Resources
Resources for exploring the area
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Exploring Lithia
Looking at how suburbia has sprouted throughout this once-rural region, it’s hard to imagine its past as a wilderness.
Ancient peoples lived along the shores of the Alafia River and around its springs, as evidenced by artifacts found in Lithia Springs and throughout the area.
When Georgia settlers moved into the region under the Armed Occupation Act before the Civil War, among them was cattleman James Alderman and his family.
Now protected as public lands on both sides of the river, Alderman’s Ford is a crossing he established between the shoals of the Alafia River to move cattle across it.
Trails and Parks around Lithia
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. 
Alafia River Corridor South With a vast network of trails to choose from, the southern side of the Alafia River Corridor provides multiple routes for hiking and horseback riding.
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. 
Alafia River State Park Alafia River State Park lets you launch on a Florida downhill while mountain biking the rugged terrain of a reforested open pit mine. 
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.
Alderman’s Ford Preserve Discover a surprising play of whitewater across the Alafia River where the river churns as it winds through a deeply eroded channel.
Alderman’s Ford Trails Weaving though a lush floodplain forest in the Alafia River floodplain, a paved loop provides access to a network of natural pathways, boardwalks, and primitive campsites.
Balm Boyette Nature Preserve Open to foot traffic only, the western portion of Balm Boyette Nature Preserve provides a glimpse of endangered scrub ecosystems along a two-mile loop trail. 
Edward Medard Conservation Park Meandering over hilly terrain past numerous scenic overlooks, the Singing Bluffs Trail at Edward Medard Conservation Park provides great birding among documented nesting bird colonies.
Fishhawk Creek Preserve North Hike rolling sandhills and rugged terrain sloping towards scenic views of the Alafia River and Little Fishhawk Creek near Lithia Springs.
Little Manatee River Nature Trails The aptly named Sandpine and Oxbow Trails interconnect to showcase sand pine scrub and winding curves alongside a blackwater river.
Little Manatee River Trail Scenery, rugged landscape, and botanical diversity are all important for a great Florida hike. You'll find that on this 6.5 mile hike, one of our all-time favorites.
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!
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