Alafia River

The Alafia River Canoe Trail is officially designated as part of Florida’s Statewide System of Greenways and Trails. This river, located an hour from downtown Tampa, is a narrow, twisting trail that begins at Alderman's Ford County Park. Large oak, cypress and cedar trees line the banks and form a canopy overhead. Paddlers share the peace and quiet with wading birds and turtles. The Alafia is a fairly swift river, especially for central Florida, and some small shoals are exposed in low water. The shoals are not dangerous, but do require some paddling skill.