Bell Creek Nature Preserve Riverview FL
Discover the natural beauty of Riverview, FL at Bell Creek Nature Preserve, featuring diverse trails and wildlife.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Avoid the intense Florida sun.
Bell Creek Nature Preserve Riverview FL
Best Time
Avoid the intense Florida sun.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover the natural beauty of Riverview, FL at Bell Creek Nature Preserve, featuring diverse trails and wildlife.
"Awesome hiking trail though! Be aware of gators and sun exposure."
Wear Sun Protection! ☀️
Lots of sun exposure on trails. Bring hats, sunscreen, and sunglasses.
Hydration is Crucial 💧
Carry plenty of water, especially for longer hikes. No bathrooms on site.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The 4-Mile Loop
Red to Blue Trails
A scenic, well-marked hike offering diverse terrain and potential wildlife sightings. Best enjoyed on cooler days.
Lake Observation Point
Trailhead Area
A large pond/lake at the start of the trails, perfect for a picnic or a moment of quiet observation.
Sandy Stretches
Various Trails
Experience the unique challenge and feel of walking or biking on sandy sections of the preserve.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Sun Protection is Key
Trail Variety & Wildlife
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Wear Sun Protection! ☀️
Lots of sun exposure on trails. Bring hats, sunscreen, and sunglasses.
Hydration is Crucial 💧
Carry plenty of water, especially for longer hikes. No bathrooms on site.
Footwear Matters 👟
Trails include asphalt, dirt, and sand. Sturdy shoes are recommended.
Gator Alert! 🐊
Be aware of alligators, especially near water. Keep a safe distance.
Tips
from all over the internet
Wear Sun Protection! ☀️
Lots of sun exposure on trails. Bring hats, sunscreen, and sunglasses.
Hydration is Crucial 💧
Carry plenty of water, especially for longer hikes. No bathrooms on site.
Footwear Matters 👟
Trails include asphalt, dirt, and sand. Sturdy shoes are recommended.
Gator Alert! 🐊
Be aware of alligators, especially near water. Keep a safe distance.
Explore with Confidence 👍
Trails are well-marked and easy to navigate. Trail maps are helpful.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Bell Creek Nature Preserve for its free entry and well-marked trails, offering a pleasant natural escape. However, many note the significant sun exposure and sandy terrain, suggesting it's best visited during cooler hours and with appropriate footwear. Wildlife sightings add to the experience, though caution is advised.
"Remember when on trial going past the lake, there are gators! Had one on the way back sun bathing in the middle of the trail. Had to reach out for a life lion the way call for help. Even the staff had an interesting time getting him to be leave. He sort of did, into the weeds. The guy on the cart got in between me and the gator so we could pass by. What a day! Awesome hiking trail though!"
Brian Ryan
"Very nice well-marked trails - we did the 4 mile loop (red to blue) Things to know though: there is plenty of sun exposure on this loop so I personally would avoid it on the hot days (aka the entire summer in Fl 🥵) Also, right now the two retention ponds on the 4 mile loop trail are 100% dry. You can see where it would be if there was water, but right now there is none, which kind of takes away from the potential beauty of the trail. There is still a very large pond/lake at the beginning of the trail where there is also a picnic table. I enjoyed the walk on a chilly morning in March, especially due to its proximity to my home, but personally I think there are other prettier trails in the area. The All Trails app is my “go-to” to find trails and preview what to expect, so if you’re looking for more trails in the area I would start there."
Heather Stone
"All in all it is a nice trail. Definitely no shade, so do not go in the heat of the day. Also, a lot of the walk is on sand and my legs were not expecting that. Not a trail I will walk again, but only because of the no shade situation. But it is pretty out there."
Shelly Adams
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Bell Creek Nature Preserve is located in Riverview, FL. While specific public transport options might be limited, driving is the most common way to access it. Parking is available on-site.
Yes, there is parking available at the preserve, making it convenient for visitors arriving by car.
Biking is possible, but be prepared for sandy sections which can make it challenging, especially on the edges of trails.
No, the park is free to visit, making it an accessible outdoor activity.
The trails feature a variety of surfaces including asphalt, dirt, and sand, with some bumpy sections.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No tickets are required for entry. Bell Creek Nature Preserve is a free public park.
While specific hours aren't always listed, nature preserves are typically open during daylight hours. It's best to plan your visit during the day.
Visiting during cooler mornings or late afternoons is recommended to avoid the intense Florida sun. +1
There are no age restrictions mentioned for visiting the preserve. Families are welcome.
Information regarding pet policies is not readily available, but it's generally advisable to check local park regulations or assume pets may not be allowed on trails unless specified.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Visitors have reported seeing various wildlife, including birds, squirrels, turtles, and even alligators. Always maintain a safe distance. +1
Yes, the trails are generally well-marked, making it easy to navigate your way through the preserve. +1
Much of the trail system has limited shade, so it's crucial to protect yourself from the sun, especially during warmer months. +1
There are no bathrooms available on-site. Picnic tables are located near the large pond at the beginning of the trails.
You can spend up to three hours exploring all the trails offered at Bell Creek Nature Preserve.
📸 📸 Photography
The lake at the trailhead offers scenic views, and the diverse natural environment provides opportunities for wildlife and landscape photography. 
Yes, you can photograph wildlife, but always do so from a safe and respectful distance.
Absolutely! The preserve offers a natural Florida landscape that's great for capturing images of plants, animals, and scenic views.
Early morning or late afternoon often provides the best light for photography, while also being cooler for visitors.
Generally, personal photography is allowed. However, commercial photography or filming may require permits. Always check with park management if unsure.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Remember to pack plenty of water and snacks, as amenities are limited. Sun protection is essential for little ones, so hats and sunscreen are a must. Keep an eye out for wildlife like turtles and birds, which can be exciting for children to spot.
🚶♀️ Solo Hikers & Walkers
It's advisable to inform someone of your hiking plans and expected return time, especially given the potential for wildlife encounters.
🚴♀️ Cyclists
Some visitors have noted that once you get further into the preserve, there's a larger paved trail, which is ideal for cycling.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the Trails
Many visitors recommend using the All Trails app to preview routes and get a better understanding of what to expect.
For those looking for a more accessible experience, the preserve does have some paved sections. However, the overall terrain can be bumpy, so sturdy footwear is a must.
Wildlife Encounters
It's crucial to remember that these are wild animals, and maintaining a safe distance is paramount. Visitors have shared stories of close encounters, emphasizing the importance of respecting their space and never attempting to feed them.
While the dry retention ponds during certain times of the year might reduce the visual appeal for some, the preserve still offers a rich natural environment. Observing the local fauna can be a highlight of any visit, adding an element of excitement and discovery to your nature walk.
Planning Your Visit: What to Bring
Hydration is another critical factor, especially in Florida's climate. Bring more water than you think you'll need, as there are no restrooms or water fountains available within the preserve.
Consider bringing a small backpack to carry your essentials, such as water, snacks, sunscreen, and a first-aid kit. If you plan on photographing wildlife, a camera with a good zoom lens can be very useful.
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