Upper Tampa Bay Paddle — June 25, 2023

Upper Tampa Bay Conservation Park protects a surprisingly wild piece of shoreline close to some of the busiest roads and neighborhoods in Hillsborough County. On June 25, 2023, Buddyboy and I launched into Double Branch and followed the twisting mangrove shore toward the open bay. It was a hot Florida summer day filled with palms, mangrove tunnels, broad clouds and the quiet reflections of old weathered trees.

Upper Tampa Bay Park entrance sign — #1 The entrance to Upper Tampa Bay Conservation Park at 8001 Double Branch Road. (Click on any image for full-size version)

Planning the paddle

Park hours8:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m.

Entrance$2 per vehicle

LaunchCanoe and kayak dock

Address8001 Double Branch Rd.

Access and facilities

The 596-acre park sits on a peninsula between Double Branch and Upper Tampa Bay. From Tampa, the entrance is reached from Hillsborough Avenue by turning south onto Double Branch Road and following it to the park. The county currently lists daily hours of 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and an entrance fee of $2 per vehicle for up to eight people. The sign photographed during this visit says the entrance gate closes at 5:30 p.m., so paddlers should be back at the launch well before then.

The developed area includes parking, restrooms, picnic shelters, a playground, nature trails, a boardwalk, a nature center and the canoe/kayak launch. The narrow dock works well for kayaks and canoes, but loading and unloading can take time when several groups arrive together.

Park opening and closing hours sign — #2 The park sign lists an 8:00 a.m. opening, 6:00 p.m. closing and a 5:30 p.m. entrance-gate closure.

Rentals and timing

Hillsborough County lists canoe and kayak rentals at this park. Its countywide rental schedule is currently $25 for up to four hours, plus $10 for each additional hour. Rentals can be suspended during small-craft advisories or other unsafe conditions, so calling the park at (813) 855-1765 is sensible if a rental is essential.

Morning is usually the best time to launch. Summer heat and thunderstorms build quickly, while winds commonly strengthen during the afternoon. Tide matters too: Double Branch and the mangrove creeks are shallow, and a falling tide can expose mudflats and oyster bars or make side passages difficult to exit.

Current-information note: Hours, prices and rental availability can change. Check the Hillsborough County park page or call before making a special trip.

Canoe launch and rental information sign — **#14** The nature center, canoe launch and rental information are grouped near the waterfront.

Tim paddling with Buddyboy — #3 Tim and Buddyboy underway on Double Branch, with Buddy riding securely behind the seat.

Double Branch to the bay

The launch enters protected water on Double Branch. From there, the route winds through mangroves before opening gradually toward Upper Tampa Bay. Close to the park, the water can feel like a sheltered creek. Farther out, the horizon expands and wind, chop and boat wakes become more important.

The shoreline is a mixture of red and black mangroves, salt marsh, cabbage palms and coastal hammock. Dead pines and bleached stumps stand above the green vegetation, providing perches for osprey, herons and other birds. Red mangrove propagules hang over the water like long green pencils, ready to drop and take root wherever tides carry them.

Palms and mangroves along Double Branch — #4 Cabbage palms rise above the dense mangrove shoreline along Double Branch.

Dead pine surrounded by palms and wetland plants — #5 A tall dead pine stands above palms and coastal wetland vegetation under building summer clouds.

Calm shoreline of Double Branch — #6 Calm water and an unbroken green shoreline made the inner part of the route feel far removed from Tampa.

Weathered snag beneath cumulus clouds — #7 A weathered snag reaches into a deep blue sky as summer cumulus clouds begin to grow.

Old stumps reflected in still water — #8 Old trunks and stumps reflect in still water beside the mangrove edge.

Red mangrove propagules hanging above the bay — #9 Long red-mangrove propagules hang above the water, already formed into young plants before they drop.

Mangrove fringe opening onto Upper Tampa Bay — **#10** The mangrove fringe opens toward the wider water of Upper Tampa Bay.

Waterway regulation sign near the mangroves — **#11** A regulation marker reminds boaters to slow down near this shallow, wildlife-rich shoreline.

Tim and Buddyboy in the kayak — **#12** Tim and Buddyboy pause for a photograph before continuing along the mangroves.

Precautions for this paddle

Watch the tide. Low water can expose sharp oyster bars and deep mud, especially inside small mangrove creeks.
Check wind and radar. The route becomes exposed after leaving Double Branch, and summer thunderstorms can develop rapidly.
Carry navigation. Mangrove shorelines and side channels can look alike. Bring a charged phone or GPS and save the launch location.
Wear a PFD. Conditions can change quickly where the creek enters the bay. A whistle and waterproof communication are also wise.
Avoid heat illness. Launch early, carry more drinking water than expected and use sun protection; shade on the water is limited.
Expect insects. Mosquitoes and no-see-ums can be intense near mangroves, particularly around dawn, dusk and calm weather.
Give wildlife room. Dolphins, manatees, rays, sharks and alligators may use these waters. Observe without approaching or feeding.
Return early. Allow enough time to unload and secure boats before the entrance gate closes at 5:30 p.m.

Kayak launch dock at Upper Tampa Bay Park — **#17** The park’s launch dock provides direct access to the protected water of Double Branch.

The launch, trails and route

Upper Tampa Bay Conservation Park works well even when not everyone wants to paddle. The nature center and canoe-trail information are beside the launch, while boardwalks and trails cross pine flatwoods, coastal hammock and wetland edges. Picnic areas provide an easy place to regroup after loading the boats.

The recorded track shows how many turns and side explorations are possible along the park’s irregular shoreline. It is easy to adjust the distance: stay in Double Branch for a short protected outing, or continue toward the bay and explore the mangrove coast when tide, wind and experience allow.

Canoes and kayaks near the rental area — **#13** Canoes and kayaks stored beside the nature center and launch area.

Upper Tampa Bay Park canoe trail information board — **#15** The canoe-trail information board describes the marked route and park habitats.

Map of the Upper Tampa Bay canoe trail — **#16** A closer view of the park canoe-trail map, including Double Branch and nearby mangrove channels.

Nature trail through palms and pines — **#18** One of the park’s shaded land trails passes through palms, pines and coastal hammock.

Tall wildlife snag beside cabbage palms — **#19** A tall snag offers valuable nesting and perching habitat above the palms.

Recorded GPS route for the Upper Tampa Bay paddle — **#20** The recorded paddle route shows the many turns through Double Branch and along the park’s mangrove shoreline.

Regional map of Upper Tampa Bay Conservation Park — **#21** The regional map shows the park’s position on the northwestern shore of Upper Tampa Bay.

Current park information

Hours, fees, amenities and rental information were checked against the official Hillsborough County Upper Tampa Bay Conservation Park page and the county’s canoeing and kayaking information. Always check for temporary closures or advisories before leaving home.