The Best Recreational Trails and Pathways in Tampa FL: Where to Walk, Jog, and Bike in The Big Guava

Tampa is full of opportunities for outdoor adventures, and that includes time both on and off the water. The city has some fantastic greenways and trails that stretch all over the city. Here are a few of the best:

Al Lopez Park

4810 N Himes Ave, Tampa, FL 33614

With more than 130-acres, Al Lopez Park is home to two ponds and fishing piers, fitness stations, a dog park, and a community center. There’s also a more than one-mile-long multi-purpose trail in the park with overhead lighting. For those who want a little time off the beaten trail, there’s a nearby nature trail that leads through a wooded area.

Cypress Point Park 

5620 W Cypress St, Tampa, FL 33607

Cypress Point Park has a nearly mile-long asphalt trail, as well as some nature trails for visitors to explore. In addition, there’s a beach, fishing, a canoe launch, and a playground at the park. While there’s plenty of parking, you can also reach the park by bus or store your bike in one of the park’s bicycle racks.

Gadsden Park 

6901 S MacDill Ave, Tampa, FL 33611

Tampa’s Gadsden Park has an asphalt trail with two loops. The longer, Lake Gadsden Loop is nearly a mile long, while the shorter, play area loop is about a half-mile long. The park is generally busy on the weekends with games, plus it also offers a dog park, a fishing lake, a playground, and some picnic shelters

Bruce B Downs Trail

18205 Bruce B Downs Blvd, Tampa, FL 33647

The Bruce B Downs Trail stretches for seven miles between Hunter’s Green Boulevard and the city’s southern limits. The multi-purpose trail is commonly used as a way to link up nearby neighborhood paths to Flatwoods Wilderness Park. This Hillsborough County park includes a nine-mile-long multi-use trail, some nature trails, and some other trails that lead through cypress swamps and pine forests. You’ll even find some mountain bike trails and canoe access for the Hillsborough River.

Rowlett Park  

2401 E Yukon St, Tampa, FL 33604

Close to the river too is the Rowlett Park Trail in Rowlett Park. The two-mile long asphalt trail leads through pine and oak hammocks. There’s a canoe launch to get out on the river, plus a playground, sports courts, and some ball fields at the park.

Copeland Park 

11001 N 15th St, Tampa, FL 33612

Copeland Park features both nature trails and a one-mile-long asphalt trail. A fitness trail leads visitors across boardwalks and through natural wooded areas of the park. You’ll also find ball fields and sports courts, a swimming pool, and a playground in the park.