Containing the largest area of contiguous natural habitat remaining in northwest Hillsborough County, public ownership of this preserve ensures protection of important wildlife habitat and the site's wetlands, which serve as the headwaters of the Brooker Creek system. This property includes a mosaic of forested swamps, floodplains and low-lying uplands. The uplands include pine flatwoods, xeric oak hammocks, and mixed hardwood and pine prairies.
Since 1993, Hillsborough County staff has performed a number of resource inventories that identified an abundance of wildlife and vegetation, some of which are considered threatened or endangered. For this reason, recreational activities on the property are limited to walking and hiking. Jointly acquired by the District and Hillsborough County, the property is managed by Hillsborough County.
Park Details
18102 Ramblewood Road
Lutz, FL 33558
United States
Site Features
Recreation Opportunities
Recreation Term
Bicycling
- Paved bike trail.
- Florida law requires bicyclists under 16 to wear helmets.
Recreation Term
Hiking
- Several miles of unimproved interior roads.
Recreation Term
Picnic Facilities
- Picnic facilities available.
Recreation Term
Other Activities
Greenways and Trail Links
- Upper Tampa Bay Trail (North) — 4.35-mile multiuse paved trail.
- Trailhead at 7020 Lutz Lake Fern Road — 53 parking spaces, restrooms and picnic shelter;
connects to the Suncoast Trail. - Suncoast Trail — 42 miles.
- Suncoast Trail information, (813) 801-6729.
Additional Information
- Parking, kiosk and picnic table available at entrance on Ramblewood Road.
- Lutz Lake Fern Road Trailhead at 7020 Lutz Lake Fern Road has parking for a fee.
- Walk-through gate on east side of Brown Road north of Van Dyke Road; parking on road shoulder.
Available at trailhead.
Northwest Hillsborough County, north of Van Dyke Road, south of Lutz-Lake Fern Road, west of Suncoast Parkway, and east of Gunn Highway
Hillsborough County Conservation and Environmental Lands Management Department, HillsboroughCounty.org/Conservation