Registration Underway For Jan. 14 Hiking With A Viking

HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, FL — How often do you get a chance to go hiking with a Viking?

Hillsborough County's Hiking with a Viking features park rangers and members of a volunteer historical re-enactment group focusing on the Viking era. Together, the rangers and costumed marauders lead hikers through a Hillsborough County conservation park. On the journey, the Viking guides teach hikers about the Vikings’ lifestyle, skills and crafts, weapons and combat, and their appreciation of and dependence on nature.

After a Dec. 10 hike filled up almost immediately, the county and Wyrd Vikings Inc. are offering the following Hiking with a Viking events, all from 9 to 11:30 a.m.:

• Jan. 14: Upper Tampa Bay Conservation Park, 8001 Double Branch Road, Tampa.
• Feb 4: Edward Medard Conservation Park, 6140 Turkey Creek Road, Plant City.
• March 4: Upper Tampa Bay Conservation Park, 8001 Double Branch Road, Tampa.

These Viking hikes are expected to fill up quickly as well. Registration is underway for the Jan. 14 at Upper Tampa Bay Conservation Park. Registration has not yet been opened for the Feb. 4 or March 4 events. The 1.5-mile hike is limited to 25 participants.

Hiking with a Viking is held in conjunction with Hillsborough County's Hiking Spree. The Hiking Spree encourages people to exercise, explore the outdoors, and experience nature through the County's parks and preserves. This year's trail list features 24 parks throughout the county. Register for the Hiking Spree, and complete at least eight of the hikes on the list before March 31 to earn a patch or medallion.

Things To Know

• Cost: $5 per person (pay during registration).
• Registration is required.
  • You will need to login to purchase tickets.
  • Existing users should click login and enter your credentials.
  • New users should click login, then choose the bottom link to register for a new account.
• There is a $2 park entry fee per vehicle for up to eight people (paid at the park).
• Participants should meet at the ranger station at the park entrance,
• Weather-related cancellations are possible.
• Anyone under 18 must be accompanied by adult.

What To Bring

• Closed-toe shoes are required.
• Water in a refillable container
• Snacks
• Sunglasses
• Sunscreen
• Bug spray.