If you are looking for day hiking in the Tampa Bay area this one is a beauty. I hate to share it because the solitude is part of the appeal. Alafia River Corridor Hiking Trail is an amazing place. A loop trail of various lengths that permits day use and foot traffic only. This is a great place for summer hiking, lots of shade (except trail #2 as it parallels the train tracks, plan to do that one in the AM).

A unique place in this area, the terrain includes some “hill climbing” and “ridge walking”. A phosphate mine reclaimed, there are several ponds. Wild hogs, deer and rabbits live here. Cattle and horses are bordering, and there are many unmapped trails. The main trails are well marked.

To get there from I-75, take exit 250 (Gibsonton Dr). Head east (road name changes to Boyette Rd, then Fish Hawk Blvd) for 8 miles to Lithia-Pinecrest Rd. Turn southeast, continue 4 miles to CR 39. Head north on CR 39 for 2 miles. The trail head and parking is located on the east side of the road, just past the enterance to Alderman’s Ford Park, on the north side of Pinecrest Little League baseball fields.

Parking/Trail head N27◦52.273 W 082◦08.150

For a trail map check out http://www.hillsboroughcounty.org/parks/showpdfdoc.cfm? ELAPPDetailID=183&showpdf=1 (first 2 pages).

In the winter I do the trails in counter clockwise, but during the summer I do them clockwise. Avoid walking the full length of trail 2 in the afternoon sun because there is no shade.
Trail Info:
From the trail head follow Trail 2. You are headed in a ENE direction. At about ½ mile you will cross the Alafia River. Shortly before the intersection of Trail 2 & 1 you will be heading ESE along the railroad tracks in a very flat sunny area. Trail 5 is a must. A very scenic short hike in and out. (in the winter I have lunch here). Continue on to trail 7, shaded. From there explore. Enjoy