Hillsborough River Paddling Trip 2025: Cypress Knees, Alligators, and a Hidden Indian Mound
This past Sunday, we embarked on a special trip down the wild and scenic Hillsborough River. Launching our kayaks from Morris Bridge Park, we set our course for Sargeants Park on what turned out to be an unforgettable 8-mile journey through a truly unique Florida landscape. This wasn’t just a paddle; it was an escape into a beautiful world of cypress trees, abundant wildlife, and a history that’s woven into the land itself.
Paddling a Beautiful, Wild Forest As we paddled our kayaks along the Hillsborough River, we were immediately struck by the serene and wild beauty of the place. Towering cypress trees lined the banks, forming a dense canopy that cast refreshing shade on the water. The sight of their distinctive “knees”—the root tips sticking up from the water—gave the entire forest an ethereal, storybook feel.
Beyond the natural beauty, the river holds a secret history that Kenny pointed out to us. We were shown an overgrown Indian mound, the very place where the ancient inhabitants of the area would make their flint tools. This significant archaeological site is the reason the nearby town is named Thonotosassa, which means “place of flint.” It’s a special feeling to paddle past a piece of history that is so connected to the land you’re exploring.
Wildlife and a Welcome Cool Down While the scenery and history were fascinating, the wildlife was a main highlight. We saw lots of alligators, some resting on the banks and others gliding silently through the water—a reminder that we were deep in their home. The birdlife was also spectacular, with elegant ibis, majestic herons, and the unique, snail-eating limpkins all making appearances.
Despite the day being very hot, we found relief in the coolness of the water and the frequent shade from the trees. Our relaxing lunch in Sargeants Park was a much-needed break before we started the trip back. And as if on cue, a cool breeze greeted us on the return paddle, giving us a perfect, refreshing finale to our time on the river.
A Trip to Remember The day was made even more memorable by some of the fun details. Kenny started our journey with a loud and comical blast from his horn, and later had a lot of us fooled with his uncanny hawk impression! It just goes to show that great company and a few laughs are the perfect addition to a beautiful outdoor adventure.
Join Us on the Myakka River! Our Hillsborough River trip was incredible, and we’d love for you to join us on our next adventure! We’re planning a trip to explore the beautiful and famous Myakka River next month on September 7th. This is another fantastic spot for scenic paddling and wildlife viewing. Keep an eye on our Facebook, Instagram or meetup for more specific details and to RSVP. We’d love to have you paddle with us!
Call us at Osprey Bay Outdoors to reserve your spot today!
