Park Summary for Print - Alafia River State Park

Welcome to Alafia River State Park

This park offers some of the most challenging off-road bicycling trails in Florida. Once the site of a phosphate mine, the reclaimed land has unique topography that offers some of the most radical elevation changes in Florida. Equestrians and hikers can explore 20 miles of trails that travel through mixed hardwood forests, pine flatwoods, and rolling hills. Bird-watchers and nature enthusiasts will delight in the abundance of wildlife along the trails. Scattered lakes and the south prong of the Alafia River provide opportunities for canoeing and fishing. Picnic pavilions, a playground, horseshoe pit, and volleyball court are available. For overnight stays, the park has a full-facility campground and equestrian friendly campsites. Located 10 miles southeast of Tampa on County Road 39.

Contact the Florida Park Service Information Center for general inquiries.
For Information about Alafia River State Park, please call 813-672-5320.

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Hours of Operation

Florida state parks are open from 8 a.m. until sundown 365 days a year.

Driving Directions

From the South - Take I-75 North to exit #240. At exit #240, turn Right (East) onto SR 674. Keep straight on SR 674 for approximately 15 miles. Turn Left (North) at flashing light, onto CR 39 for approximately 5 miles. The main park entrance is on the Right side. From the North - Take I-75 South to exit #246. At exit #246, turn Right (East) onto Big Bend Road. Keep straight on Big Bend Road for approximately 1 mile. Turn Right (South) onto U.S. 301. Keep straight on U.S. 301 for approximately 1.5 miles. Turn Left (East) onto CR 672. Follow CR 672 for approximately 12 miles. Turn Left (North) onto CR 39. Keep straight on CR 39 for approximately 1.5 miles. The main park entrance in on the Right side. From the East - Take I-4 West to exit #22. Turn Left onto Park Road. Follow Park Road for approximately 2.5 miles. Bear right onto 39B. Turn Left onto SR 39 (James Redman Parkway). Continue on SR/CR 39 for approximately 15.2 miles. The main park entrance will be on the Left side.

Park Fees

Admission Fee:

$5.00 per vehicle. Limit 2-8 people per vehicle.

$4.00 Single Occupant Vehicle.

$2.00 Pedestrians, bicyclists, extra passengers, passengers in vehicle with holder of Annual Individual Entrance Pass.

Equestrian Fees

$7.00 Daily Equestrian Fee, per horse, per day, up to two horses, plus tax. - or

$15.00 per tow vehicle and trailer, 9 persons maximum – per day, plus tax.

Camping Fee:

$22.00 per night, plus tax. Includes water and electricity. Daily equestrian fees still apply to Equestrian campers. The daily equestrian fees are NOT included in the camping fees.

