Resources
Resources for exploring the area
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Exploring Riverview
First connected to commerce by schooner and later by rail to Tampa, the town of Riverview grew quickly in the early 1900s due to mining operations along the Alafia River basin.
Yet farming and ranching eventually defined the community until modern-day suburbia spilled across the landscape.
Nearby natural lands (mostly managed by Hillsborough County) and community parks preserve patches of the past for outdoor recreation.
Trails and Parks around Riverview
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. 
Alafia Scrub Preserve Discover a new perspective on the Alafia River basin on this easy loop through riverside uplands with a scenic overlook at its center.
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.
Bahia Beach Preserve Winding between a pair of ponds, the short trail at Bahia Beach Nature Preserve provides excellent birding opportunities amid restored habitats with native plants. 
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. 
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. 
Bullfrog Creek WEA A hidden preserve in the Tampa metro offers a network of unmarked trails for a 5 mile hike traversing a shady creek and open flatwoods with patches of scrubby habitat.
Cockroach Creek Greenway Surrounded by commercial farming, this rare piece of conserved natural land offers upland loops around a creek feeding Cockroach Bay.
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.
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.
Golden Aster Scrub Nature Preserve Protecting uplands immediately east of Tampa Bay, Golden Aster Scrub Nature Preserve immerses hikers within oak scrub habitat along a sandy loop trail.
Golden Aster Scrub Western Loop Creating a 5.2 mile loop on the west side of Golden Aster Scrub Nature Preserve, the Red and Yellow Trails reveal a diversity of habitats.
Jeanie and Pete Johnson Nature Preserve Showcasing an impressive variety of habitats within a relatively small preserve, a mile long loop trail provides exceptional natural scenery along an easy, well-maintained path.
Little Manatee River Corridor Nature Preserve In the Little Manatee River watershed, the 579 Trailhead offers access to a pair of loop trails across palmetto prairies and shady oak hammocks.
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!
Pebble Park Nestled alongside the Alafia River in Riverview, Pebble Park is a family-friendly natural area offering quiet shaded trails and approachable open spaces. 
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
Stephen J. Wortham Park Explore a beautiful green space tucked into the Tampa metro area, offering stunning natural landscapes and opportunities to spot native wildlife. 
Triple Creek Nature Preserve Tying together adjacent Triple Creek and Balm Boyette Scrub Preserve, this nearly 5-mile hike loops through restored upland habitats.