Alafia?

Gatorback said:

I am interested too--I've never ridden there, but have to go to Clearwater tomorrow for work and am thinking about heading there on the way home for a ride.

Anyone have a trail report, directions, and a list of trails I need to ride there?

Click to expand...

I'm not sure what your ability is, but this is a good intermediate loop at Alafia to get you started:

1)Facing the trailhead, start to the right and go into North Creek.

2)When you finish North Creek ride straight across the little field and up the embankment. Turn right onto the trail at the top of that embankment and you will now be on Bridges. Bridges is a little confusing because it has some optional loops built into it. If you go left at the first little section of fence you come to you can ride the first loop clockwise. It goes up a hill and has a very hard optional section at the top. When you ride down the hill you'll be on other side of the little section of fence, heading the opposite direction. Follow the trail until it goes onto the 2-track and turn left. A short distance later you'll see the trail head off into the woods on your Left again- follow it.

3)When you've finished Bridges, take a Left on the two-track and then a Left at a sign that says trailhead, or parking, or something. This will lead you to another two-track that you can see goes to the trailhead if you turn Left. Instead, cross the two-track and head for the Rollercoaster signs. Rollercoaster is a fun trail and will dump you out by the picnic table that you passed on your way in. Head out to the two-track and turn right and the trailhead will be right in front of you.

Take a break, refill your camelback, munch on some cliffbars, and get ready!

4) If you're still in good shape and wanting more of a challenge, there are two trails left that are harder than anything you will have ridden in the park thus far: Gatorback and Moonscape.

To get to Gatorback, head like you are going to North Creek, but follow the two-track along the fence instead. You'll see a wooden bridge on your left. Have fun!

To get to Moonscape, head in the direction of Rollercoaster. You'll pass the picnic table again, but instead of staying to the right at the fork in the trail (with the sign that says "rollercoaster") you'll go left (with the sign that says "moonscape"). Moonscape is another trail where it is very easy to miss the best parts of by not seeing a particular 90* right turn at a T-intersection on the top of a hill with a big tree right in the middle of it. Just, try to keep your eyes open and, when in doubt- go to the right!