Activities at Alafia River State Park

	Bicycling With unique topography that offers some of the most radical elevation changes in Florida, the Alafia off- road bicycling trails are the most challenging in the area. There are three major loops - BLACK LOOP is very technical with steep drops and strenuous climbs and is for the advanced rider. BLUE LOOP, Requires the skills of an intermediate rider on short sections. GREEN LOOP, the easiest of the trails, but still challenging, for experienced beginners. Helmets are required on the trails. Trails are indicated by markers with colored symbols on them. There are two sublevels of the BLACK LOOPS identified by a differing number of black diamonds; one diamond is an advanced trail, if you see two diamonds it is an expert level trail. The trails at Alafia River State Park were constructed and are maintained by volunteers from the Southwest Association of Mountain Bike Peddlers (SWAMP). A trail map is available on their web site at Southwest Association of Mountain Bike Pedalers The SWAMP Mountain Bike Club provides a once a month guided trail ride. The club also has a volunteer workday the first Saturday of each month. For more information regarding club and activities, you can visit their web site at Southwest Association of Mountain Bike Pedalers. Or call the Swamp hotline at (813) 689-5109.
	Canoeing & Kayaking Canoeing and Kayaking are a popular activities in the Alafia River and the reclaimed lakes. Currently Alafia River State Park does not offer canoe rentals.
	Facilities Overnight camping and ADA accessible picnic shelters and restroom facilities are available.
	Fishing Alafia River State Park offers numerous lakes for fishing. Bass, bluegill and catfish are among the fish that you may catch. Catch and Release is recommended for Large Mouth Bass. A fishing license is required for all freshwater fishing for people 16 and older. Please go to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission web site and get your fishing license on-line. Do you need a Fishing License?
	Full Facility Camping Alafia River State Park currently offers camping in our new 30-site campground. Facilities include water, 50 amp electrical service, independent dump station, restroom facilities with showers and ADA accessible picnic shelters. Pets are welcome. 3 ADA accessible campsites are available. Campground restroom facilities are ADA accessible.
	Hiking/Nature Trails Hiking is permitted on all the horse trails and most of the off-road mountain bicycle trails.
	Horse Trails Riders can enjoy a relaxing day of approximately 20 miles of equestrian trails. The horse trails are well marked and wind around lakes, over hills and through wooded areas. The blue trail is a perimeter loop, the white trail runs north and south, the green trail runs east and west, and the yellow trails are island loops. The equestrian trails would not have been possible without the assistance and dedicated volunteers of the Triple B Riding Club. For further information on the Triple B Riding Club visit their web site at Triple B Riding Club. Riders must furnish their own horse. Proof of current Negative Coggins is required.
	Pavilions ADA accessible picnic pavilions are available at the park. 4 Picnic Pavilions (2 in camping area and 2 in picnic area)are ADA accessible.
	Pet Camping Pet camping is available at Alafia River State Park. Pets must be confined, leashed (not to exceed six feet in length) or otherwise under the physical control of a person at all times. Tethered pets must not be left unattended for more than 30 minutes. Quiet hours must be observed from 11:00 p.m. - 8:00 a.m. Pet owners must pick up after their pets and properly dispose of all pet droppings in trash receptacles. Florida law requires that pets be vaccinated against rabies. Any pet that is noisy, dangerous, intimidating or destructive will not be allowed to remain in the park. Non-furbearing pets, such as reptiles, birds, or fish must be confined or under the physical control of the owner. Some animals may be prohibited on park property. Failure to abide by these rules may result in the camper being asked to board the pet outside the park or to leave the campground.
	Pets Pets are welcome at Alafia River State Park if they are kept on a six-foot, hand-held leash and are well behaved and maintained at all times.
	Picnicking You can enjoy a peaceful picnic lunch with a beautiful view. There is also a playground, volleyball area and horseshoe pits available. 4 Picnic Pavilions (2 in camping area and 2 in picnic area)are ADA accessible. Picnic area restroom facilities are ADA accessible.
	Playground For added enjoyment, the park has a children's playground conveniently located in the picnic area. The playground is equipped with two swing sets and numerous slides.
	Primitive Camping Primitive, group camping is available. Please call the park for more information.
	RV Camping RV camping is available in our new 30-site campground. Facilities include water, 50 amp electrical service, independent dump station, restroom facilities with showers and ADA accessible picnic shelters. Pets are welcome.
	Showers Showers are located in the campground and available to campers only. Shower facilities are ADA accessible.
	Wildlife Viewing Wildlife viewing is possible on all the trails, the picnic area, from the many lakes and the Alafia River so bring your binoculars.

Special Events for Alafia River State Park

THE X-COUNTRY MARATHON, 30K, HALF-MARATHON & 5K
Date: Sunday – November 22, 2009
Description: Marathon & 30K-7:30 a.m.;1/2Marathon-8 a.m.; 5K-8:30. Enjoy the rolling hills and tall grasses of Alafia River State Park as you race on the wide open paths. This off-road race comes just before the Florida marathon season. Try the full marathon or sample the 30K, Half-Marathon or 5K courses. Either way, come run with us!
Fees: For registration fees, please log on to TampaRaces.com Park admission fees still apply.
Contact: Contact the park at (813)672-5320.
2010 CARRIAGE MOBSTACLE
Date: January 17, 2010. Registration begins at 9:00 a.m. Last Carriage Out – 10:30 a.m.
Description: This horse and carriage event consists of man made and natural obstacles, testing your ability to correctly navigate a mapped course while communicating with your animal. The leisure paced course is timed but it is not a race. Drivers coming closest to the Secret Time are the winners. Prizes will be awarded. Drivers will be able to select course length - short pleasure drive - 3 to 4 miles or a longer pleasure drive of 7 to 9 miles. The grassy trails are ideal for all types of vehicles and provided good footing for any size equine. Outriders are welcome to ride along with the carriages, but prizes will be limited to horse and cart participants. Participants must supply their own horse and have proof of a current negative coggins test. For additional information please contact Sharon Flack at 352-796-7796, email croomrider@juno.com or check our web site www.centralfloridabuggyclub.com
Fees: Park admission fees apply. Donations Requested for the horse barn at Alafia River State Park. 100% of the donations will be used for the horse barn.
Contact: Call the park at (813) 672-5320

