Epic.
Now there is a word you do not hear very often.
But you hear it often at Alafia River State Park, a reclaimed phosphate mine with some of the most challenging elevation changes in the state of Florida. The park is located in Lithia, Florida.
The 20 miles of trails for mountain bikers at this park have the International Mountain Bike Association (IMBA) Epic designation.
Trail names reflect the challenges, names like Derailed, Moonscape, Scorpion, Serpent Gravitation, Razorback and Twisted Sister.
Helmets required for all levels of riders.
Read trail signs carefully. Ride within your skill level. Ride with others. Be aware of where you are. Water, gloves, map, eye protection and a cell phone are all recommended.
This park is huge as well as epic with 6,312 acres of hills and wooded areas and 12 miles of river bank along the South Prong Alafia River.
For all of us who are so ready to get off the couch, gear up and get outside, this is a great place for off road bicycling, horseback riding, hiking, fishing, camping, canoeing and kayaking. More choices: bring a picnic lunch, sit at a picnic table under old live oak trees, bring binoculars, walk a bit and bird watch.
Also on their experiences list:
Bicycling, boating, camping, geocaching, picnicking, scuba diving, snorkeling, shelling, star gazing (this park is far from city lights), roller blading, tubing, wedding and wildlife viewing. I do wonder if the last two are somehow connected.
Whew! Quite a list.
Horseback riders are welcomed with wide trails, horse stalls, and large areas for equestrian events and parking.
Small lakes and the river provide fishing for largemouth bass, bluegill and catfish. Catch and release recommended for largemouth bass. State fishing license requirements apply.
Canoeists can paddle the backwater stream with red maple, swamp tupelo and water hickory trees along the banks.
Just past the park entrance the road splits – the the left is the trailhead and picnic area, to the right is the campground with 30 campsites.
Geocaching, a high tech interactive treasure hunt using GPS devices, is popular here. Sign up for free at geocaching.com
Then download their app or use a GPS device. Put in the zip code of the park (33547) and go have fun.
Where is Lithia? Thank you for asking.
It is just a short drive east from the Tampa bay area.
Park address: Alafia River State Park, 14326 South County Road 39, Lithia, Fl. 33547, phone 813-672-5320.
Park hours are 8 a.m. to sundown, 365 days a year. Entry fee is $5 for a car with up to eight people, $4 for a vehicle with one person. Dogs on a leash are permitted, see signs for places they may or may not go.
Exact change, credit card or buying an entrance ticket ahead of time are recommended.
Let’s be blunt – visiting a Florida state park is a cheap thrill.
And in these difficult times when being inside crowded places is not a good option, being outside in the wide open spaces of a state park is an excellent choice.
Florida has 67 counties and 58 have state parks.
Since our regular passports are sitting in a drawer somewhere, here is a way to get stamped without leaving the country.
Soon you can purchase the Deluxe Real Florida Passport online or at any state park then get it stamped with every one of the 175 state parks you visit.
The current deluxe passport is out of stock. An updated passport will be available December, 2020. Cost is $17.99. Could be a good Christmas gift.
Pump up your bike tires. Dust off your hiking shoes. Find your binoculars.
Fall is here.
The weather is cooler.
Visit a state park soon.
