La Chua Trail

Part of Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park has a trail called La Chua Trail and it is one of the best hikes I've taken anywhere in Florida, North America, Italy, or China.  It has the most diverse wildlife that is easily observed from a trail that runs atop an old levee.

Anhinga on floating vegetation.

From this trail you can easily see alligators, wild horses, wading birds, an occasional buffalo, and many, many more species.  Late Spring or early Summer, although often very hot and humid, is the best time to watch soft shelled turtles lay eggs, see many of the waders feeding their chicks, watch gators mate and build nests, and observe the wild horses with their young.

A large soft shelled turtle laying eggs.

Morris Bridge Park

Another absolutely beautiful County Park just a few minutes from downtown Tampa. Just east of Highway 75, this is the first of several parks along the meandering Hillsborough River. Good fishing, canoeing and kayaking along this stretch.

Gators can often be seen in the water as well as many colorful water birds.

Morris Bridge is a great place for hiking and birding. There is a great elevated trail through the swamp and shoreline of the river. Lots of opportunities for wildlife watching along the trail.

Lettuce Lake Park

Hillsborough County has some great parks, and among the best is Lettuce Lake Park. At 240 acres the park teems with wildlife and great nature trails that get you up close and personal with the park fauna. The Tampa Audubon Society has a partnership with the park and operates a nature center within the park. Nice interpretive panels lets visitors know what to expect when they visit.

Two boardwalks through the park allow visitors magnificent views of the main lake, as well as access to backwater areas in the park. About half way along the main boardwalk is a three stories tall viewing platform that gives impressive views of the main lake (actually Hillsborough River) as well as a large backwater. Many of Florida's beautiful wading birds can be seen very close to the boardwalk.

The park is located at 6920 E Fletcher Avenue, Tampa. There is a $1.00 requested donation upon entrance and the small donation is well worth it. There are picnic tables with ramadas and some grassy areas for play, but for me the prime attraction is the boardwalk. Give several hours if you want to do both boardwalks.