(See Lower Hillsborough Wilderness Park for more information.)
Size
23 acres
About the Property
The confluence of Flint Creek and the Hillsborough River provides a beautiful setting for Sargeant Park. The park is best known for boating access to the river. Downriver, the Hillsborough River State Canoe Trail is a winding, verdant jungle of hardwood trees, lilies and birds. Upstream, the river widens to flow through the broad hardwood swamp known as the Seventeen Runs.
In 1989, Flint Creek Park was renamed in memory of John B. Sargeant, Sr., who served as a member of the Hillsborough River Basin Board of the Southwest Florida Water Management District.
Access and Parking
- Located on north side of US 301 about 5 miles east of I-75. From I-75 exit onto Fowler Avenue and head east for 1.5 miles. Turn left onto US 301 and head north about 3 miles. Park entrance on left.
- Free admission, but donations to “iron ranger” appreciated. All donations go toward park improvements.
- ADA access and facilities available.
Hours of Operation
Daily from sunrise to sunset. Call for current hours.
Restrooms, Water and Other Amenities
Restroom, water fountain and pay telephone located in park.
Pets
Must be on leash no more than 6 feet in length.
Recreational Opportunities
Bird Watching
- Site 103 on western section of Great Florida Birding Trail.
- Contact Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) for more information.
Boating and Paddling
- Boat ramp, boat dock, canoe launch and trailer parking provided.
- 2-hour trip downriver to Morris Bridge Park.
- 4-hour trip downstream to Trout Creek Park.
- Experienced paddlers ready for a challenge will enjoy remote wildness of Seventeen Runs. This portion of Hillsborough River State Canoe Trail designated as a primitive trail. From the canoe launch, follow feeder creek and continue straight across open water to upriver portion of Hillsborough River. Be prepared for carry-overs and duck-unders. Pay close attention to flow of river and look for trail markers — it is easy to become disoriented among the many channels.
Fishing
- From boats on river or from fishing dock at end of boardwalk trail.
- Contact FWC for license requirements.
Hiking
Quarter-mile boardwalk takes visitors through a wetland forest to a rest area on river. From this overlook one can see Flint Creek flowing in from the east, the Hillsborough River straight across on its way out of Seventeen Runs, and the merging of the two flowing off to the west.
Picnic Facilities
Picnic tables and a covered pavilion provided.
For More Information
- John B. Sargeant Park, (813) 987-6208
- Hillsborough River Canoe Trail maps available from Department of Environmental Protection, Office of Greenways and Trails, 1-877-822-5208 (toll-free) or (850) 245-2052.
- Hillsborough County Parks, Recreation and Conservation Department, (813) 975-2160
