Hillsborough Blueways

• County-wide Map of Canoe/Kayak Launch Sites ( PDF, 4981KB )
• Paddling Regulations
• Trip Planning and Paddling Tips
• Equipment List
• Observing Wildlife
• Leave No Trace

Hillsborough Blueways are paddling trails for canoes and kayaks on the rivers, creeks, bays and estuaries throughout Hillsborough County.

The benefits of a system of paddling trails are many, including the promotion of a healthy, non-polluting, family friendly outdoor recreation and the potential to contribute to our local economy. Many paddling trails traverse areas with unique ecological, geological or historical features, providing excellent educational opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts. Paddling also offers individuals a chance to relive the experiences of Native Americans and early explorers and appreciate their place in history. And, paddling a stream, river or bay increases appreciation for good stewardship practices and may result in more support for clean-ups, habitat restoration and improved water quality.

The Tampa-Hillsborough Blueways Planning Committee, spearheaded the effort to produce the table of launch sites and maps of paddling trails in Hillsborough county. The blueways committee was comprised of members of the Tampa Greenways and Trails Citizen Advisory Committee and the Hillsborough Greenways Committee and individual canoe and kayak enthusiasts residing in the community. Blueways committee members provided their expertise to develop the paddling trail system. Volunteers paddled and evaluated routes and launch sites and recommended those suitable for identification.

A future initiative will be the development and distribution of a waterproof guide which maps the recommended launch sites and paddle trails and provides such interesting information as the ecology, geology and history of the area. Also planned are design and installation of attractive signage at launch sites, calling attention to Hillsborough Blueways. Grant funding will be sought to help fund these projects.

This joint City-County effort is supported by the City of Tampa Parks and Recreation Department and the Hillsborough County Parks, Recreation and Conservation Department. Refinement of the information at this website is ongoing. Any errors or suggested modifications should be reported to the City of Tampa Parks and Recreation Department or the Hillsborough County Parks, Recreation and Conservation Department depending on the jurisdictional area to which the needed change applies.

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