Wilderness Conservation Park - Trout Creek Site - Thonotosassa, FL
Wilderness Conservation Park – Trout Creek Site
Located at 12550 Morris Bridge Rd in Thonotosassa, Florida, the Wilderness Conservation Park – Trout Creek Site offers a peaceful escape into the heart of natural Florida. This dog-friendly park is well known for its pet-friendly hiking and walking trails that suit all fitness levels, including a renowned 15-mile loop and a scenic, shaded boardwalk along the Hillsborough River. Dog owners will appreciate the abundance of nature, including picturesque riverside views, lush greenery, and frequent wildlife sightings.
Perfect for dog walkers looking for an outdoor adventure close to Tampa, the park features spacious parking, accessible restrooms, covered picnic shelters with grills, and convenient water sources. While there are no designated off-leash or fenced dog areas, leashed dogs can enjoy the expansive trails, shaded paths, and opportunities for riverside exploration. Please note the presence of local wildlife such as alligators near the river, and remember to bring bug spray during mosquito season.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Are there water fountains or bowls for dogs? Yes, there are several places to obtain water throughout the park.
- Is there shade or shelter available? Yes, shaded paths and covered picnic shelters are available on-site.
- Are restrooms available for owners? Yes, restrooms are available at the park.
- Is there a fee or membership required to enter? There is a $2 parking fee at the pay station.
- Where is the best place to park? The park offers plenty of parking, including disabled parking and spots near the canoe launch.
- Are there walking or hiking trails connected to the park? Yes, there are multiple hiking and biking trails with boardwalk sections that connect throughout the area.
- Are picnics or BBQs allowed? Yes, the large, covered picnic shelters include grills ideal for gatherings.
- Are ticks or other pests common in the area? Swampy areas can have mosquitoes, so bug spray is recommended.
Reviews
Some of the most natural views of the real Florida are hidden in this park. The hiking paths and trails are very well marked and very easy to walk on minus the occasional tree roots. Great for dogs, kids or beginner hikers. There is a nicely maintained wooden boardwalk that runs along the river that is mostly shaded and provides great views the lush green landscape. There are alligators here frequently so beware with dogs by the river. The covered shelters are great for parties and it’s NULL to park here, as the machine does take credit cards. This parking/hiking area does connect to the larger bike trails if you are wanting to bike from here. Definitely recommend some bug spray depending on the time of day you are walking in the woods here as the swampy areas will have mosquitoes all the time.
Access to this park is easy from I75 or Morris Bridge Road. Plenty of parking and disabled parking, including at the canoe launch area. The sheltered picnic areas are spacious and included grills. There are also several places to obtain water. There are hiking and walking trails for every level of fitness and charming views of Trout Creek, where fishing is allowed. Overall a really great day trip.
Saw this little guy there at the park.
There were many bikers and not so much walking people. Also its a NULL parking fee at the pay station that is unmanned but has a deer camara on the pole so they know who pays and not. The machine is a bit slow if you use your debit cards. I don’t know if cash is faster to get your parking ticket or not.
Large park with hiking/running trails, biking trails, large parking lot with bike repair station, bathrooms, lots of shelters and water. We went on a weekday morning (nobody there), enjoyed trails. No distance markers so if that is important plan accordingly. Enjoy.
Not my favorite. My map skills are limited, the trails were hard to find and follow. I want to come back to reevaluate. I couldn’t find the main trail which is a 15 mile loop with many side trails.
I started with the nature trail near boardwalk shelter 2 (dirt path with many roots). I walked about .4 miles before turning back to short boardwalk, which led to some nice views of the Hillsborough River. There was some dirt and gravel to get to the boardwalk, and the total was about .13 miles.
Then I took a dirt path starting near Well Shelter 1. I eventually made my way to a huge clearing with power lines. I almost turned back but saw the entrance to Bayshore trail (dirt path with many roots). There was a nice pond and the total was about .36 miles.