One of the few saving graces of former phosphate mines is that they provide awesome air for mountain bikers in Florida.
Alafia River State Park is one of the rare places where you can launch on a Florida downhill. Once strip-mined, the terrain is largely reforested.
Drops and climbs are part of the fun on this park’s trailsA tremendously twisty series of mountain bike trails attract riders from around the state and beyond, but hikers and equestrians can put in quiet miles well away from the bike crowd.
The park’s campground provides a quiet respite east of the Tampa metro, not far from the South Prong of the Alafia River.
Resources
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: Fort Lonesome
Address: 14326 South CR 39, Lithia
Fees: $4-5 per vehicle at main gate. North Trails free.
Restroom: Near the main parking area
Land manager: Florida State Parks
Phone: 813-672-5320
Open 8 AM until sunset daily. Leashed pets welcome. Reserve campsites in advance.
Helmets are required for riding the trails in this park. Loaners are available at the ranger station.
Directions
From Interstate 75 exit 240 south of Riverview, follow SR 674 east to CR 39. Continue north to the park entrance.
About the Park
Over 42 miles of trails thread across this landscape above the Alafia River basin, with a world-class International Mountain Bike Association trail system a huge draw on weekends.
The radical terrain of reclaimed phosphate mines provided a backdrop for steep drops and curves for 22 miles of technical, challenging trails built and maintained by local bike enthusiasts.
You can ride on your own, join a guided ride with SWAMP, or go on an Adventure Race, but Alafia River is not a one-note park, despite a bike shop on site providing rentals and repair services.
The Old Agrico Trail, Lonesome Lake Trail, and South Prong Trail tempt hikers with deep shade and rugged terrain. Double-track and equestrian trails are also shared with hikers.
Starting from a separate entrance off CR 39, the perimeter of the North Trail System has been blazed red to make it easier to follow, since navigation is otherwise between numbered markers.
Old Agrico Trail Short but challenging, the Old Agrico Trail isn't like any other hike you'll find in Florida. Steep slopes, drastic drops, and dead-ends make for adventure!
Alafia River North Trails Once the site of a large phosphate mining operation, the North Trails at Alafia River State Park offer an easy, quiet hike across slightly undulating terrain. Follow our suggested routes or strike out on your own with a trail map and GPS to find connections to neighboring natural lands.
Paddlers have access to the South Prong of the Alafia River from a separate entrance, navigable from the main part of the park upstream.
A skills area for cyclistsCamping
The quiet campground at Alafia River State Park provides a mellow getaway along a pine-lined lake for car and trailer campers.
Don’t own a tent or camper? Glamping is now available in furnished tents with real beds, kitchen station, solar power, water, and more.
Trail Map
Explore More!
Video
Overview of hiking and biking at Alafia River State Park
Slideshow
See our photos from Alafia River State Park
Nearby Adventures
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.
Triple Creek Nature Preserve Tying together adjacent Triple Creek and Balm Boyette Scrub Preserve, this nearly 5-mile hike loops through restored upland habitats.
Rhodine Scrub Nature Preserve An island of high ground in the Alafia River basin, Rhodine Scrub Nature Preserve protects more than 400 acres of Florida scrub habitat south of Riverview
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.
- Hal Scott Yellow Trail - November 3, 2026
- Hal Scott Preserve - October 28, 2026
- Tradewinds Park - October 27, 2026