You are here > Home > Trails > West Florida > Upper Tampa Bay Trail
Reported: April 2018

Upper Tampa Bay Trail... West Florida Biking

Popular Tampa Area Bike Trail, Connects to Suncoast Trail

The Upper Tampa Bay Trail in northwest Hillsborough County is one of the more popular multi-use bike trails in the Greater Tampa Bay area. There are two separate sections, each with unique characteristics: the lower trail (south) is mostly suburban along a canal, with access to restaurants and shops, while the upper trail (north) runs mostly through a nature preserve ($2 fee), then connects to the Suncoast Trail. (Map link and photos below.)

Map link... Upper Tampa Bay Trail

Location: Hillsborough County (Tampa, Odessa)
End Points: South section: Old Memorial (Montague Street) to Peterson Park; North section: Van Dyke Road to Suncoast Trail (Veterans Expressway)
Mileage: South section, 8 miles; north section, 4.5 miles
Surface: Asphalt
Trailheads: Old Memorial, Channel Park, Wilsky, Ehrlich Road, Peterson Road Park, Lutz Lake Fern Road
Nearby points of interest: Big Cat Rescue, Rocky Trails Creek Nature Preserve, Brooker Creek Preserve

Bike Shops/Rentals:
Citrus Park Bikes

 Page Summary:

1. Biking the Upper Tampa Bay Trail
2. Lower Section (south) - 8 Miles
   - Old Memorial Trailhead, Channel Park Trailhead, Wilsky Trailhead, Ehrlich Trailhead, Peterson Park Trailhead
3. Upper Section (north) - 4.5 Miles
   - Brooker Creek Preserve, Lutz Lake Fern Trailhead, Suncoast Trail
4. More Information and Resources

Biking the Upper Tampa Bay Trail... Comments and Photos

We visit the two separate paved sections. Although near residential and commercial areas in parts, the trail is mostly set back and retains a remote feel, with little road noise. Well maintained, underpasses and a bridge at busy roads make biking more fun. Cold water dispensers along the trail are nice, as there is little shade.

Lower Section (South) - 8 Miles

Old Memorial to Channel Park Trailhead

The trail starts with parking at Old Memorial Trailhead and runs along Channel A (an irrigation canal) to Channel Park Trailhead. There's a crosswalk at busy Waters Ave., or continue to the underpass and go under the road to Channel Park. At the trailhead are parking, restrooms, water and drink machines, plus an equestrian staging area.

Channel Park to Wilsky Trailhead

Past Channel Park, the trail runs through a partially shaded section, over a scenic wooden bridge at Rocky Creek, under the railroad trestle, and another underpass at Linebaugh Rd. The trail comes to a tee, a leg leads to the Wilsky Trailhead, which has parking, restrooms and water.

Wilsky to Ehrlich Trailhead

From Wilsky Trailhead, the trail continues with some canopy but also paralleling Veterans Highway. Rocky Creek Trails Nature Preserve is a nice stop along the way. Past a bike shop, the busiest section is next - a bridge crosses Gunn Highway and Citrus Park Drive where there are a number of restaurants and a mall available. The trail follows Gunn Hwy. then veers off through canopy to Ehrlich Road with another bike shop and restaurants nearby. The Ehrlich Trailhead is behind the bike shop, with parking and water.

Ehrlich to Peterson Park

A block west of the trail at Gunn Hwy. is a crosswalk to cross Ehrlich Road. The trail continues through a more rural area to Peterson Park Trailhead. Here are parking, restrooms, picnic and playground. The lower trail ends here, with plans to eventually link to the upper trail.