Alafia River State Park facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Alafia River State Park |
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 Alafia River State Park
Location in Florida
Alafia River State Park
Location in the United States
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| Location | Hillsborough County, Florida, United States |
| Nearest city | Lithia, Florida |
| Governing body | Florida Department of Environmental Protection |
Alafia River State Park is a really cool Florida State Park located in Hillsborough County, Florida. It's about 17 miles southeast of Tampa, near a town called Lithia. This park has been a popular spot for fun and relaxation since the 1880s, especially around a beautiful place called Hurrah Lake.
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Fun Things to Do at Alafia River State Park
Alafia River State Park offers tons of exciting activities for visitors! You can enjoy:
- Bicycling
- Bird watching
- Canoeing
- Fishing
- Hiking on scenic trails
- Riding on horse trails
- Having picnics
- Watching wildlife
- Staying overnight at the full camping facilities
The park is especially famous for its awesome mountain biking trails. These trails are in an area that used to be a mine, where they dug for a mineral called phosphorus. Because of the mining, the land now has a mix of cool hills and dips, which makes for super fun and challenging bike rides!
The mountain bike trails were first made and cared for by a group called the SouthWest Association of Mountain Bike Pedalers (SWAMP). Now, another group called the Friends of Alafia helps keep them in great shape. The park also makes sure everyone can enjoy it, with accessible campsites, parking, restrooms, and picnic areas.
Mountain Biking Adventures
Alafia State Park is home to over 17 miles of bike trails! These trails are designed for all skill levels, from beginners to very advanced riders. The IMBA even calls these trails "Epic," which means they are some of the best in the world!
At the trailhead parking lot, you'll find everything you need:
- Clean bathrooms
- Bicycle rinsing stations
- Shaded picnic areas
- A volleyball net
- A playground
The Friends of Alafia group works hard to keep the trails safe and well-maintained. These volunteers are super important because they help the park staff focus on other important tasks. You can often find updates about the trails on Alafia State Park's Instagram page. The park also hosts a Mountain Biking Skills Clinic to help riders improve their abilities on the trails.
Park Information
Alafia State Park is open every day from 8 AM until the sun goes down.
Admission Fees
The entrance fee is $5 per vehicle.
Location and Contact
You can find Alafia State Park at: 14326 S. County Road 39, Lithia, FL, 33547
To contact the park, you can call: 813-672-5320.
Images for kids
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A beautiful Great blue heron
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The Alafia River flowing near Lithia Springs Park
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An American alligator chilling near the campground
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Hurrah Lake, a peaceful spot in the park
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A path for walking on the left, and a challenging bike path on the right
