Red Loop

Dogs Leashed

Features Birding · Views · Wildflowers · Wildlife

This trail travels through a portion of the Cockroach Bay Ecosystem Restoration Project—one of the largest, most complex coastal ecosystem restoration projects ever developed for Tampa Bay. The project restored 500 acres of wetlands, uplands and coastal habitats. The highlight of the trail is the view of the restored lands and Tampa Bay from the 'summit' of what is known as Mount Cockroach.

Legend has it that nearby Cockroach Bay was named by Spanish explorers due to the abundance of horseshoe crabs found in the waters. The crabs were thought to be seagoing cousins of the cockroach due to its appearance.