Lower Green Swamp Nature Preserve
Official Hiking Spree Location
Name of trail: Longleaf Loop
Miles: 5
Class: C- Primitive
Rating: 3- Strenuous
(rough terrain)
Attributes: Pet friendly
Download Hiking Spree Map
Learn More about the Hiking Spree
Park Description: This 12,800 acre nature preserve in the northeastern corner of Hillsborough County boasts almost 20 miles of open, sunny hiking and equestrian trails. Formerly known as Cone Ranch and Audubon Ranch, this land was managed by the County's Public Utilities Water Department from 1988 to 2010, when it was transferred as part of the County's Jan K. Platt Environmental Lands Acquisition and Protection Program (ELAPP). Since then, multiple on-going restoration projects have helped to improve the preserve's hydrology and assisted in the re-establishment of more natural habitat. The preserve's wetlands and pine flatwoods areas provide homes for many species of wildlife, including white-tailed deer, Southern fox squirrels, wood storks, and barred owls. Restoration at the site will continue as more land is removed from the cattle lease.
Lower Green Swamp Management Plan
Things to know
- Cattle Lease
- There is an active cattle lease on the Nature Preserve
- Harassment of any cattle is strictly prohibited
- Cattle are excluded to the Southwest Loops (Yellow Trail) only
- Gates separating trails are not locked, but must be closed after visitors pass through - these are the Red/Yellow and Yellow/Blue gates
- Horseback riding
- Horses must be thoroughly broken, properly restrained, and prevented from straying unattended
- All riders must carry proof of a negative Coggins test
- Riders under age 16 must wear a helmet
- We do not provide horseback riding rentals; you must bring your own horse
- A portable toilet is located across the trail from the office, near the southernmost bridge