Alafia Scrub Nature Preserve Riverview Florida
Discover a peaceful, natural escape in Riverview, Florida, with winding trails perfect for a quiet walk or dog outing.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Peaceful and less crowded
Alafia Scrub Nature Preserve Riverview Florida
Best Time
Peaceful and less crowded
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover a peaceful, natural escape in Riverview, Florida, with winding trails perfect for a quiet walk or dog outing.
"A lovely hidden gem, perfect for walking your dog with nice winding trails."
Wear Long Pants
Protect yourself from branches and overgrowth on the trails. :athletic_shoe:
Bring Your Own Water
No water fountains available, so stay hydrated on your walk. :droplet:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Winding Nature Trails
Explore peaceful, winding paths through the woods, offering an easy to moderate hiking challenge.
Dog-Friendly Exploration
A perfect, leash-required spot for your furry friends to enjoy a natural walk.
Fishing Spots
Discover a nice designated spot for fishing within the preserve.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Wild, Pack Smart
Know Before You Go: Amenities & Access
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Wear Long Pants
Protect yourself from branches and overgrowth on the trails. :athletic_shoe:
Bring Your Own Water
No water fountains available, so stay hydrated on your walk. :droplet:
Looking to find new hiking spots for when the weather cools down. What are some of your favorites? The quieter, lesser-known the better. I've done all the usuals - the state parks (except Alafia, haven't gotten there yet), Brooker Creek, Weedon Island, etc. My mileage is restricted to about 3-4 mile
Marathon Training - Running Trails - Riverview
Leash Your Pets
This preserve is pet-friendly, but dogs must be kept on a leash. :dog:
Check Trail Status
River observation deck access may be closed; check for updates. :information_desk:
Tips
from all over the internet
Wear Long Pants
Protect yourself from branches and overgrowth on the trails. :athletic_shoe:
Bring Your Own Water
No water fountains available, so stay hydrated on your walk. :droplet:
Leash Your Pets
This preserve is pet-friendly, but dogs must be kept on a leash. :dog:
Check Trail Status
River observation deck access may be closed; check for updates. :information_desk:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Alafia Scrub Nature Preserve is appreciated as a peaceful, natural escape with enjoyable winding trails suitable for walking dogs and fishing. Visitors like the 'explore as you go' feel and the natural beauty. However, the lack of amenities like restrooms and water, along with reported issues like trash and a collapsing bridge, detract from the experience for some.
"No maintenance, but I actually liked the winding, explore as you go. Some parts are close to the road, so you’ll hear traffic. I’d recommend long pants, watch out for branches. The bridge was a nice surprise"
someone
"Lovely hidden gem. Perfect for walking your dog. No bikes are allowed. Though fishing is allowed and there's a nice spot here for it. There's no bathrooms here or water fountains. It's not a long trail but bringing water is a keen idea."
Shadi “Pins” Omar
"First visit today (11/30/2024) and found a nice, peaceful hiking trail that was almost empty, 3 other patrons were observed. Please note that BOTH trails leading to observation deck on the Alafia River are closed. Only 4 stars because no signange/online info reflected no egress to river/deck."
Kevin J Bottum
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Alafia Scrub Nature Preserve is located in Riverview, Florida. While specific public transport options are limited, driving is the most common way to access it. Parking is available on-site.
The preserve is a hidden gem, and while trails are winding, the entrance should be navigable. Some visitors note it's a peaceful hiking trail that was almost empty during their visit.
The preserve is situated in Riverview, Florida, with trails that can be close to the road, suggesting proximity to local thoroughfares.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Information regarding entrance fees is not readily available, but many county parks are free to enter. It's always a good idea to check the official county parks website for the most current details.
Operating hours for nature preserves can vary. It's recommended to check the official county parks website or local listings for the most accurate opening and closing times.
Guided tours or walks are not typically advertised for this nature preserve. It's more of a self-guided exploration experience.
The preserve is pet-friendly, but dogs must be kept on a leash. Access to the observation deck on the Alafia River has been reported as closed.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The preserve features nice winding trails of easy to moderate challenge, perfect for hiking through the woods.
While not explicitly mentioned, nature preserves often offer good opportunities for birdwatching due to their diverse flora and fauna.
No, there are no bathrooms or water fountains available at the preserve. Visitors are advised to bring their own water.
Yes, Alafia Scrub Nature Preserve is pet-friendly, but all dogs must be kept on a leash.
Recent reviews indicate that both trails leading to the observation deck on the Alafia River are closed.
🍽️ 🎣 Food & Dining
As a nature preserve, there are no dining facilities on-site. You'll need to venture into Riverview or nearby areas for food options.
Picnicking is not explicitly mentioned, but it's generally allowed in county parks. However, with no restrooms or designated picnic areas, it might be less convenient.
📸 📸 Photography
The winding trails through the woods offer natural beauty. While the river observation deck is closed, the preserve's natural landscapes provide ample photo opportunities.
Yes, the preserve's natural setting with its woods and trails is ideal for nature photography, especially during the softer light of morning or late afternoon.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
However, families should be prepared for the lack of amenities. Since there are no restrooms or water fountains, it's essential to pack plenty of water and plan accordingly, especially with younger children. The trails are generally easy to moderate, but keeping an eye on children is always recommended, particularly near the road or any potentially unstable areas like the reported collapsing bridge.
🐶 Dog Owners
Remember to bring ample water for both yourself and your canine companion, as there are no water fountains available. The trails are not overly long, making it suitable for a shorter walk. Be mindful of the terrain and ensure your dog is comfortable with uneven paths.
🎣 Anglers
Anglers should note the lack of facilities like restrooms, so plan your visit accordingly. It's a good idea to check local fishing regulations and licensing requirements before your trip. The natural setting provides a peaceful backdrop for a day of fishing.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the Trails
For a more comfortable hike, it's highly recommended to wear long pants to protect yourself from branches and potential overgrowth. While the trails are generally well-received for their natural feel, some reviews mention seeing trash along the southern trails, possibly due to past issues with unhoused individuals. The county's commitment to cleanliness can vary, so be prepared for a natural, sometimes unmanicured, environment.
One notable feature that has been a point of interest is the walk bridge. While some found it a nice surprise, a recent review specifically warned of a collapsing walk bridge, so caution is advised. Always be mindful of your surroundings and report any safety concerns to park authorities if possible.
Amenities and Visitor Experience
However, visitors should be aware of what's not available. There are no bathrooms or water fountains on-site. This means you'll need to bring all the water you'll need for your visit, especially on warmer days. The trails themselves are not extensive, offering a pleasant, shorter walk rather than a long trek.
A significant point of note is the closure of trails leading to the observation deck on the Alafia River. While some visitors were pleasantly surprised by the trails, the lack of signage or online information about this closure led to disappointment for some. It's advisable to manage expectations regarding river views and access.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit