Cypress Creek Nature Preserve (Tampa)
Overview
Expert Summary
Detailed Insights
Cypress Creek Nature Preserve offers a true 'walk in the woods' experience with varied trails (some shaded, some sunny) and opportunities to spot wildlife like armadillos before dusk. It's dog-friendly and features well-maintained sections, but critical navigation issues with unmarked forks can lead to getting lost.
Key Highlights
- ✓Opportunity to spot armadillos frequently, especially before dusk
- ✓Offers a mix of trails with good tree cover for shade and full sun options
- ✓Dog-friendly, requiring dogs to be on a leash
- ✓Trails are described as 'nicely maintained' in parts, suggesting a pleasant natural environment
- ✓Suitable for moderate hikes, with reports of enjoyable 3-mile group hikes
- ✓Picnic table and trash cans available at the parking lot
Standout Features
- ⭐Frequent armadillo sightings, particularly before dusk
- ⭐Dog-friendly environment (on leash)
- ⭐Varied trail options offering both sun and significant shade
- ⭐Picnic table and trash cans conveniently located at the parking lot
Perfect For
Ideal For
💡Pro Tips from Reviews
- →**Bring a reliable map or GPS device and be prepared for self-navigation**, as trails are unmarked and confusing.
- →**Wear appropriate footwear** for bumpy, unpaved, and potentially uneven terrain.
- →**Be prepared for a 0.25-mile walk** from the confusing parking area to the actual trailhead.
- →**Plan for no restroom access**; ensure children use facilities before arrival.
- →**Visit before dusk** for a higher chance of spotting armadillos.
- →**Consider joining an organized group** (like the Florida Trail Association) for a guided and less confusing experience.
Things to Consider
- ⚠Trails are confusing to follow and unmarked at forks, leading to users getting lost
- ⚠Parking is initially confusing, requiring a quarter-mile walk along the road to reach the trailhead entrance
- ⚠Trails are described as 'bumpy and unpaved', making them unsuitable for strollers or those with mobility issues
- ⚠No bathroom or porta-potty options mentioned, which is a significant drawback for families
- ⚠An abandoned shed was noted as 'kinda creepy', a minor comfort/safety concern
Price & Value
Not mentioned; likely free entry as a nature preserve, but no specific pricing details are provided.
♿Accessibility & Special Needs
- •**Not suitable for strollers or wheelchairs** due to bumpy and unpaved trails, and the 0.25-mile walk from parking to trailhead.
- •No specific accommodations for special needs are mentioned.
🍎Food & Drink Policy
- •Not mentioned, but the presence of a picnic table at the parking lot suggests outside food is acceptable for a picnic before/after a hike.
🚗Parking Info
- •Parking is described as 'very confusing initially' and requires walking a 'quarter mile' along the road to reach the trailhead entrance.
- •The parking lot does have trash cans and a picnic table.
👥Crowd Levels
- •Moderate; reviewers 'always bumped into another person/walking groups each time', indicating it's not secluded but not overwhelmingly crowded either.
🛡️Safety Features
- •**Significant concern due to unmarked trails at forks, leading to users getting lost.** This is a primary safety issue for families.
- •No specific safety staff or emergency features are mentioned.
- •An 'abandoned shed' was noted as 'kinda creepy', a minor comfort/potential safety note.
⏰When to Avoid
- • Families with strollers, wheelchairs, or very young children due to bumpy trails and the walk to the trailhead
- • Anyone who struggles with navigation or prefers clearly marked, easy-to-follow paths
- • Parents expecting amenities like restrooms or paved trails
- • When time is limited, as getting lost can significantly extend your visit
Pricing/Package/Events
🛡️Safety Policy
- • Bring plenty of water
- • Download the map
- • Tell someone your plan
- • Wear proper shoes and sun protection
- • Stay on marked trails
- • If you think you are lost, call (813) 672-7876
- • In case of an emergency, call 911
🚗Parking Information
- • Parking area available, with trail access approximately 1300 feet southwest of the parking area.
Photos
What People Say
Areas for Improvement
- Parking can be challenging (mentioned in 2 reviews)
Recent Reviews
Diane Henry
a month agoThis trail is nice, dog friendly on a leash! Woodsy walk with more tree cover or full sun options to walk different trails. We have seen armadillos frequently before dusk time. Parking is very confusing initially, you have to walk along the road to get to the trail head entrance a quart mile away from where you park. It parking lot has trash cans and a picnic table which is a cute resource. I don’t remember any bathroom porta potty option. Found an abandoned shed out there which was kinda creepy initially and I’ve always bumped into another person/walking groups each time I’ve visited.
John West
4 months agoWent hiking with the Florida Trail Association - Suncoast Chapter at the Cypress Creek Nature Preserve. Our host was Shaun. We all had fun on a 3-mile hike.
Tim Arango
3 weeks agoA nice place for a walk in the woods. Trails are nicely maintained. There is also a fair amount of shade, which is nice.
Linda Evans
4 months agoThe trail is beautiful albeit sort of bumpy and unpaved. Beautiful nature and refreshing. I would go again.
Katie Flynn
3 months agoThis trail was very confusing to follow and unmarked at forks in the path so we had no idea which way to go. This ended up with us getting lost, when we thought we were heading back towards the car (following the map) we ended up going the completely wrong direction because there are no markings. Don’t recommend.