Size
14-mile corridor
Location
East Tampa
About the Property
The Tampa Bypass Canal (TBC) is a 14-mile waterway that connects the Lower Hillsborough Wilderness Park with McKay Bay. The canal provides flood protection for the cities of Temple Terrace and Tampa by diverting floodwaters from the Hillsborough River. The canal is also a water supply source for the city of Tampa.
The TBC is a component of the Four River Basins, Florida Project, which was formulated in response to the severe flooding that occurred in west-central Florida in the 1960s. The U.S. Congress authorized the major flood-control project under the joint sponsorship of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the then newly formed Southwest Florida Water Management District.
Limited Access Areas
- No swimming allowed and no trespassing within barriers or fenced areas around water-control structures.
- For your safety, observe all restricted areas.
Access and Parking
- Various public access points as shown on map. Paved parking available at Veterans Memorial Park and Harney Canal Park.
- Parking at other access points are off the road or on grass. Do not block gates.
- ADA access and facilities available.
Hours of Operation
Daily from sunrise to sunset.
Restrooms and Water
Available at some developed park sites but not along canal.
Recreational Opportunities
Bicycling and Inline Skating
- Allowed on canal bank and 0.75-mile paved trail at Veterans Memorial Park.
- Always wear helmet. Florida law requires bicyclists under 16 to wear helmets.
Boating and Paddling
- North of SR 60 (fresh water): Boating access from Harney Canal Park off US 301. Motors up to 10 HP allowed. This portion is a no-wake zone.
- South of SR 60 (salt water): Powerboating allowed with no restrictions. Access from McKay Bay or private ramps.
Fishing
- Bank fishing from public access points and parks along canal.
- Contact Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission for license requirements.
Hiking
Along grassy canal bank from designated access points.
Tampa Bypass/Harney Canal Park
- 10-acre park site developed by Hillsborough County and District
- Facilities include boat ramp, parking for vehicles and boat trailers, fishing pier, portable toilets and picnic tables. Portable toilets and fishing pier are universally accessible facilities.
- Operated by Hillsborough County Parks, Recreation and Conservation Department, (813) 975-2160.
Temple Terrace Youth Sports Complex
- 22-acre facility located on US 301 with five lighted baseball fields and four lighted soccer fields with concession stands.
- Open primarily during scheduled activities.
- Restrooms and water fountains are universally accessible facilities.
- Operated by Temple Terrace Parks and Recreation Department, (813) 989-7180.
Veterans Memorial Park and Museum
- Located at 3602 US 301 and open daily from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Military museum located on site and open Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Call for calendar of events at museum.
- Picnic facilities include tables, grills, shelters and restrooms.
- 0.75-mile paved trail with benches and shelters for walking, bicycling and inline skating.
- Pets must be on leash no more than 6 feet in length.
- Park accessible to disabled.
- Operated by Hillsborough County Parks, Recreation and Conservation Department, (813) 744-5502.
Nearby Recreation Lands
- Bypass Park
- McKay Bay Bike Trail
For More Information
Land Resources Department, Southwest Florida Water Management District, 1-800-423-1476 (FL only) or (352) 796-7211, ext. 4470, for information about recreation along canal bank.
