Upper Tampa Bay Trail: An Urban Oasis in Suburban Tampa
Disclaimer: We are not paid to promote any restaurant, hotel, activity, product, or attraction. All opinions are subjective and based on our personal experience. Your experience may be different.
The Upper Tampa Bay Trail is one of the best multi purpose paved paths I have come across in the Tampa Bay region thus far. The 7.5 mile path is a nice distance for a weekend morning bike ride – not too much, but enough for a great workout! Because it is such a fast, smooth ride, the 15 mile round trip journey goes by in a breeze.
During our time living in the metro, Mike and I often chose this path when we were seeking something a bit more low-key away from the traffic and congestion. We used this path often as our Saturday morning workout destination, whether we were walking, biking, or jogging. It’s mostly shady which is a must in an area that is sunny and hot most of the year.
A great path for everyone!
This path is clean, well-maintained, and paved. It’s a pretty smooth, flat ride with only one major hill and just a few small inclines. I recommend it for anyone, from beginning to advanced cyclists. But the path isn’t just for cyclists. You will see everyone out here enjoying the Florida sunshine including: dog walkers, skaters, runners, birdwatchers, and those just out for a nature outing.
Take a look at the hill below. This is the only one you will encounter on the trail. This is a small section where you go onto the overpass. After this hill, it’s all smooth sailing.
Plenty of shade – a rarity in the Bay!
The trail is shaded for the majority of the route, allowing you the opportunity to exercise even on a hot summer day (very unusual for this area). Beautiful trees cascade down on both sides of the path, making you forget that you are in clustered, overcrowded Hillsborough County. As you can see, there is plenty of greenery to enjoy along the route. This is what I love most about this trail compared to others.
You can take a few short detours over the bridges for some beautiful water views. This is a great time to take a break and take out your camera. The scenery is definitely a nice change of pace from the crowded suburban surroundings. Despite all the strip malls and chains overflooding the area, there are so many nice parks and bike trails where you can escape it all for a few hours and get in a nice workout.
While I have mixed thoughts on the metro, I will admit that the parks here are awesome and there are many of them. No matter where your day takes you, there is a wonderful park to enjoy. I’ve lived in many cities and Tampa is home to one of the best park systems, no question.
A great birdwatching destination
Spend some time away from beaches and crowded tourist attractions and enjoy Florida as it should be: peaceful and green. As is the case at all area parks, you have the opportunity of seeing various forms of wildlife along the way, including: alligators, turtles, and all different types of exotic birds. I’ve personally never seen a gator on this trail yet, but I see them pretty much everywhere else. Your best bet is the fall or winter season when they can be seen basking in the sun, but I’ve seen them at parks year-round.
One of the Bay’s best free attractions
One of my favorite things about this city is that there are so many great things to do for free. Most of the best things to do actually cost nothing including all the great preserves, biking paths, and even beaches. It can be hard to plan natural activities in the region due to a number of conflicting factors such as heat, traffic, and long driving times.
However, this trail is shady enough to enjoy pretty much all year. And, there are multiple trail heads so you can plan ahead. So, get out your bikes, jogging shoes, or skates and enjoy one of the best free activities the city has to offer.
UPDATE: After living here for 3 years, I came up with a guide with what I think are the best freebies in the metro. Check it out if you are looking for fun and budget activities for the whole family.
Dining near the trail
I recommend fueling up with a bagel and cup of joe at Sips prior to your ride. The Wilsky trailhead access point is located just a few miles from this charming local coffeehouse. The great ambiance, pastries, bagels, and coffee easily make Sips one of the best local coffeehouses. UPDATE: Unfortunately Sips is under new ownership and the vibe, menu, and design are all completely different.
For your convenience….
- Cold water and bathrooms are found at multiple points along the path.
- Trail maps are provided at various points along the course.
- Various benches along the way allow you to give your legs a rest, if needed.
- Citrus Park Cafe is located along the trail. You can enjoy sandwiches, salads, and coffee here.
Tips for a great ride
- Plan your ride as early in the morning as possible for cooler temperatures.
- Check the weather forecast, especially during the rainy summer season.
- If biking, make sure everything is properly tuned.
- Bring with a GPS watch so you can track your distance.
- Get out and stretch often to give your legs, shoulders, and feet a break.
- Wear sunglasses and a hat to shield yourself from the sun.
- Drink plenty of water. Exercise + heat equals easy dehydration. I like Gatorlyte packets.
- Eat a decent breakfast and pack a few snacks if completing the entire ride.
- Treat yourself to a nice healthy lunch after your ride. Try a casual salad and soup bar restaurant like Jason’s Deli.
Address & parking info
You can start the path at one of several trailheads. The southern end of the trailhead is located at: 7499 Montague St. Parking is $2. The northern end of the trail is located at: 203 Peterson Rd and Rails Rd. There is also a free parking lot off of Gunn Highway, however, you will have to start 2 miles or so into the trail. I recommend parking at the Wilsky trailhead – 10180 Wilsky Blvd – so you can enjoy breakfast at Sips.
