Encompassing over 4,070 acres of protected land in the Alafia River watershed, the Alafia River Corridor Nature Preserve is divided into two sections.
Although much of the land was used commercially in the past, the south side of the river is less disturbed, having been historically used for agriculture.
The north side hosted phosphate mines. Along the entire corridor, the land is slowly being reclaimed by nature, viewable to the public along an expansive trail system.
Tunneling into a mature oak hammockResources
Disclosure: As authors and affiliates, we receive earnings when you buy through our links. This helps us provide public information on this website.
Overview
Location: Lithia
Length: 5.5 mile loop
Trailhead: 27.821145, -82.145210
Address: 12098 S. County Road 39, Lithia, FL 33547
Fees: Free
Restrooms: None
Land manager: Hillsborough County
Phone: 813-672-7876
Open sunrise to sunset. Dogs are allowed on a leash.
Directions
From Interstate 75, head east on Gibsonton Dr for one mile, continuing straight onto Boyette Rd. In 3.6 miles, continue straight onto Fishhawk Blvd. Turn right onto Lithia Pinecrest Blvd in 4.6 miles. In 3.6 miles, turn right onto CR 39 South. The parking area will be on the left side of the road in two miles.
Hike
Heading east from the trailhead, follow the yellow blazes down an access road, passing a shelter with picnic tables to the left.
To the right, oddly straight rows of closely packed trees stand perpendicular to the trail, remnants of an old laurel oak farm.
Trailhead gateTurn left in 0.4 mile to begin a clockwise trek around the yellow loop.
A wide, mowed path cuts through seas of tall golden grasses bordered by clusters of pines, palms, and oaks.
Along the Yellow TrailYellow blazes lead the way as the trail winds northward through pockets of live oak hammock and pasture.
Spanish moss sways in the breeze, suspended by tall branches overhead and beautyberry bushes in the understory.
BeautyberriesAn old tractor rusts away on the edge of a field at the one-mile mark, another relic of past agricultural use.
The trail loops around to the south for a quarter mile, before turning eastward into a dense palm and oak hammock.
Old tractorBranches of live and laurel oaks stretch overhead, forming huge archways as the trail tunnels through the forest.
Red bellied woodpeckers dart from tree to tree, chirping loudly as they search for food in the canopy.
Oak hammockAt 1.7 miles, an intersection of the red and yellow trails presents a choice. Turning right onto the yellow trail will lead back to the parking area.
To explore more of the property, continue straight, following the red blazes.
Decision point at the junction of red and yellow trailFollowing red-topped posts through grassy fields, the environment slowly transitions to hardwood hammock as it approaches Chito Branch, a tributary of the Alafia River.
Although the stream is small and typically easy to cross, the trail may be flooded depending on the season and recent rains.
Hardwood hammockReaching a junction with the blue trail at 2.5 miles, turn right to head towards a network of blue trail loops at the south end of the property.
Turn right at the next three intersections for the most direct route back to the trailhead.
Tall grasses alongside the trailAt 3.7 miles, the trail skirts along a border with a few private properties before heading towards Chito Branch once more.
A wide pathway of alternating sand, grass, and pine straw leads through a variety of habitats before reaching the Yellow Trail at 4.6 miles.
Southern fence lizard on the Blue TrailTurning left at the yellow trail, continue for another 0.4 mile, then turn left again for a short walk through the laurel oak farm.
The final half mile of trail weaves through the odd maze of orderly trees, with yellow blazes clearly marking the path.
Upon exiting this forest of sorts, a short walk down the main service road ends at the trailhead.
Oak hammock along the loopTrail Map
Explore More!
Video
A virtual walk at Alafia River Corridor South
Nearby Adventures
Alderman’s Ford Conservation Park Straddling the confluence of the North and South Prong of the Alafia River, Alderman's Ford Conservation Park provides immersion into lush riverine forests.
Alafia River Corridor North Looping through a former phosphate mine north of the Alafia River, this hike showcases the resilience of nature as the forest reclaims the land. 
Fishhawk Creek Preserve South An easy-going 2.8-mile loop trail explores the south tract of Fishhawk Creek Preserve providing a glimpse of a few natural and endangered Florida habitats.
Bell Creek Nature Preserve Weaving through scrubby habitats on an oasis of natural land surrounded by development, Bell Creek Nature Preserve provides a window to Florida’s vanishing landscapes. 
- Calusa Heritage Trail - November 5, 2026
- Scherer Thaxton Preserve - October 21, 2026
- Little Awesome Preserve - October 19, 2026