Hillsborough River
🌿 Wilderness
Pasco / Hillsborough Co. · 54 mi · Class I
0CFS/ 20.90 ft
Below Optimal
→Stable
Optimal: 100–800 CFS · USGS #02304500
⚡Flow data is live from USGS·Rapid classifications and CFS ranges need community verification··Know this river?
54 mi
Length
Class I
Difficulty
100–800 cfs
Optimal
380 cfs
Avg Flow
342 cfs
Hist. Median
#02304500
USGS Gauge
Hillsborough River State Park · Wilderness Park

Tampa's river — 54 miles from the Green Swamp to Tampa Bay, passing through Hillsborough River State Park, which contains Florida's only legitimate Class II rapids. The upper river winds through cypress swamps and hardwood hammocks, offering surprisingly wild paddling within reach of Tampa's metro area. Alligators, river otters, and wading birds are abundant throughout.

Trip sections
Crystal Springs to Hillsborough River SP — 15 mi, spring-fed headwaters
Hillsborough River SP — 5 mi, Class II rapids (rare in FL), state park
Wilderness Park to Rowlett Park — 15 mi, urban wilderness corridor
Outfitters
Canoe Escape
Hillsborough River kayak and canoe rentals, Thonotosassa
72-Hour Flow Forecast
NOAA NWPS
Loading forecast...
10-Year Flow Patterns
See 10 years of flow patterns for this river — historical analysis is a Pro feature.Upgrade to Pro →
Your Optimal Range
Set your personal optimal CFS window per river — custom ranges are a Pro feature.Upgrade to Pro →
Data Quality

River conditions are community-verified. CFS ranges, difficulty ratings, and trip sections may not reflect every flow level or seasonal change. Always check current conditions, scout unfamiliar rapids, and paddle within your skill level. If you spot an error, use the Improve This River button at the top of the page — your local knowledge is what makes this atlas accurate.