Tampa Bay has many diverse hiking trails that are perfect for casual strolls or more active outings. From the Oak Woodlands of Lowry Park to the swampy floodplains of Eureka Springs Park, Tampa Bay’s Dog-Friendly Hiking Trails offer an exciting environment for you and your dog to explore together. While this isn’t a complete list of every trail in the area, it includes some of our favorite dog-friendly trails around Tampa Bay.
Eureka Springs Park
Eureka Springs Park is located 10 miles of Downtown Tampa and features an easy 0.5-mile trail that loops around a floodplain. This park spans 31 acres, featuring a botanical garden that showcases orchids, a rose garden, and a large collection of ferns. Amenities available at the park include restrooms, picnic areas, and paid parking.
Boca Ciega Park Recreation Trail
Located in Seminole, Boca Ciega Park Recreation Trail offers a peaceful 1-mile trail around a pond. Boca Ciega Millennium Park also features a 1.5-acre dog park where your dog can socialize. Additionally, there are a few dog-friendly restaurants nearby, including Angry Pepper and Mama’s Kitchen in Seminole.
Lowry Park Trail
Located 5 miles north of Downtown Tampa, Lowry Park Trail is opposite the Lowry Park Zoo. It is an easy 0.7-mile hike through Oak woodlands and along the Hillsborough River. If you’re looking to explore the local area, Tip’s Diner has dog-friendly outdoor seating.
Al Lopez Park
Al Lopez Park, situated on the West Tampa Greenway, spans a sprawling 132 acres. The 1-mile Al Lopez Park loop offers an easy walk on a shaded asphalt trail that overlooks two freshwater ponds. The trail is equipped with overhead lighting, and the park includes restrooms, picnic areas, and a fitness center. After finishing the loop, take your dog to play at Jim Urbanski Dog Park. Located inside Al Lopez Park, it has two separate areas for small and large dogs, along with water fountains.
Cypress Point Park
Situated just south of Tampa International Airport, Cypress Point Park offers shaded trails and is a popular spot to watch the sunset over Old Tampa Bay. Cypress Point Park Trail is a 1.7-mile paved trail that runs through the Disco Golf Course. While dogs are not allowed on the beach, the park features pleasant picnic areas, shelters, and a playground, making it a great place to relax and enjoy the outdoors.
Eagle Lake Park
Eagle Lake Park in Largo is a 162-acre park featuring an easy 2.5-mile loop that includes boardwalks over restored wetlands. This park has a dog park with separate areas for large and small breeds. In addition to a dog park, the park also features restrooms, a playground, and picnic areas. If you’d like to dine out with your dog, the nearby Arkane Alehouse is dog-friendly and has a rotating selection of food trucks to choose from.
We’re here to help
Whether you’re hiking along an oak woodland trail, wetlands, or shrubland, Tampa Bay’s dog-friendly hiking trails offer a variety of scenic environments. If you have a tough time enjoying these trails because your dog barks constantly or pulls on the leash, you can schedule a free consultation with our Pet Behavior Team. We have designed our training programs to meet your specific training needs, with one-on-one sessions conducted at your home, in your local neighborhood, or on your local trails.
If you are located outside the Tampa area or prefer virtual training, you can connect with our Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist, Dr. Echterling-Savage, who offers virtual consultations. During these consultations, she will help you reach your training goals by developing a personalized plan with detailed, step-by-step guidance.
