The 10 Station Fitness Trail adds a whole new dimension to the Trails of River Hills experience. Completed on December 1, 2021, the trail weaves 10 exercise stations into the natural landscape of the preserve — each one built and installed by volunteers.
The stations start near the clubhouse entrance and follow the Orange Trail. Each station features a gravel pad, a stained wood exercise structure, and a "Fit Trail" instruction sign showing exercises and difficulty levels. You can work through them in order or tackle the trail in reverse — either way, the Florida forest is your gym.
The Fitness Trail was made possible in part through a Hillsborough County community grant — a recognition of the trail system's value to the broader community and a testament to what volunteer effort combined with community support can accomplish.
The stations start near the clubhouse entrance and run along the Orange Trail. You can complete them in order or do them in reverse — each station has its own gravel pad, stained wood equipment, and instruction sign with exercises and fitness level guidance.
Each of the 10 stations was hand-built by volunteers — framed with pressure-treated lumber, finished with stain, and set on custom gravel pads bordered by wood frames. A full range of exercise equipment was installed, from benches and step platforms to pull-up bars and more.
Laying the Gravel Pads
Young volunteers hauling and spreading gravel to complete one of the 10 station pads.
A Completed Station — Bench & Instruction Sign
Pull-Up Bar Station — Built & Ready
The pull-up bar station — steel bars at two heights mounted on stained wood posts, with a Fit Trail instruction sign alongside.
The Trail's Best Reviewers
Two very happy trail users giving the new fitness stations their full approval.
All the amenities of the trail system are maintained by volunteers. Students can receive Bright Futures Service hours for helping. Follow trail events and contact the trail leaders at the Trails of River Hills Facebook page.
