Bike It – The Top Bike-Friendly Paved and Off-Road Trails in Tampa

Staying active, healthy, and involved in your recovery is imperative to long-term recovery from addiction. Having positive and constructive hobbies and habits can contribute to your success in sobriety while also boosting your overall health, wellbeing, happiness, and energy. Luckily, there are many opportunities to ride your bike in Tampa. Whether you are looking for a relatively easy ride, such as along a paved bike trail, or are looking to tests your skills and opt for an off-road bike trail, Tampa offers a bit of everything for the avid biker.

Paved Bike Paths in Tampa

Paved bike paths offer the chance for you to enjoy a smooth and enjoyable ride while not having to worry about rough terrain or obstacles. If you are looking to ride your bike without having to adjust to obstacles and rugged paths, there are plenty of smooth paved bike paths throughout Tampa and the surrounding areas. Let’s take a look at some of the top paved bike paths in Tampa:

Flatwoods Park

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MMO4CxTlnhs&t=1s

Flatwoods Park offers a 7-mile paved bike path to enjoy. There are several picnic areas located throughout the park as well, so be sure to pack some snacks and plenty of water and take a break at one of the several rest stops located along the path. Get some friends together and push your biking skills at Flatwoods Park.

14302 Morris Bridge Rd. Thonotosassa, FL 33592

Courtney Campbell Causeway Trail

Courtney Campbell Causeway Trail is a must-visit if you look for a relatively easy paved bike path to cruise along. The course is located on the ocean, so you can enjoy a lovely salty ocean breeze as you ride along the water. The trail is approximately 10.5 miles long, which is great if you are first starting to get into trail riding.

8549-8597 Campbell Causeway Access Rd S. Tampa, FL. 33615

Upper Tampa Bay Trail

If you are looking for a fun and active way to spend your Saturday afternoon, you must check out Upper Tampa Bay Trail. The trail is beautifully paved, so you will not have obstacles and rough terrain to overcome. The path is excellent for runners and joggers alike, and all are welcome to enjoy the trail.

Upper Tampa Bay Trail Tampa, FL 33635

Tampa Riverwalk East End

The Tampa Riverwalk East End is the perfect spot to get some friends together for a relaxing day of biking. The path is located downtown and offers amazing city views, and you cruise along the path adjacent to the water. If you are looking for an evening bike ride, the Riverwalk provides beautiful views of the sunset.

Tampa Riverwalk Tampa, FL 33602

Northdale Lake Park Trail

Northdale Lake Park Trail is a 2.5-mile long trail that has both paved bike paths as well as elevated boardwalk biking paths. Whether you want to take a walk, jog, or bike ride, the park has something for everyone. The trail is not difficult and is perfect for both experienced bikers as well as novice bikers.

3323 Northdale Lake Park Trail Tampa, FL 33624

Off-Road Bike Trails in Tampa

Off-road biking adds more rugged terrain to your everyday bike ride. These paths are often more challenging and are advised for those who are more experienced bikers. Let’s explore some of the off-road bike trails offered in Tampa and the surrounding areas:

McKay Bay Nature Park

McKay Bay Nature Park is the perfect spot to put your off-road trail biking to the test. There are just over 38 miles of bike trails here, so be sure to pack lots of water, snacks, and sunscreen. There are various areas to stop and have a picnic or simply rest and take in the park’s beauty. The trail is located on the Great Florida Birding Trail, so be sure to bring your binoculars and spot the local wildlife that calls McKay Bay home.

134 N 34th St. Tampa, FL 33605

Morris Bridge Road Preserve

If you are looking to test your off-road biking skills, check out Morris Bridge Road Preserve. The preserve offers an 11-mile loop that features plenty of opportunities to bike and admire the natural habitats here as well. There are river views here too, which make for a perfect spot to sit back and relax after a rugged bike ride.

13630 Morris Bridge Rd. Thonotosassa, FL 33592

Lower Hillsborough Wilderness Preserve

Lower Hillsborough Wilderness Preserve offers over 60 miles of terrain to explore. The forest trails offer gorgeous views, and there are so many different species of wildlife here as well that call this preserve home. There is also the chance to fish here, so if you are prepared to spend all day at the preserve, mix things up and cast a line to see what you can catch.

15846 Morris Bridge Rd. Thonotosassa, FL 33592

Upper Tampa Bay Trail

Upper Tampa Bay Trail offers both paved bike paths as well as more rugged ones. The trail is well shaded, which provided some relief from the often blazing Florida sun. That trail is a great one to cruise along with a few friends as there is so much to see and admire; it’s always nice to share these experiencing with others.

10338, 10180 Wilsky Blvd, Tampa, FL 33625

Gadsen Park

Gadsen Park is a must-see if you want to bring your dog along for a fun day of trail running and dog play. The park features bike paths and a sports field, several picnic areas, and a dog park. There is also a lake here that boasts gorgeous views, so be sure to bring your camera.

6901 S MacDill Ave. Tampa, FL 33611

It’s vital that you remain active and engaged in your recovery if you are in remission from addiction. Doing so will keep you occupied and busy and help keep your mind off drugs and alcohol. Staying active can also help you meet others who value an active and healthy lifestyle, ultimately helping you stay on track.

Not only does staying active help you stay committed to your recovery, but it also helps you get healthier, get more involved, and work toward your fitness goals. By developing healthy habits, such as staying active and eating healthy foods, you are aiding in your overall recovery. Nourishing your body with the right foods will only help you become stronger and perform better in your exercise routines.

WhiteSands Alcohol and Drug Rehab has helped tens of thousands of individuals overcome and maintain their sobriety, and they can help you too. If you or someone you love is struggling with  drugs or alcohol in Tampa, get in touch with our intake team today. They are available 24/7 to take your call and help you make the first step toward getting into treatment. The hardest thing is admitting that you have a problem, but as soon as you realize that your substance abuse is getting out of hand and you need to get help, you are already in the right mindset. The time to get help is now, as the longer you wait to get into treatment, the worse your addiction will continue to accumulate.

WhiteSands is dedicated to helping people live, happier, healthier and more fulfilling lives, free from addiction. We’ve got several articles that if you enjoyed this article, you might enjoy these others:

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If you or a loved one needs help with abuse and/or treatment, please call the WhiteSands Treatment at (877) 855-3470. Our addiction specialists can assess your recovery needs and help you get the addiction treatment that provides the best chance for your long-term recovery.