Channel Park Pavillion, Upper Tampa Bay Trail

About Channel Park Pavillion, Upper Tampa Bay Trail

Upper Tampa Bay Conservation Park is a 596-acre nature preserve where visitors hike nature trails and boardwalks through mangrove forests, salt marshes, and pine flatwoods. Wildlife viewing is a primary activity, with opportunities to spot gopher tortoises, zebra swallowtail butterflies, bobcats, red-shouldered hawks, bald eagles, roseate spoonbills, ospreys, otters, bottlenose dolphins, and manatees. The park's nature center features interpretive exhibits about the environment, history, and geology, along with live animal displays housing fish, snakes, and turtles. A canoe and kayak launch provides access to the creek and bay for fishing red drum and snook. Shallow freshwater ponds support aquatic plants and animals. Families can use picnic shelters and tables, and children have access to a playground. Pets are welcome on the grounds. The park, located in Tampa, charges admission and publishes its prices and hours online.