Upper Hillsborough Wildlife Management Area park
Upper Hillsborough Wildlife Management Area
Reasons to Visit:
1. Wildlife Observation: UHWMA is home to a wide variety of wildlife species, including alligators, white-tailed deer, wild turkeys, and numerous bird species. Visitors can enjoy observing and photographing these animals in their natural habitats.
2. Scenic Hiking Trails: The area features several well-maintained trails that wind through diverse habitats such as pine flatwoods, cypress swamps, and hardwood forests. These trails provide opportunities for leisurely walks or more challenging hikes.
3. Fishing and Boating: UHWMA encompasses several water bodies, including the Hillsborough River and several lakes. Fishing enthusiasts can try their luck at catching largemouth bass, catfish, and sunfish. Kayaking and canoeing are also popular activities in the area.
4. Photography and Nature Enthusiasm: UHWMA offers beautiful landscapes and picturesque scenes, making it an ideal destination for photographers and nature enthusiasts seeking to capture the essence of Florida's natural wonders.
Points of Interest:
1. Cypress Creek: This tributary of the Hillsborough River runs through UHWMA and is known for its crystal-clear waters and scenic beauty. Visitors can enjoy paddling, fishing, or simply relaxing by the creek.
2. Fort Foster Historic Site: Located within UHWMA, this site preserves the ruins of a Seminole War-era fort. It provides a glimpse into Florida's history and offers interpretive displays and guided tours.
Interesting Facts:
1. UHWMA covers approximately 8,500 acres, ensuring ample space for wildlife to thrive and visitors to explore.
2. The area supports an impressive diversity of plant life, including numerous species of orchids.
3. UHWMA is managed by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) to maintain and enhance its ecological integrity.
Best Time to Visit:
The best time to visit UHWMA is during the winter and spring seasons. Florida's mild winter weather allows visitors to enjoy outdoor activities comfortably, while spring brings vibrant wildflowers and increased wildlife activity. However, it is important to note that the area is open year-round, and each season offers its own unique experiences.
Sources:
- Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC): https://myfwc.com/recreation/lead/upper-hillsborough-wma/
- Florida Hikes: https://floridahikes.com/upper-hillsborough-river-hiking-the-fort-foster-loop
Park & land designation reference
A quick legend for the federal and state land categories Snoflo tracks. Each designation comes with different rules around access, recreation, and resource extraction.
- National Park
- Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
- State Park
- Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
- Local Park
- Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
- Wilderness Area
- The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized motorized access permitted.
- National Recreation Area
- Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing, often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes); may allow more development.
- National Conservation Area (BLM)
- BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
- State Forest
- State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
- Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
- Vast federal lands managed for mixed use -- recreation, grazing, mining, conservation -- with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
Plan your visit down to the hour
Same weather feed Snoflo's iOS app uses -- updated continuously from NOAA / yr.no.
Next 5 days, hour by hour
Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.
5-day forecast table
Every 3 hours, broken out across temperature, snow, rain, humidity, and wind.
| Time | Condition | Temp (°F) | Snow (in) | Rain (in) | Humidity (%) | Wind (mps) | Wind dir |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loading detailed forecast… | |||||||
15-day temperature & precipitation
Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks.
Area campgrounds
Snoflo-tracked campgrounds within reach of Upper Hillsborough Wildlife Management Area, with reservations status.
| Campground | Reservations | Toilets | View |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hillsborough River State Park | ✓ | ✗ | → |
| Gator Hole Primative Camp Site | ✗ | ✗ | → |
| Withlacoochee River Park | ✓ | ✓ | → |
| Saddle Creek County Park | ✗ | ✗ | → |
Plan a longer trip
The closest parks, lakes, fishing spots, and POIs so a park visit can grow into a full weekend.
Responsible recreation & Leave No Trace
- Know before you go
- Check the operator's site for hours, permit requirements, seasonal closures, and fire restrictions before heading out.
- Stay on trail
- Stick to marked paths to protect vegetation, prevent erosion, and avoid disturbing wildlife habitat.
- Respect wildlife
- Observe from a distance, never feed wildlife, and store food securely if camping is permitted on-site.
- Pack it in, pack it out
- Carry out all trash, food scraps, and gear. Many parks have limited or no trash service.
- Leave what you find
- Don't take rocks, plants, or artifacts. They make the park what it is for the next visitor.
Set push alerts in the Snoflo app
Save Upper Hillsborough Wildlife Management Area as a favorite, set a custom threshold (precipitation, freezing temperatures, fire-restriction days), and the iOS app will push the moment conditions cross.
About Upper Hillsborough Wildlife Management Area
What can I do at Upper Hillsborough Wildlife Management Area?
Most Snoflo-tracked parks support hiking, picnicking, and wildlife viewing. Check the operator's site for activity-specific rules (camping, fishing, paddling, hunting).
How fresh is the weather data?
The hourly forecast updates throughout the day from NOAA / yr.no. Streamflow comes live from USGS streamgauges.
When is the best time to visit?
Use the 15-day temperature & precipitation outlook on this page to plan -- pick a window with comfortable temperatures and low precipitation.
How do I get to Upper Hillsborough Wildlife Management Area?
Tap Directions in the hero above to open driving directions in Google Maps, or Open in map to center the Snoflo interactive map on the park.
Can I get alerts when conditions change?
Yes -- alerts are managed in the Snoflo iOS app. Favorite this park, set a threshold (temperature, precipitation), and you'll get a push the moment it crosses.
Other parks near here
Snoflo-tracked parks within driving distance of Upper Hillsborough Wildlife Management Area.