If you go nowhere else here, head for the Rapids Nature Trail. It meanders through oak hammocks via a dirt path that culminates a few hundred yards to a lovely (and that’s not a word I use very often) section of the Hillsborough River with rapids swirling over limestone outcroppings. The overlook provides great vantage points for picture-taking – and thus my purpose for being there in the first place. We needed a good site for an upcoming video I’m hosting on tips for returning home with better images of your trip.

I’d heard of this park and intended on coming to it numerous times, but on each occasion something came up to thwart my plans. Not this time. After the video shoot I took in Fort Foster, a replica of an 1837 fort from the Second Seminole War. Elsewhere I saw people fishing, canoeing and kayaking. Of the four nature trails, I hiked down one of them, the weather cool, the sun shining and trees alive with squirrels.

I noticed areas for both full-facility camping, a tent campground for youth groups and a primitive campsite via foot trail. A Wetlands Restoration Trail also accommodates bicyclists and hikers. Man, this place is beautiful, one of the nicest parks I’ve seen in a state loaded with really great parks.

You might want to circle the dates of February 16-17 where activities are planned that lets visitors step back in time to the days when Florida was being settled by pioneers. I’m going to especially check out the artifacts on display since I’m big fan of Indian crafts, tools and hunting weapons.

Other facilities include picnic areas, pavilions, a swimming pool and the Spirit of the Woods Pool Side Café and Gift Shop. It’s a super place to picnic or grab something to eat amid old-Florida settings. And in 15 minutes or so you can be back on I-75. For more details, visit www.floridastateparks.org/hillsboroughriver/default.cfm.