The holiday season brings turkey, stuffing and pumpkin pie, often enjoyed while watching college and professional football. It’s good for the spirit, but not as beneficial for the waistline.
Hillsborough County Parks and Recreation has a solution to get residents off the couch and burning calories. It’s 10th annual Hiking Spree, which started Nov. 1 at the Lettuce Lake Park’s Hammock Run Trail and runs throughout the county until March 31.
Once registered, participants must complete eight of the 25 listed trails by the March 31 deadline. Participants may also hike a trail of any length, anywhere in the world.
The trails were chosen to accommodate various skill and fitness levels, offering opportunities to access nature and discover the county’s abundant flora and fauna. Dogs are welcome on most trails, which are wheelchair accessible. The trails are scattered across Hillsborough County, from Little Manatee River State Park to Lake Dan Nature Preserve in Odessa to the Crystal Springs Blackwater Creek Nature Preserve and all points in between.
Several trails are located at neighborhood parks in the North Tampa area, including the 0.4-mile All People’s Fitness Trail at Lesley “Les” Miller Jr. All People’s Community Park and Life Center.
The Parks and Recreation Department noted that neighborhood parks are good for beginners, and they are typically shorter — the longest in that group is 1.4 miles — offering amenities such as paved trails, parking lots, restrooms and running water.
Seven trails are at conservation parks, such as Lake Conservation Park’s 1.6-mile Lake Vista Trail. These trails are slightly longer — between 0.67 and 2.33 miles — are closer to nature and run through various habitats. Some are paved, and many have running water, restrooms, playgrounds and manicured pathways.
Six are at nature preserves, such as Blackwater Creek Nature Preserve’s 6.4-mile Savannah Trail. Trails in this group are the longest on the list — between 1.7 and 6.4 miles — and are maintained closer to their natural state. They are more rugged and challenging, with virtually no development, unpaved parking lots and trails, no running water or restrooms.
Three trails are at state parks, such as McIntosh Preserve’s 1.5-mile Live Oak Loop. These trails are in various conditions, some paved and others with rougher terrain. The Parks and Recreation Department recommends calling ahead to determine whether a trail meets a hiker’s needs and abilities.
Hikers who submit their completion form by March 31 will be eligible for a free sticker and their choice among a 2025-2026 Hiking Spree medallion, patch or dog bandana.
The spree began in 2016 to encourage residents to explore the county’s parks and preserves. Its timing coincides with the area’s best weather and bird-watching season.
For more variety, the Parks and Recreation Department offers several guided hikes, including bird-watching hikes, a holiday light-themed hike at Boyette Springs Park and a “Battle for the Galaxy” hike at Carrollwood Village Park.
The parks department recommends beginners start with neighborhood parks and work their way up to nature preserves and conservation parks.
Trails are marked with blue, yellow or red blazes on trees or posts to indicate the direction of the trail.
Hikers should always bring the correct trail map, a compass or GPS, sturdy shoes, bug spray, sunscreen, SPF hats or clothing, snacks and plenty of water.
For more information and registration, visit tinyurl.com/HikingSpree.