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Lower Hillsborough Wilderness Park
Flatwoods Park
(See Lower Hillsborough Wilderness Park for more
information.)
Size
5,400 acres
About the Property
Best known for its seven-mile paved loop road,
a shared-used trail, Flatwoods Park provides
a welcome getaway from Tampa’s developed
landscape. The Morris Bridge well field is located
within the park, and well houses can be observed
along the trail. A two-mile paved extension
connects Bruce B. Downs Boulevard with the
loop road. Flatwoods Park Trail is a paved 1-mile
connection between Morris Bridge Road and the
loop road.
Access and Parking
• Main entrance located about 5 miles northeast
of I-75 on Morris Bridge Road (CR 579) at
Flatwoods Park Trail. Flatwoods Visitor Center
located 0.5 miles inside entrance. Additional
parking available 0.5 miles further west where
the loop trail begins.
• Bruce B. Downs Boulevard (CR 581) entrance
located 1 mile northeast of I-75.
• Free admission, but donations to “iron ranger”
appreciated. All donations go toward park
improvements.
• Personal vehicles allowed in park where
designated.
• ADA access and facilities available.
Hours of Operation
Daily from sunrise to sunset.
Restrooms, Water and Other Amenities
Restrooms, water, pay telephone, cold drinks,
bike wash and picnic tables at Flatwoods Visitor
Center. Four rest shelters with water coolers and
paper cups interspersed along loop road.
Pets
Must be on leash no more than 6 feet in length.
Recreational Opportunities
Bicycling and Inline Skating
• Loop road gives bicyclists a woods experience.
• Off-road cyclists enjoy Wilderness Loop Trail (see
Off-Road Loop Trail).
• Always wear helmet. Florida law requires
bicyclists under 16 to wear helmets.
• Beware of pronounced lip on loop road shoulder
and use extreme care when entering or exiting
pavement.
• Use proper trail etiquette on and off pavement.
Warn others when passing from behind. When
stopping, move completely off trail. Use caution
at blind corners and make your presence known.
Pack out litter. Avoid muddy trails. Do not skid.
Bird Watching
• Site 102 on western section of Great Florida
Birding Trail.
• Contact Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation
Commission for more information.
Hiking
• Dogs and their owners favor 1-mile segment of
Levee Road from Bruce B. Downs Boulevard to
north end of loop road.
• Nature trails are short, easy walks.
• Long-distance runners and triathletes train on
loop road.
• Cross-country runners and hikers enjoy
Wilderness loop off-road trail and woods service
roads in park. Beware of fast-moving bicycles.
Picnic Facilities
Picnic shelters, grills and tables available at
several well houses.
For More Information
• Hillsborough County's Flatwoods Park, (813)
987-6211.
• Hillsborough County Parks, Recreation and
Conservation Department, (813) 975-2160.
Recreation Guide to Southwest Florida Water Management District Lands
72