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Alafia River State Park
86 reviews
4.5 of 5
The Alafia River State Park is a collection of scary drops, off-camber hillside ledges, high speed banked turns and intimidating ridge top trails. This single-track is built on the rugged terrain of a previously mined area. Currently there are about 14 miles of trails at Alafia.
The easiest (Green) loop is called Sand Pine and can be ridden as an out-and-back three mile ride or as a two mile loop riding back on the levee. The other Green trail is the River Loop, and is for experienced beginners. Although only three miles long (with bailouts at one-mile intervals), it feels longer because the trail has technical sections where roots or tight turns slow the pace and challenge the rider.
The intermediate (Blue) sections, Bridges and Rock Garden, are really fun with lots of medium-sized hills, some short and steep, with others more gradual for a speedy downhill. There are several very challenging sections along the blue trail (even for experienced riders) and the sudden drops, climbs, twists and turns are just plain fun to ride.
The Rollercoaster and Moonscape trails (Black) form a 4-mile advanced loop which MUST be ridden one-way. Gatorback and Rabbit Ears are very difficult shorter loops off Bridges and Sand Pine, respectively. These sections all include steep roller coaster dips, technical rocky sections and very difficult climbs and drops. Many of these have a steep, straight line descents followed by a short valley before the
trail climbs rapidly up the opposite side. It is a roller coaster sensation that takes your breath away and gives extra "G" forces as your swoop suddenly transitions from a dive into a climb. Not all of these are a straight line down and up. Some drops have relatively sudden turns. Knowing what to expect and controlling your speed accordingly is necessary here.
Several of the trail designers recently got together and laid out trail so extreme they had to come up with a new designation; "Double Black Diamond." These "extreme" sections will definitely be an E-ticket ride.
Day use bikers use the main entrance at 14502 CR 39 S. (it's about a mile south of the old trailhead) and follow signs to the picnic area. A cyclist's trailhead with bathrooms, bike wash and picnic pavilions is available. There is a $3.25 fee. Camping with electricity and water
is also available. Thirty campspots are available for $13 a night plus tax. The bathhouse has hot water for showers. These bath facilities are for registered campers only. Call Reserve America at 1-800-326-3521 to make reservations.
Summary: Alafia is the best park I have ridden in Florida. Fast, hard-pack rolling through a very scenic park with much of the trail dancing on the edge of the water, with steep slopes and quick climbs, it really keeps you guessing what's next. Roller Coaster and Moonscape are awesome! You will not be sorry if you check this park out, trust me. I drove from Miami with some friends and the 8 hr. trip was well worth it!! I only wish that it were closer. I'd gladly trade all three of the Miami area parks (oleta, Markham and Amelia) for Alafia. Hats off to Swamp!!!
Recommended Route: ALL OF IT!!
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Summary: I am not sure why this trail is on the IMBA's Epic Ride list. I have ridden 6 of the 40 trails on the list, Tsali, Dupont Forest, Bull Mountain, F.A.T.S., and Santos in Ocala, as well as several other high quality trails such as Chicopee Woods in Oakwood, GA. There were several places that I would qualify as treacherous or meant to punish the rider, not test his or her skills. Very disappointed and again, not sure why this trail system is on the IMBA's list of Epic Rides.
Recommended Route: Would not recommend any route.
Other recommended trails in the same area: If you can get to Santos, highly recommend that you ride the red loop around the ride park.
Summary: I would like to say I rode these trails and was absolutely blown away and exhausted, but I can't. I just spent the whole day trying to find the place, and I didn't.(from Orlando) I am going to review this place after I get there. I am using the directions off of the park website because when I checked out Swamp's site the map address says (A. Creekbridge Rd.) So, when you put a mild hangover with excitement along with landmarks nowhere close to the entrance, you get well...lost. I was too pumped up to go to this place today. It's all good. Oh yea, Creekbridge Rd. ends at an apartment complex.
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