The scoop: This beautiful, 272-acre lakefront park tucked in a remote corner of northwest Hillsborough County offers a wealth of recreational opportunities in a historic setting. In addition to Lake Rogers, there's also the smaller Lake Raleigh. Both lakes invite canoeing and fishing, and there's abundant lakeside picnicking and hiking. The park is dog-friendly, as long as you keep your canine companion leashed and scooped.

Why go? There's a lot of history at the park. Originally the site of an African-American resort, the remains of James alker's 15-room motel can still be seen along the Race Track Road boundary of the park, along with remnants of gardens at the edge of Lake Raleigh. A wide, well-marked trail traces Lake Rogers for 2 miles, providing some of the most scenic hiking in the area. The park is trimmed with sweet details, including a swinging bench with a gorgeous lakeside view and a fresh water dispenser -- with cups! -- at the canoe launch.

Time stamp: My daughters and I visited on a Saturday morning, and we mostly had the trails to ourselves. e ensconced ourselves in the swinging bench for a long time, chatting and watching grebes and ducks among the reeds. The peace was palpable.

Field Report: The terrain is varied and interesting, a mixture of pine flatwoods, oak hammock, wetlands and open water, with all the plants and animals that go into the mix. e saw all sorts of wildlife, including lizards that my daughter identified as six lined race runners and swallow tail kites soaring overhead.

We spent three hours at the park and felt revitalized and happy when we left.

Upon further review: The trails are wide, clean and well-marked with directional and interpretive signs along the way. There's also a large group camp site, complete with fire pit and a pavilion.

Do it again? Over and over again!

Get there: 9010 N. Mobley Road, Odessa; 813-264-3917. To get there from Tampa, take Ehrlich Road west to its end where it becomes Gunn Highway. Proceed north 3 miles, then turn left (west) onto N. Mobley and continue to the park, which will be on your left about a third of a mile down the road.