Mountain Biker on a bike track at Alafia River State Park

Alafia River State Park

Perfect place for mountain biking, hiking and horseback riding

Thatcher Road closure

The Thatcher Road entrance periodically closes due to flooding. If you would like more information, please contact the park office at 813-672-5320.

GPS Navigational Issues

Some mapping software is leading visitors to inaccurate entrance to the park. The main park entrance leading to the ranger station and campground is located on County Road 39, NOT on Jameson Road. Please call the park office if you require directions.

Hours

8 a.m. until sundown, 365 days a year

Fees

$5 per vehicle

Location

14326 S CR 39
Lithia FL 33547

Get directions

Contact Info

813-672-5320

Welcome to Alafia River State Park

Standing out from the relatively flat topography of Central Florida is Alafia River State Park, a reclaimed phosphate mine with some of the most radical elevation changes in the state. This makes it a hot spot for mountain bikers, who traverse the scenic and challenging International Mountain Bike Association trails. Equestrians and hikers can explore 20 miles of hilly trails through forests and flatwoods, stopping to cool off in one of the parks pristine lakes.

Canoeing and fishing opportunities are also available along the South Prong of the Alafia River with some lakes scattered throughout the park. The park also offers picnic pavilions, a playground, a full-facility campground and a full-service bike shop.

Plan Your Visit

Bryon Maxwell, Park Manger
Learn

Manager's Message

We have great opportunities for the outdoor enthusiast! No matter the season we offer activities such as hiking, biking, horseback riding, fishing and more. Our family camp, equestrian camp and primitive group camp are available as well for sleeping under the stars.
Bike Rentals
Service

Bike Rentals at Alafia

UBC helps foster a fun and engaging cycling community at Alafia River State Park by hosting Bike Instructor Certification Program skill clinics and other special events.
Explore Florida State Parks
Initiative

Every Stamp Is A Story

We invite you to visit any one of our amazing state parks, and to save your adventures with the Special Edition Real Florida Passport. This travel-sized journal is the perfect place to collect your memories and discover new places to explore! Each Florida State Park has a unique stamp and story.

Experiences

Bicycling
Bicycling
Birding
Birding
Boating
Boating
Camping
Camping
Camping Equestrian
Camping Equestrian
Camping, Primitive Group
Camping, Primitive Group
Fishing
Fishing
Geo-Seeking
Geo-Seeking
Hiking
Hiking
Horseback Riding
Horseback Riding
Mountain Biking
Mountain Biking
Paddling
Paddling
Picnicking
Picnicking
Walking and Running
Walking and Running
Wildlife Viewing
Wildlife Viewing

Amenities

Campfire Circles
Campfire Circles
Campgrounds
Campgrounds
Canoe Kayak Launch
Canoe Kayak Launch
Equestrian Trail
Equestrian Trail
Historic Site
Historic Site
Interpretive Exhibit
Interpretive Exhibit
Mountain Bike Trail
Mountain Bike Trail
Parking
Parking
Pets
Pets
Picnic Pavilion
Picnic Pavilion
Playground
Playground
Restroom Facilities
Restroom Facilities
RV
RV
Shower Station
Shower Station

Main Park Photo Gallery

Equestrain on Field
Mountain Biker on Trail

Mountain biking trails at Alafia River State Park, Lithia

Close
Information
Pink colored Bird shaking water off feathers
View of River and bank with grasses
Birds sunning on the river
American Alligator basking in the sun
The sunset over Lake Alafia.
A view of Alafia Lake.
Big Lagoon State Park Trail
Learn

Trails at Florida State Parks

Whether by bicycle, horse, wheelchair, kayak or on your own two feet, trails both within and outside our state parks can lead to a wide variety of adventure and opportunity throughout Florida.
Rivers and Lakes
Learn

Rivers & Lakes at Florida State Parks

Florida is truly a place where land and water interweaves to form a diverse and dynamic natural fabric. Numerous rivers course through the landscape, and lakes of varying sizes can be found in all regions.

Upcoming Events

See More Events
Event

Bicp Clinic

Sat, Aug 24, 2019 8:00 am - 5:00 pm EDT

Mountain bike skills clinic
Alafia River

Lithia, FL

People Make the Parks

Friends of Alafia State Park

Friends of Alafia River State Park

This citizen support organization plays a vital role in assisting the park to meet the needs of the many user groups that come out to enjoy the park, including the extremely popular mountain bike trails.
volunteers laying deck boards on bike trail feature

Volunteer Spotlight, Alafia Trail Crew

What better way to enjoy Alafia River State Park than to get out and shred some of the World's best mountain bike trails.

Park Map

More Places You Might Like

See all parks
Koreshan State Park

Koreshan State Park

A unique experience of how some opted to live, Koreshan State Park is a fascinating journey back in time. Through exhibits and tours, one can reflect on the many ways people can thrive amid our natural world.

3800 Corkscrew Rd.
Estero FL 33928

Collier-Seminole State Park

Collier-Seminole State Park

Collier-Seminole State Park lies within one of the largest mangrove swamps in the world. A wide variety of wildlife, including several imperiled species, inhabits this unusual blend of temperate and tropical native plant communities. 

20200 Tamiami Trail E.
Naples FL 34114

Palm leaning over River

Myakka River State Park

The majestic Myakka River flows though 58 square miles of one of Florida’s oldest and largest parks. This diverse landscape includes prairies, hammocks, pinelands, and wetlands which beckon visitors to explore its natural beauty.

13208 State Road 72
Sarasota FL 34241