History

Park Reopening

Effective Feb. 24, 2025: Hillsborough River State Park has reopened. Most amenities, including canoe, kayak and bicycle rentals, are available. However, some amenities remain closed including the café, recreation hall, several campsites, two pavilions, the Baynard and Seminole trails and a portion of the Rapids Trail. Please adhere to all posted signage and avoid closed areas.

Pool Closure

The pool is closed until further notice.

The river was named in the late 1700s for Wills Hills, the British Colonial Secretary and Lord Earl of Hillsborough.

In the 1930s, during the Great Depression, the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) established the area surrounding the river rapids as a public park.

Many of the park's structures and the suspension bridge are examples of the CCC style of rustic architecture, in harmony with the natural environment.