One of my New Year's resolutions is to get out of the house more and enjoy nature. I've done that a bit by going for walks, or studying outside. However, since I am going to have more free time during spring break, I made a list of nature parks to visit near campus during spring break, beginning with...
1. Upper Tampa Bay Trail
Upper Tampa Bay Trail is located is only 30 minutes away from campus. It has hiking and walking trails, picnic tables with barbecues, and beautiful wildlife. $2 per vehicle (eight people per vehicle) and you can enjoy all the beauty Florida has to offer.
2. Violet Curry Nature Preserve
Violet Curry Nature Preserve is located even closer to USF! It's only 10 minutes away from campus. It is smaller than Upper Tamp Bay Trail, though. It is a 2-mile loop with a lake, but it's a great way to just get some exercise in or enjoy the outdoors without having to travel too far or pay.
3. Trout Creek Park
Trout Creek Park is close to campus as well, only 10 minutes away, and offers a lot more options than Violet Curry. You can fish, canoe, or picnic at this park. Trout Creek also features a biking and biking trail. Trout Creek has limited possibilities for a great outdoor day. You could spend the whole day here and never be bored.
4. Lettuce Lake Regional Park
Lettuce Lake is right on Fletcher. It has the same parking fees as Upper Tampa Bay Trail, $2 per car (eight people per vehicle). Not only does this park offer hiking and biking trails, but it also has a fitness trail equipped with workouts. Also, Lettuce Lake has $5 guide nature walks on Saturdays and Sundays along the Hillsborough River - now that's what I'm excited about.
5. USF's Own Riverfront Park
Of course, I had to leave the best for last. Riverfront Park is walking distance from campus. It's our own nature park right there on campus. Riverfront Park has boating, canoeing, and a rope course. You can also host events here if you are apart of a student organization!
Whenever people come to visit Florida, it is always because of the hundreds of possibilities of outdoor activities, swimming, wildlife, camping. There are so many outdoor activities that Florida has to offer, but I feel like you forget about that when you live here. I want to appreciate the world around me again.