The recent hurricanes caused us to close many park locations due to significant damage. While most locations have opened, some remain closed. Before visiting any park, please use the "Find Park Status" button below to see if the location is on the closed/partially closed list.
Please note: Since the vast majority of the parks are now open, starting on Nov. 28, we will remove the Parks Status page and list any closure information directly on the pages for those locations.
Closure status from Hurricane Milton - The Yellow Trail and the creek-side portions of the Orange Trail and Blue Trail are closed. The Red Trail, White Trail, and the main grade up to the cattle lease gate are open. (Updated 10/23/24)
This 12,800 acre nature preserve in the northeastern corner of Hillsborough County boasts almost 20 miles of open, sunny hiking and equestrian trails. Formerly known as Cone Ranch and Audubon Ranch, this land was managed by the County's Public Utilities Water Department from 1988 to 2010, when it was transferred as part of the County's Jan K. Platt Environmental Lands Acquisition and Protection Program (ELAPP).
Since then, multiple on-going restoration projects have helped to improve the preserve's hydrology and assisted in the re-establishment of more natural habitat. The preserve's wetlands and pine flatwoods areas provide homes for many species of wildlife, including white-tailed deer, Southern fox squirrels, wood storks, and barred owls. Restoration at the site will continue as more land is removed from the cattle lease.
Lower Green Swamp Management Plan
Things to know
- Cattle Lease
- There is an active cattle lease on the Nature Preserve
- Harassment of any cattle is strictly prohibited
- Cattle are excluded to the Southwest Loops (Yellow Trail) only
- Gates separating trails are not locked, but must be closed after visitors pass through - these are the Red/Yellow and Yellow/Blue gates
- Horseback riding
- Horses must be thoroughly broken, properly restrained, and prevented from straying unattended
- All riders must carry proof of a negative Coggins test
- Riders under age 16 must wear a helmet
- We do not provide horseback riding rentals; you must bring your own horse
- A portable toilet is located across the trail from the office, near the southernmost bridge