The best cycling routes in Hillsborough County

Hillsborough County offers a wide array of touring cycling routes, with over 80 options available. These routes cater to various skill levels, including 22 easy, 49 moderate, and 16 difficult trails, ensuring there's a ride for everyone.

You'll experience diverse landscapes, from expansive pine flatwoods and oak forests in parks like Flatwoods Conservation Park to picturesque waterfront views along Old Tampa Bay on trails such as the Courtney Campbell Trail. Many routes also wind through riverine ecosystems, wetlands, and along canals, offering glimpses of cypress swamps and abundant wildlife.

Yes, Hillsborough County has several easy routes suitable for families. The Goffstown Rail Trail is an easy 10.6-mile path through wooded areas and open landscapes, perfect for a relaxed family ride. Many rail trails, converted from former railway beds, offer relatively flat and accessible terrain.

The touring cycling routes in Hillsborough County are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.7 stars from over 40 reviews. Cyclists frequently praise the region's extensive trail networks, the scenic beauty of the diverse landscapes, and the well-maintained paths that make for enjoyable rides.

Yes, Hillsborough County offers several excellent circular routes. For example, the Lake Massabesic loop via Rockingham Recreational Rail Trail is a moderate 22.4-mile option. Another is the Naticook Lake loop, an easy 21.5-mile ride, providing varied scenery and a complete circuit.

Absolutely. The Upper Tampa Bay Trail, for instance, is a significant part of the county's network, connecting with the 42-mile Suncoast Trail and forming a segment of the larger Florida Coast-to-Coast Trail. This allows for extended touring opportunities beyond individual park boundaries.

Hillsborough County's trails offer excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing. Parks like Flatwoods Conservation Park are known for diverse wildlife and birdwatching. The Lower Hillsborough Wilderness Preserve is home to wood storks, gopher tortoises, and eastern bluebirds, while Trout Creek Conservation Park is a hotspot for wood ducks, anhinga, and egrets, especially along riverine and wetland routes.

Yes, many routes offer access to natural and historical points of interest. You can find highlights such as Pack Monadnock Mountain or enjoy views from South Uncanoonuc Mountain. Some trails, like the Nashua River Rail Trail, are attractions in themselves, offering scenic rides through varied terrain.

While touring cycling routes primarily focus on flatter terrain, Hillsborough County does have nearby natural attractions that include waterfalls. You can explore areas with features like Wildcat Falls (Atherton Falls) or Purgatory Falls, which might be accessible via short detours from some cycling paths.

For those seeking a longer and more challenging ride, the Everett Lake loop via Goffstown Rail Trail is a difficult 49.5-mile route. Another option is the Granite Town Rail Trail loop, a moderate 47.8-mile journey that offers a substantial touring experience.

Yes, the Tampa Riverwalk provides a 2.6-mile route along the Hillsborough River, connecting downtown attractions. It also links to the Selmon Greenway, which leads towards historic Ybor City, offering a blend of urban exploration and waterfront views. For more information on biking in the county, you can visit Hillsborough County's official biking page.

The cooler, drier months from late fall through spring (roughly November to April) are generally considered the best time for touring cycling in Hillsborough County. During this period, temperatures are more comfortable, and humidity is lower, making for more pleasant rides. Summers can be very hot and humid with frequent afternoon thunderstorms.

Many of Hillsborough County's conservation parks and trailheads, such as Flatwoods Conservation Park, offer dedicated parking facilities for cyclists. It's always a good idea to check the specific park or trail's official website for detailed information on parking availability and any potential fees before your visit. For example, details on Flatwoods Conservation Park can be found at hcfl.gov.