Community Corner

The Great Escape: Alafia River State Park

Fishing, picknicking, horseback riding and bicycling are just a few of the activities this pristine park in Lithia has to offer.

Your escape into the pristine Florida outdoors is just a short drive away.

Lithia is home to Alafia State Park, located off County Road 39, offering an ideal quick family getaway for a day or a weekend.

The park is equipped with a family campground featuring clean restroom facilities, solar-heated shower, two large picnic pavilions and electricity and water available at 30 campsites.

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For added enjoyment, the park has a childrens' playground conveniently located in the picnic area. The playground is equipped with two swing sets and numerous slides.

At the park, families can enjoy off-road mountain biking or hiking on well-marked trails. The Southwest Association of Mountain Bike Pedalers (SWAMP) offer a guided trail ride the third Sunday each month. For more information, visit www.swampclub.org or call the SWAMP hotline at 813-689-5109.

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In addition, horseback-riding enthusiasts can enjoy a relaxing day of approximately 20 miles of equestrian trails. The horse trails wind around lakes, over hills and through wooded areas.

The park also offers canoeing and kayaking along theAlafia River and the reclaimed lakes. But be sure to bring your own canoe. Currently Alafia River State Park does not offer canoe rentals.

Wildlife viewing is possible on all the trails, the picnic area, and from the many lakes and the Alafia River, so bring your binoculars.

If fishing is your sport, you'll find numerous lakes for fishing bass, bluegill and catfish. Note: A fishing license is required for all freshwater fishing for people 16 and older.


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