Odessa: Nature Trails, Lakes and History

When looking for a hotel in Odessa, you can first consider whether nature experiences or cultural history should shape your stay. Specific topics include hiking and horseback riding trails, preserves, lakes, local art and history. Each place has its own focus in terms of landscape, activities and trail lengths.

Hiking and Horseback Riding

At Lake Dan Nature Preserve, an approximately 2.5-mile hike leads to Lake Dan and back. Lake Frances Preserve has a 6.4-mile equestrian trail, which is subject to seasonal restrictions during flooding. Northwest Equestrian Conservation Park offers a six-mile trail that is popular with horseback riders and hikers. The details differ by activity: Lake Dan specifically mentions a round-trip hike; Lake Frances has an equestrian trail, while hikers are also mentioned for the trail at Northwest Park.

At Lake Rogers Park, trails wind through oak and pine forests that are popular with hikers and joggers. These trails provide additional options, though no trail length is specified for them.

Preserves and Landscapes

Lake Frances Preserve covers 1,673 acres of wet pine flatwoods, wet prairie and cypress swamps. It is physically connected to Lake Dan Preserve; together, the two preserves cover more than 2,800 acres. This connection and their varied landscapes give the two preserves their own distinct character.

The trails at Northwest Equestrian Conservation Park pass through cypress and hardwood swamps, freshwater marshes and oak hammocks. Brooker Creek Headwaters Nature Preserve protects wetlands that serve as the headwaters of the Brooker Creek system.

Lakes and Practical Information

Lake Rogers Park has two freshwater lakes used for fishing and kayaking. One of them, Lake Rogers, is among the largest lakes in Hillsborough County. Church Lake Farms is located on the shore of Church Lake and has shaded areas and picnic tables.

The Anclote Tract of Starkey Wilderness Preserve is at the intersection of State Road 54 and Gunn Highway in Odessa. The Anclote River Ranch Tract can be reached via the trails in Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park.

A 4.35-mile section of the Upper Tampa Bay Trail runs through District land in Odessa. Its trailhead has parking, restrooms and a covered picnic area; check whether these facilities are currently available before your visit. The Upper Tampa Bay Trail runs along Peterson Road Park.

The Suncoast Trail trailhead at the end of Touchpoint Drive, north of SR 54, has been closed since June 23, 2026. The closure is expected to remain in effect until the project is scheduled for completion in summer 2027. Check the latest status before setting out.

Cultural History and Local Offerings

Starkey Ranch Theatre Library Cultural Center hosts art exhibitions featuring works by local artists; the exhibition program may change. Odessa was apparently named by Peter A. Demens in the 1880s. The Russian immigrant played a major role in financing the Orange Belt Railway, which ran from Sanford through Trilby to St. Petersburg.

The market at Raprager Farms offers plants, flowers, pumpkins, specialty items, and a rotating selection of products from the farm and selected growers. The selection and market days vary. If this market is of interest to you, check the current market days before visiting.

Discover more destinations: Apollo Beach, Ruskin, Sun City Center, Seffner, Brandon, Lutz, Riverview, Plant City

For the broader travel overview: Hillsborough.