Alafia State Park North Hiking Trail. lithia Florida. Hillsborough County.

Short hiking trail tour Alafia State Park. Lithia Florida in Eastern Hillsborough County.
There are several Florida Panthers in the Lithia area. There are Panthers inside the park. They rarely come out during the day. There is camping on the south end of the Park along with mountain bike trails. You will see many White Tail Deer during a day hike.
Osprey Nesting begins in late January and the nests are largely abandoned by mid July. The park abounds with Florida and migratory bird species. If you get off of the trail you will find tortoise dens and the trails of bent wheat grass will lead you to the dens.
Alafia State Park is over 12,000 acres. It was many decades ago a Phosphate Mine. The mine closed almost four decades ago. In the early 1990's the land was donated to the State of Florida.
With it's natural springs and lithium water still intact wildlife quickly returned. The park is a haven for wildlife.
Mountain bike trails are on the south end. The bike trails are ranked #22 on a list of the most dangerous mountain bike trails in the world. This is due to steep sheers left over by Phosphate mining.
You need very good hiking boots during the rainy season. During summer I hiked when the heat index was 125°. I recommend UV long sleeve shirts and Columbia lightweight hiking pants.
I use the products that I recommend.
Best Columbia boots for wet and damp trails:
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The following insulated shoulder strap canteens are recommended:
Seven mile hike 28oz. Triple Tree insulated stainless steel water container
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Seven mile or more hike I highly recommend the 34oz. Triple tree stainless steel insulated water container
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I recommend a compass always. It fits in the webbed pocket on the water container
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cool! I need to check this place out!