Upper Tampa Bay Trail

The most popular, most used trail in Hillsborough County, is comprised of two segments. The northernmost segment connects Van Dyke with Highway 54, about 5 miles. We do not currently have group runs at that location because the other locations are more popular with our group; however, information about that trail head is provided below.

***Run Tampa Group Run procedures and schedule here***

Post Hurricane Milton changes for Run Tampa: Since the section between the Channel Park (Waters Ave) Trailhead and the Wilsky Trailhead suffered severe damage, we will be meeting at the Ehrlich Road Trailhead until further notice.

When the Run Tampa SUNDAY group run is at Upper Tampa Bay Trail, the 4th Sunday of the month, we will meet at the Ehrlich Road Trailhead as well.

Breakfast after both runs is at Florida Cracker Fish Company, which is located right next to the trailhead.

Ehrlich Road Trailhead

Where: Ehrlich Road, behind the building at 7510 Ehrlich Road

Time: We meet up at 7 a.m.; however, it’s not uncommon for some people to start early and circle back to meet the rest at 7:00, particularly in hot weather. The Saturday run is from 7 to 9 a.m. The run on the 4th Sunday is from 7 to 8 a.m.

Trail: Due to bridge closure (bridge just south of Gardner Rd), we can only run a 2.5-mile stretch, running south, over the pedestrian overpass to Gardner Rd, then north across Ehrlich and continuing on Rails Rd. Five miles round trip, about half shaded.

Restrooms: Temporary port-a-potty at Gardner Rd.

Parking: No fee.

Early starts: No gate at this location; enter the parking lot at any time. No lights, here; need headlight and reflective clothing for early starts.

Breakfast: Breakfast after at the Florida Cracker Fish Company, next to trailhead

Channel Park Trailhead (Run Tampa will not meet here until the trail is restored, post Milton.)

Where: Channel Park Trailhead, 9201 West Waters Avenue

Time: We meet up at 7 a.m.; however, it’s not uncommon for some people to start early and circle back to meet the rest at 7:00, particularly in hot weather. The Saturday run is from 7 to 9 a.m.

Trail: Asphalt-paved 7-mile linear trail, about 1/3 shaded

Water: Kiosks every 2.5 miles.

Restrooms: At Channel Park and at the Wilsky Trail Head

Parking: $2

Early starts: The Channel Park Trail Head opens at 5:30 a.m. If you’re running with Run Tampa, please return to meet the rest of the group at 7 a.m. This is super important because there may be others your speed who’d like to have someone to run with or who may not be familiar with the route. Returning to the main group meetup is helpful to your fellow runners.

Breakfast: Breakfast after at the Florida Cracker Fish Company, 7604 Ehrlich Rd.

Lutz Lake Fern Trailhead

Informational only. Run Tampa does not currently have group runs from this location.

Where: 7020 Lutz Lake Fern Rd., Odessa

Trail: Asphalt-paved 5-mile linear trail, some shade, but it does connect on the north end to the Suncoast Trail, allowing for many more miles.

Water: kiosks every 2.5 miles

Restrooms: at parking lot

Parking: $2

Early starts: The parking lot is gated, but they do not close the gates, making it possible to park there to start early.

***Coach Deb is working with community leaders and the County Commission to encourage them to Close the Gap, connecting the two segments of the trail. Scroll below these photos to see the PD&E Plan. The project is far, far, far behind schedule. Please keep emailing the Board of County Commissioners to ask that they keep it going forward. It seems when the runners and cyclists are quiet, the process either stops or slows, significantly.

Click any maps/photos to enlarge.