The Wandering Disciple

Tucked away in the lush wilderness of Hillsborough River State Park, this serene stretch of the Hillsborough River offers a rare glimpse into one of Florida’s oldest natural landscapes. Here, cypress and oak trees draped in Spanish moss frame a gently flowing river dotted with limestone outcroppings—one of the few places in the state where small Class II rapids can be found. It’s the kind of spot that invites you to slow down, whether you’re hiking the shaded trails, paddling through the current, or simply pausing to take in the quiet beauty. For travelers seeking an authentic escape into Old Florida, this peaceful riverside scene captures the timeless charm and natural diversity that make Hillsborough River State Park a must-visit.  You can see more photos from Hillsborough River here .   Taken: January 24, 2009 at Hillsborough River State Park (Thonotosassa, FL)

When you think of white water rapids, Florida is probably one of the last places you would think of. The Hillsborough River is home to a set of Class II rapids located within the Hillsborough River State Park. The 60 mile river starts at the Green Swamp and flows into the Tampa Bay. The section of rapids is accessible via the Rapids Trail, a hiking trail within the state park. (Photo: June 23, 2018)

A toddler gator tries to blend in with its surroundings along the Hillsborough River. Although gators are the top predator of the river, they are highly vulnerable when they are little. Mama gator does her best to protect her babies but they also use camouflage to help keep themselves safe. (Photo: January 1, 2016)

Sometimes the best way to experience the natural beauty of Florida is to step off the beaten path. While the hiking trails of Hillsborough River State Park are a great way to see the spender of the river, one of the best ways to see the river and life around the river is on it. A leisurely paddle down the river puts you right in the middle of the wildlife as the animals or pioneer settlers experienced. One way to experience the river is by taking a kayak tour via Canoe Escape. They offer several options that allow you to get off the beaten path. (Photo: January 1, 2016)

Listening to the calming flow of the Hillsborough River as it flows through Hillsborough River State Park is a great way to relax after a stressful day.  A small section of the river features rapids before the river slows down and gets calm again for the remainder of the flow to the bay.  There are plenty of spots along the banks of the river to take a break and enjoy the tranquil river flow.  (Photo: January 24, 2009)

A suspension bridge spans across the Hillsborough River at Hillsborough River State Park.  The bridge connects the main section of the park with the Wetlands Trail.  The park features over 7 miles of hiking trails following the river.  (Photo: January 24, 2009)

Sometimes called the snakebird, Anhingas are a common sight along waterways in Florida.  They can be seen diving and swimming looking for fish with just their necks sticking out above the water givng them an appearance of a snake.  Or like this one, sitting along the banks of the water drying out its wings.  (Photo: January 1, 2015)

A belted kingfisher stands guard on a downed tree in the Hillsborough River.  I have been trying for years to get a photo of a kingfisher and during our kayak trip down the river, I managed to get a few good ones.  (Photo: January 1, 2016)

This little gator lies on the bank, just waiting to charge our kayak as we passed by.  This photo is just a tease of what's to come over the next few days as I work through the several hundred photos taken on our 9-mile journey down the Hillsborough River.  (Photo: January 1, 2016)

Thonotosassa, Florida: Beginning in the Green Swamp and flowing 59 miles south into Tampa Bay, the Hillsborough is one of the many scenic rivers within the state of Florida. A large section of the river is a designated canoe trail and there is no better way to explore it than with Canoe Escape. Canoe Escape is based out of John Sargeant Park, one of the many parks that line the river. Here you can embark on one of several self-guided trips on the river or just rent a boat by the hour. The self-guided trips are from one park to another with a return back to Sargeant Park provided by the tour operator. The offer three legs that combined cover almost 14 miles of the river from Sargeant Park to Rotary Park. We decided to take a trip with Canoe Escape on New Year’s Day as a way to usher in 2016. We embarked on the Trip 4 which combined the first two legs of the tours, starting at Sargeant Park and heading south on the river for about 8 ½ miles until we reached Trout Creek Park. ...

The usually calm waters of the Hillsborough River get a little rough along the Rapids Trail at Hillsborough River State Park.  This section of the river is one of a few rivers in Florida to produce rapids.  (Photo: January 24, 2009)

The Hillsborough River flows through Hillsborough River State Park. Beginning in the Green Swamp, the Hillsborough Rivers travels 59 miles before dumping into Tampa Bay. A portion of the river passes through the 2,990 acre Hillsborough River State Park. (Photo: January 24, 2009)

A white ibis looks for food along the banks of the Hillsborough River at Hillsborough River State Park.  (Photo: January 24, 2009)

A white ibis sits on a log along the Hillsborough River at Hillsborough River State Park. Opened in 1938, the park is one of the original Florida State Parks. (Photo: January 24, 2009)

The calm waters of the Hillsborough River give way to some Class II rapids within the Hillsborough River State Park. Just a short walk on the rapids trail and you can witness the rushing waters of the rapids. Established in 1935, Hillsborough River State Park is over 3,000 acres and is a popular place for hiking, camping, kayaking and more. (Photo: January 24, 2009)

The usually calm waters of the Hillsborough River give way to a brief period of Class II Rapids inside Hillsborough River State Park in Thonotosassa, Florida, The park features over seven miles of hiking trails, a swimming pool, camping as well as fishing, canoeing and kayaking opportunities provided by the Hillsborough River. On Saturday's, guests can tour historic Fort Foster located within the park. (Photo: January 24, 2009)