Florida Tourist Attractions - Hillsborough River State Park, Tampa Bay Area

Image : http://www.flickr.com

If you feel like getting back to nature and are too sunburned to spend more time at the beach, this great 3400-acre state park (813-987-6771; 15402 N US 301; 8am-Sunset) offers inexpensive camping and canoeing. Camping at the 112 sites including use of the pool; each site has a fire ring, picnic table and a water source; there are also hot showers. You'll find picnic facilities, 8 miles of trails and half-acre swimming pool.

Within the park, visit the reconstructed Fort Foster, which was originally built as a bridge defense during the Second Seminole War, as the are was on a supply trail running from Fort Brooke in Tampa to Fort King in present-day Ocala. There were skirmishes here, but no major battles, and over the years the original fort deteriorated and was vandalized. The fort, the east side of US 301, is only open for guided tours at 2pm and 11am Sunday.

The river's current isn't challenging and you can rent canoes at the park for an easy paddle. The best time for abundant wildlife sightings is early morning or around dusk. Keep eyes peeled for bobcats, white-tailed deer, opossums, raccoons, gray foxes, red-tailed hawks, ospreys, armadillos, water birds and alligators.

Canoe Escapes! (813-986-2067; 9335 Fowler Ave; 9am-5pm Mon-Sun), near the Hillsborough River in Thonotosassa, half-mile east of 1-75, is the area's largest outfitter. Canoes come in two sizes, which can accommodate a family of four for 2- and 4- hour jaunts. These easy, self-guided adventures downstream include stops along the way for picnicking (bring a cooler). You'll get river maps and, if necessary, paddling instructions. From downtown Tampa, take Fowler Ave east to US 301, and head north for 9 miles.

Author Name: Kenneth Ng

Visit Blog for More Attractions And Pictures!