Flatwoods Park - Thonotosassa, FL
Flatwoods Park is a scenic and well-maintained natural haven located in Thonotosassa, Florida, offering a perfect blend for outdoor enthusiasts and dog lovers alike. Known for its dog-friendly hiking and pet-friendly trails, the park features a 7-mile paved loop ideal for long walks, runs, and cycling adventures with your furry companion. The surrounding woodlands and shaded nature trails provide a serene environment, making it a peaceful escape for anyone looking to enjoy the outdoors with their dog. Parking is easy and affordable at just $2 per vehicle for all-day access.
Dog owners in the Thonotosassa and Tampa area will appreciate the water stations along the paved trail and the refreshing mix of shaded and sunny areas. The park is accessible year-round and is praised for its cleanliness, friendly rangers, and wildlife sightings. While there isn’t a dedicated fenced dog park area, Flatwoods Park stands out as a top destination for leashed walks, pet-friendly adventures, and exploring nature with your dog in Hillsborough County.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Are leashes required for dogs? Yes, dogs must be kept on a leash while enjoying the park’s trails.
- Are there water fountains for dogs? Yes, there are water stations and a water bottle filling station near the restrooms at the parking lot.
- Is there shade or shelter available? There are shaded areas, especially along the nature trails, but much of the main paved loop is exposed to the sun.
- Are restrooms available for owners? Yes, there are restrooms located at the parking lot.
- Is there a fee to enter? Yes, parking is $2 per vehicle for all-day access.
- Is the park regularly cleaned and maintained? Yes, Flatwoods Park is consistently praised for being well-maintained and clean.
- Are there walking or hiking trails connected to the park? Yes, the park has paved paths as well as beautiful shady nature trails perfect for dog-friendly hiking.
- Where is the best place to park? The main parking lot at the entrance is convenient, and parking costs $2 per vehicle.
Reviews
I keep coming back here for my long runs. The trail is all paved and very wide, so the road bikers have plenty of room to pass. There are 4 water stops around the 7-mile loop (it’s a little over 8 miles total from the parking lot), and the water has always been cold. I don’t know if they put ice blocks in them or something, but I appreciate it on the very hot days! There’s a bathroom at the parking lot and a water bottle filling station/water fountain combo by the bathrooms. Parking is NULL per vehicle all day, no other fees, and the machine takes credit cards or paper cash (I’ve only used cards, so I don’t know about it giving change or anything).
This park is great! It has a 7 to 9 Mile flat trail that is perfect for bike riding or roller skating. It is also a great place to walk with your dogs! The pavement can get kind of hot for your dogs, however they have some nature trails that are a few miles long that are shady and beautiful. We currently have an annual pass there! Definitely worth it.
Great park for bike riding and long walks. There’s wildlife to see if you quiet and observant. Mostly paved loop roads but there are a few offshoot trails that will provide less traffic and more to see. Parking is just NULL and the rangers are friendly and helpful.
I recently visited Flatwoods Park in Tampa, Florida, and had an absolutely fantastic experience riding the 7-mile trail on our road bikes, so I’m giving it a well-deserved 5-star review! For just NULL to park, this park offers incredible value and a stellar outdoor adventure. The trail is entirely paved and impeccably maintained, making it a smooth and enjoyable ride for road cyclists like us. The surface was free of debris, and the path was clearly marked, ensuring a stress-free ride.
The scenery was breathtaking, with beautiful wooded views featuring towering pine trees and lush palms that created a serene, natural atmosphere. It felt like a true escape into nature, with occasional glimpses of wildlife adding to the charm. There were convenient water stops along the way, which were a lifesaver given the lack of shade on the trail. Be prepared for plenty of sun exposure, as there’s hardly any canopy cover, so sunscreen and hydration are a must!
The 7-mile loop was the perfect length for a leisurely yet invigorating ride, and the flat terrain made it accessible for cyclists of varying skill levels. The park itself was clean, with well-kept facilities and a welcoming vibe. We appreciated the affordable entry and the chance to enjoy such a pristine, paved trail. Flatwoods Park is a gem for cyclists and nature lovers alike, and we can’t wait to return for another ride through this scenic haven!
Beautiful and well maintained trails! We love using the paved trails. It costs NULL to park all day only. Love the water stations and shaded areas to cool off. It wasn’t overcrowded and it’s very peaceful!