Pleasant Surprise in the heart of Tampa
 This is one of the nicest trails in the Tampa Bay Area. At seven miles one way, it is short enough to ride "up and back" in about an hour. Built in three phases, Phase One and Phase Two are complete. Phase Three will connect this trail with the Suncoast Trail (to be reviewed). We started out at the Old Memorial Highway trailhead, which is the southern end of the trail. It starts out nicely, with curves and well-built facilities. The road crossings are well done, with crosswalks and handrails. One of the more surprising areas is the closed landfill, which is very well maintained, with the grass cut and the fences set back from the trail. The trail loops around this, taking you away from the noise of traffic and providing a nice setting right in the middle of Carrollwood.
North of the landfill, the trail crosses Rocky Creek on a bridge built by W.P. Lutz at the turn of the last century for his railroad. The trail straightens out there, as it was built on the old railroad bed (hence, Rails to Trails) through Tampa. At Gunn Highway, there is a nice bridge that allows you to work your legs a little. Don't build up too much speed on the downside though, as there is a series of stop and yield signs as roads and driveways start to cross the trail.
The next major intersection is Erlich, where you will have to use the crosswalk. Or not. Right alongside the trail is a local watering hole, where you can grab a bit to eat, or drink a brew. But the trail doesn't end there. The end is another two miles at Peterson Road, along a nice little park where you can rest. There are water stops all along the trail, but the northern most one was just before Erlich, so you may want to top off you bottle before pushing off to the northern end.
How to get there: The southern trailhead is on Memorial, but that is a misnomer. It really is off Montague. From Tampa, take Hillsborough west, past Sheldon road, past Silvermill, and past Pistol Range Road. Turn right (north) on Montague, and then follow it as it turns right (east) for about a quarter mile (Note: Pistol Range Road does not go through to Montague/Memorial). The road will begin to curve/turn to the left (north). The trailhead is on your right.
There is a trailhead on Waters, also past Sheldon. Those are about the best trailheads to start with. Give one of them a shot, and after you scope out the trail, you can make up your own mind on where the best place to start from is.
Photos
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