Upper Tampa Bay Trail

The most popular, most used trail in Hillsborough County, is comprised of two segments. The northernmost segment connects Van Dyke with Highway 54, about 5 miles. We do not currently have group runs at that location because the other location is more popular with our group.

Run Tampa group runs are always on the southern segment. See details below.The southern segment, several miles to the south, the more popular of the two, spans the area from Alonso High School, in Countryway, to Peterson Park, in Citrus Park. To run this segment, Run Tampa parks behind the building located at 7512 Ehrlich Road. There is an aerial map, below. This is an unofficial trail head. While it is not on County maps, there are signs giving trail users permission to park there. Since it’s not gated, this works well for runners starting before sun up. There is no fee to park here.

Run Tampa group runs: We meet up at 7 a.m.; however, it’s not uncommon for some people to start early and circle back to meet the rest at 7:00, particularly in hot weather. We meet up at the trailhead the building at 7512 S. Ehrlich Rd.

Trail: Asphalt-paved 7-mile linear trail, about 1/3 shaded

Water: Kiosks every 2.5 miles

Restrooms: McDonald’s, .8 mile from trailhead, Wilsky Trail Head, 2.5 from the start, and Channel Park Trail Head, 5 miles from where we start.

Parking: Free.

Early starts: There is no gate at the lot, making it easy to start early

Breakfast: We meet for breakfast at the Florida Cracker Fish Company, which is located within view of where we meet; so, no need to move your car.

Below is info about the Lutz Lake Fern Trail Head. Run Tampa does not have group runs from here, but you may want to check it out on your own.

Where: 7020 Lutz Lake Fern Rd., Odessa

Trail: Asphalt-paved 5-mile linear trail, some shade, but it does connect on the north end to the Suncoast Trail, allowing for many more miles.

Water: kiosks every 2.5 miles

Restrooms: at parking lot

Parking: $2

Early starts: The parking lot is gated, but they do not close the gates, making it possible to park there to start early.

Coach Deb is working with community leaders and the County Commission to encourage them to Close the Gap, connecting the two segments of the trail. Scroll below these photos to see the PD&E Plan.

Click any maps/photos to enlarge.