Balm Boyette Scrub Nature Preserve is a hidden gem

WIMAUMA, Fla. — Just a quick drive from the UF analysis workplace in Wimauma is one in every of south Hillsborough County’s hidden gems.

The Balm Boyette Scrub Nature Preserve is greater than 5,000 acres of pristine Florida wildlife.

It’s greatest recognized for its mountain biking trails however loads of folks come out to path run, stroll canines and chook watch.

There are 25 miles of trails within the protect.

Part of the property was previously mined for phosphate, so the terrain is a lot completely different than your typical Florida trails.

“This is a distinctive state of affairs the place the phosphate mining, this was completed previous to the requirement that now whenever you mine it’s a must to put issues again the best way they had been you, should put all of the topsoil again. They left the pits right here and so the paths even have terrain distinctive to Florida. You’re not going to search out it in lots of different spots,” Danielle Ivey, Environmental Lands Management Coordinator mentioned.

Helmets are required when you’re mountain biking and be sure to have water. There are not any water fountains on the property.