Starkey Wilderness Park
The asphalt-paved bike and pedestrian trail runs from the entrance, through the whole park, to the Suncoast Parkway. Motorized vehicles are not allowed on the trail. Off-road trail runners will treasure the 20 miles of off-road trails.
Starkey Park is located 4 miles north of Highway 54, off Starkey Boulevard, in the Trinity area of Pasco County, at 10500 Wilderness Park Blvd.
In the summer, the park opens at 6:30 and closes at 9 p.m., making it a good option for Hillsborough County residents. It’s a bit of a drive, but closing at 9 p.m. is quite helpful during the hot months. All of Hillsborough’s parks close earlier, most, much earlier.
You’ll enjoy an asphalt-paved bike/pedestrian trail that is about 10 miles, one way, running the length of the park, from Starkey Blvd to the Suncoast Parkway. Lot 8 is .2 mile from the main paved trail, about 1 mile in. Take the paved trail from the parking lot to the main bike trail. Deb puts water at that junction.
Here is a link to the park website.
When Run Tampa runs at Starkey, we meet at Lot 8 (see map), which is next to Shelter 5, about a mile beyond the entrance to the park. Restroom at Parking Lot 8.
No water kiosks along the paved bike/pedestrian trail. Deb puts water out on the bike trail, adjacent to the parking lot, but if you plan to go more than 5 miles, it’s best to carry water because there’s no way to put a water stop along the trail, since vehicles aren’t allowed.
