Tampa Hiking Meetup Group

Chito Branch Reserve Trail
Saturday, July 25, 2026 at 9:00 a.m.
Join the Tampa Hiking Group for an approximately 3-mile hike along the Chito Branch Reserve Trail. This route travels through a mix of pine flatwoods, scrub, pasture, and wetland habitat.

Location:
Chito Branch Reserve
11254 Browning Road
Lithia, FL 33547

https://www.alltrails.com/explore/trail/us/florida/chito-branch-reserve-trail
https://www.swfwmd.state.fl.us/recreation/chito-branch-reserve

Please arrive early enough to park and be ready to step off at 9:00 a.m.
There are no restrooms or potable water at the reserve. Bring plenty of water, electrolytes, sun protection, insect repellent, and sturdy shoes. Summer trail conditions may include mud, standing water, and exposed sunny sections.
This will be a relatively short hike, but July heat and humidity can make it more challenging. Please come prepared for the conditions.

Date: Saturday, August 1st
Time: 7:00 AM
Location: Northwest Equestrian Conservation Park, 10711 South Mobley Road, Odessa, FL 33556
Distance: 5.5 miles total
Difficulty: Strenuous

https://hcfl.gov/locations/northwest-equestrian-park
https://www.alltrails.com/parks/us/florida/northwest-equestrian-park
We'll take the red trail first, cut over to the blue trail loop, and follow the blue trail back to the the parking area.
Parking Fee: $2.00
Join us for a challenging morning hike on the Red Trail followed by the Blue Trail at Northwest Equestrian Conservation Park. This 5.5-mile route offers a mix of open grasslands, shaded oak hammocks, and sandy stretches, making it a great endurance hike for those looking to push themselves a bit more. We’ll meet at the main parking area near the trailhead and start promptly at 7:00 AM. Expect some uneven terrain and limited shade, so come prepared with plenty of water, sun protection, and sturdy footwear.
What to Bring: Water, sun protection, bug spray, and comfortable closed-toe shoes suitable for uneven ground.
Parking: Ample parking is available at the park entrance. Parking Fee is $2.00
This is a beautiful, longer route that rewards the effort with peaceful scenery and a solid challenge for regular hikers.

Date: Saturday, August 1st
Time: 9:00 AM
Location: Northwest Equestrian Conservation Park, 10711 South Mobley Road, Odessa, FL 33556
Distance: 5.5 miles total
Difficulty: Strenuous

https://hcfl.gov/locations/northwest-equestrian-park
https://www.alltrails.com/parks/us/florida/northwest-equestrian-park
We'll take the red trail first, cut over to the blue trail loop, and follow the blue trail back to the the parking area.
Parking Fee: $2.00
Join us for a challenging morning hike on the Red Trail followed by the Blue Trail at Northwest Equestrian Conservation Park. This 5.5-mile route offers a mix of open grasslands, shaded oak hammocks, and sandy stretches, making it a great endurance hike for those looking to push themselves a bit more. We’ll meet at the main parking area near the trailhead and start promptly at 9:00 AM. Expect some uneven terrain and limited shade, so come prepared with plenty of water, sun protection, and sturdy footwear.
What to Bring: Water, sun protection, bug spray, and comfortable closed-toe shoes suitable for uneven ground.
Parking: Ample parking is available at the park entrance. Parking Fee is $2.00
This is a beautiful, longer route that rewards the effort with peaceful scenery and a solid challenge for regular hikers.