This 3,190-acre natural area located on Tampa Bay is home to a great variety of plant and animal life. It’s a popular spot for birding, fishing, and kayaking/canoeing. For runners, there are several miles of very pretty trails, combining woodlands, marshlands, and pretty water views. Rather than describing a particular route, see the attached trail map. Highlights include the 1-mile Boy Scout Loop (with 1.7 miles of additional trails coming off the main trail), and 2+ miles of boardwalks. It’s also possible to run on the main road, Weedon Dr., which doesn’t have too much traffic (though there’s no shoulder).
Courtesy: Weedon Island Preserve
This 3,190-acre natural area located on Tampa Bay is home to a great variety of plant and animal life. It’s a popular spot for birding, fishing, and kayaking/canoeing. For runners, there are several miles of very pretty trails, combining woodlands, marshlands, and pretty water views. Rather than describing a particular route, see the attached trail map. Highlights include the 1-mile Boy Scout Loop (with 1.7 miles of additional trails coming off the main trail), and 2+ miles of boardwalks. It’s also possible to run on the main road, Weedon Dr., which doesn’t have too much traffic (though there’s no shoulder).
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Essentials
3-4 miles of trails
Generally flat
Trails come off parking area
Parking for the Cultural and Natural History Center is available at the third left after passing through the preserve's main gate
Claimed to be the world’s longest continuous sidewalk, stretching 4.5 miles along the waterfront. Spectacular views of the Bay and the downtown skyline. Fountains, fitness stations, mile markers. The neighborhoods inside the path are also gorgeous for running.
A lovely 3.5 mile run along the Seddon Channel, just south of Tampa General Hospital, and near the Bayshore trail. Run for 3.5 miles to the end at Davis Islands Yacht Club, using the several bridges that connect the islands.
Then nicest neighborhoods for running in Tampa are off Bayshore Blvd. and include Hyde Park, Palma Ceia, Bayshore Beautiful. We also enjoy the streets of West Tampa & North Hyde Park, Seminole Heights, and David Islands.
A long, flat run with great water views. The Causeway runs for 8.5 miles from Ben T. Davis Beach to the other end of the bridge in Clearwater. There is a separate pedestrian path, well away from cars in sections.
Recently renovated and expanded, the Riverwalk offers spectacular views of the waterfront and downtown. 1.4 mile trail, with 3.5 mile loop option crossing the river to the University of Tampa.
A scenic paved trail in northwester Tampa with more of an urban feel stretches for nearly 6 miles from Waters Ave. at south to ending at Peterson Road Park at north. Good option near the airport.
A beautiful natural park located 20 miles northwest of downtown Tampa featuring 2.2 mile off-road trail on varying terrain circling around Lake Rogers, with mile markers.
Adjacent to downtown St. Petersburg, this is a scenic along Tampa Bay through waterfront parks with a jaunt out picturesque St. Pete Pier. Loop back through the Historic Old Northeast neighborhood under a lovely tree canopy, passing gorgeous homes.
A great beach run with spectacular views of the Gulf of Mexico and gorgeous sunsets. The southern end of the beach tends to be more tranquil, with nice views to Shell Key Preserve.
A beautiful park with Florida vegetation and marshes located on the islands lying at the mouth of Tampa Bay, 7 miles south of downtown St. Pete. Popular place for running, with paved roads and recreational trails.
Very nice running between Gulf to Bay Blvd. (Rt. 60) and Safety Harbor Marina along the Ream Wilson Trail on the west side of Tampa Bay. 3 miles to Safety Harbor with nice water views. Extend for 2 more miles to Phillippe Park.
A lovely run through a linear park along the Ream Wilson Trail. Take the west branch of the trail off N. Bayshore Blvd. It's a 4 mile loop out to Kapok Park, and a 7 mile loop to Coachman Ridge Park. Very pleasant!
Popular and attractive beach that's great for running. Wide beach is nearly 6 miles, and includes a 1 mile section of beachside path & 1,000 foot pier Pier 60. A great paved option is 6 miles out and back from Pier 60 Park to Sand Key Park.
A 50+ mile rail trail between St. Petersburg, Clearwater, and Tarpon Springs. Provides a good off-road opportunity for running. We've included a map, charts with segment distances, and pointers on the nicest sections.
A group of parks connected by trails and located 20 miles northeast from Tampa downtown. A highlight is the 7-mile Flatwoods Park multi-use Trail, as well as off-road trails.
It's worth the 45-minute drive from Tampa if you're looking for a long, off-road run with lots of shade. This paved multi-use path runs for 10 miles from Brooksville east to the Withlacoochee State Forest.
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Essentials
3-4 miles of trails
Generally flat
Trails come off parking area
Parking for the Cultural and Natural History Center is available at the third left after passing through the preserve's main gate
Review or Comment on This Route/Share a Photo!
Share your feedback on this route and see that of other Great Runs users. Click on the image icon to upload a photo. And please let us know if there are notes or changes we should incorporate!