Participation Requirements
FLORIDA CHALLENGE TRAIL RUN
Date: Sunday – January 31, 2010. 8:00 a.m.
Description: Half Marathon & 5K Trail Run. Alafia River State Park has some of the state’s best single track trails. The trails are tough but great fun. Come run with us and see for yourself.
Fees: Park entry fees still apply. For additional fee information please log on to www.tamparaces.com
Contact: Contact www.tamparaces.com

Participation Requirements
ECHO ECO QUEST
Date: Saturday – March 27, 2010. 8:00 am - Noon
Description: Comprised of two adventure races: one for the dire hard adventure racer and one for the weekend warrior. In addition, we also have a nature walk. To enter into the race, participants are requested to obtain sponsors and donations to cover their minimum entrance fee. They are encouraged to raise more. The top three money raisers get the honor of wearing the yellow jersey the day of the event. Food, music, and fun to follow after the event.

ECHO, the Emergency Care Help Organization, provides food and clothing to residents of Eastern Hillsborough County that have experienced a recent emergency. Established in 1987, ECHO has served over 100,000 individuals.

Everyone who attempts any of the challenges will receive an event t-shirt, participant goodie bag, event poster, free breakfast and lunch!

For more information, please visit www.echoecoquest.org or call 813-685-0935
Fees: Full Adventure Race - $65 per person; ECO Mini Race - $30; Nature Walk - $30.
Contact: ECHO at 813-685-0935 or info@echoecoquest.org

Participation Requirements

Alafia River State Park Ranger Programs

Frequently Asked Questions about Alafia River State Park

Question: Are the lakes connected to the Alafia River?
Answer: The many lakes do not directly connect with the river, nor do the lakes interconnect with one another.

Question: What types of fish are in the lakes?
Answer: Fish in the lakes consist of large mouth bass, bream, and catfish. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission have stocked some of the lakes with sunshine bass, specked perch, and catfish.

Question: What Recreational opportunities does Alafia River State Park have to offer?
Answer: Alafia River State Park has a variety of recreational opportunities. At this time there is picnicking, hiking, wildlife viewing, canoeing, kayaking and fishing (in the lakes or the Alafia River,) approximately 20 miles of horse trails some of which are also carriage accessible. 14 miles of bike trails from beginner to advanced. Camping, to include horse camping is also available.

Question: How are the State Parks funded? With Money?
Answer: The State Parks are funded through a small percentage of property document stamps. Primarily they are funded through fees collected within the park (entrance, camping and recreational user fees.)

Question: How was the land obtained?
Answer: This large parcel of land was a generous donation to the state from the Brewster/Cytec Mines.

Question: How do the Alafia River State Park trails compare to other trails in the area and the state?
Answer: Alafia River State Park has some of the most diverse trails in the area and possible in the state. The mountain bike trails are built among the mined land, which creates hilly and adventurous riding. The horse trails offer a variety of trails through oak hammock, pine flatwoods, and along many of the lakes. Both trails systems offer breathtaking views and picture-perfect scenery. Hikers are welcome on all trail systems.

Question: What type of wildlife can be seen at the Alafia River State Park?
Answer: Alafia River State Park has a large variety of wildlife to be seen. The Sherman fox squirrel, white tail deer, red fox, bobcat, marsh rabbit, the American alligator, and the river otter to name a few.

Question: What type of bird life exists at Alafia River?
Answer: We have a very large variety of bird life, both water and land birds. The great blue heron, the snowy egret, the wood stork, the osprey, the turkey vulture, the red-cockadeed woodpecker, the red-shouldered hawk, the Eastern meadowlark, and you may even get a glimpse of the southern bald eagle.

Alafia River State Park History

Located in Southeastern Hillsborough County, Alafia River State Park was donated to the State in 1996 by Cytec Industries. The Park consists of 6,344 acres. Prior to acquisition by the State, the property was a phosphate mine called Lonesome Mine, named after the nearby community of Fort Lonesome, which was itself named after a Frontier outpost of the U.S. Army that occupied the site during the Third Seminole War.

Currently Alafia River State Park offers camping, and with help from numerous clubs and individual volunteers we also offer off-road biking, horseback riding, hiking, fishing, picnicking, canoeing and kayaking.

Alafia River State Park Volunteer Information

If you enjoy the Park, perhaps you would consider joining our team as a Volunteer. Volunteer positions include campground host, trail maintenance, carpentry, guide/interpreter, and exotic removal. We are always looking for skills and talent that you may have to offer.