Upper Tampa Bay Trail Great Place to Exercise and Explore

February in Florida is one of the best times to get outside and explore. Residents have 70,000 acres of parks in Hillsborough County to explore. Fortunately for Westchase residents there is a trail close to home – the Upper Tampa Bay Trail. The 7.25-mile trail runs along the west shore of a canal called Channel A. While it winds through residential and commercial areas, it is built through a greenway, making it a great place to exercise and explore. “You can see a wide variety of wildlife including alligators, coyotes, and birds on the trail,” said Tina Russo, senior park manager for Hillsborough County.

The trail begins at Memorial Highway and Montague Street and ends at Peterson Road in north Tampa. There are, however, five access points to the trail. The closest for Westchase residents would be the parking lots at Waters Avenue or Wilsky Boulevard. There is a two-dollar fee to park at these lots. You can also and park and access the trail at Memorial Highway, Ehrlich Road and Peterson Road. There are restrooms and water stations in three places along the trail.

The trail was originally opened in 1996 and renovations and additions have been ongoing since then. In early November 2011 construction on an underpass for the Upper Tampa Bay Trail at Sheldon Road was compete. Now outdoor enthusiasts who enjoy the trail have the option to either cross Sheldon Road at a crosswalk or go underneath the road using the underpass. The next planned renovation will begin sometime this year. When finished, it will connect Peterson Road to Van Dyke Road. A new trailhead facility will also be constructed at Van Dyke Road. Eventually the Upper Tampa Bay Trail will connect to the 41-mile Suncoast Trail.

The Upper Tampa Bay Trail is suitable for all levels of runners and bikers as well as family hikes or bike rides. Commented Westchase resident Jen Peaire, “The trail is beautiful and peaceful. There are slight elevations and curves in the path that keep you interested during long runs.”

To find out more about the Upper Tampa Bay Trail, visit www.hillsboroughcounty.org/parks.

By Marcy Sanford