom


Trail Map

Map of Rhodine Scrub Nature Preserve
Optional routes mentioned in blue

Explore More!

Nearby Adventures

More worth exploring while you’re in this area.

Tannic river in a forest

Alderman’s Ford Conservation Park

Straddling the confluence of the North and South Prong of the Alafia River, Alderman’s Ford Conservation Park provides immersion into lush riverine forests.

River with forested bluffs

Little Manatee River State Park

With sandy shores around every bend and a canopy of trees overhead, Little Manatee River State Park provides a place for a pretty paddling trip for families.

Trail through pine forest

Alafia River State Park

Alafia River State Park lets you launch on a Florida downhill while mountain biking the rugged terrain of a reforested open pit mine.

Aldermans Ford Preserve

Alderman’s Ford Preserve

Alderman’s Ford Preserve offers a surprising treat for a Central Florida hike: whitewater, showcasing the Alafia River churning as it winds through a deeply eroded channel

Trail Map (PDF) Official Website

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

Have an update? Contact us.

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Our recent park & trail updates in this region

Florida rosemary growing in bright white sand

Shadow Bay Park

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Marker 26 at edge of pine woods

Alafia River North Trails

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Sunset in a pine forest

Red Trail, Palm Bluff Conservation Area

Red Trail, Palm Bluff Conservation Area
Footpath in shade of palm forest with white blazes

White Trail, Palm Bluff Conservation Area

White Trail, Palm Bluff Conservation Area

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