Alafia River State Park

Arrived back in the Tampa area at Alafia River Park. It's over 6,000-acres of equestrian, hiking, and biking trails with approximately 12 miles of river bank along the South Prong Alafia River. The land was formerly used for phosphate mining and was donated to the State of Florida in 1996. There is a challenging off-road mountain bicycling trail, the topography offers some of the most radical elevation changes in Florida due to those mines. Those trails are called Black diamond and double Black diamond offering sections with steep roller coaster dips, technical rocky sections, difficult climbs and drops. Oh yes, Andy and I won't be on those trails! We are going to try the Green circle, 3-mile long with technical sections where roots or tight turns can challenge us. Interesting, the park gives you a map of these trails along with Safety Tips: wear a helmet, carry your cell phone, and here is the number to the local hospital and 911 is activated in this area!!! The State Mountain BMX Championships are held here yearly.