TRAILS of RIVER HILLS

Valrico, FL

The Trails of River Hills:

Hidden back behind River Hills, our 4.2-mile trail system winds into a dense canopy of towering oaks, bald cypress, palms, and long leaf pines. Thru this priceless gift of nature, runs the timeless Alafia River that contains both freshwater and saltwater fish. Along its banks are water birds, turtles, and alligators. Bordering the Alafia River are lush woods that are home to an abundant amount of animal and bird life. The Alafia River is part of the 410 square mile Alafia Watershed Recharge Zone in West Central Florida and Eastern Hillsborough County. The recharge zone is a system of lakes, ponds, creeks, and streams, that feed into the Alafia River and reservoirs.

The Alafia River is composed of a North Prong that is ten miles long and a south prong that is 25 miles long. The two prongs join north of River Hills to form the Lower Alafia River. The river can be accessed for canoe launch to the north at Alderman Ford Park and just downstream at Lithia Springs Park.

The Alafia watershed is host to a diverse set of natural systems including Wetland Hardwood Forest and Mixed Wetland Forest that makes up most of our Nature Preserve. The watershed can absorb enormous quantities of rain water and is a key component of flood control. As such, we take special care to preserve this property in its natural state where future generations can hear the sights and sounds of this hidden paradise.

The main entrance to the trails is located conveniently behind the River Hills Country Club where hikers have access to parking and can enjoy dining at the clubhouse. Just follow the sidewalk along the left side of the driving range to the main entrance where you will be greeted by a sign at the trailhead.

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Facebook Group Page

Facebook group for the residents of River Hills to join and share their experiences on the trails.   All updates and major events are posted within this group.

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MAP OF TRAILS

Updated base map using Google maps and GPS based tracks of the 4+ miles of hiking and biking trails available to residents of River Hills.

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facebook volunteer page

The Facebook Volunteer page provides information on coordinated group volunteer events.  These events are used for new projects and maintenance of the trails.  The volunteer group also enables local students to earn hours towards Bright Futures Scholarships.


THIS IS COMMUNITY PAGE SETUP TO SHARE INFORMATION ON THE ORIGINAL HIKING TRAILS THAT WERE BUILT AS PART OF THE RIVER HILLS MASTER PLAN. AN ORIGINAL TAGLINE FOR THE MARKETING OF RIVER HILLS WAS "CLOSE TO TAMPA, CLOSE TO NATURE". WE ENCOURAGE ALL RESIDENTs TO GO EXPLORING IN OUR OWN “BACK YARD”.

Community expectations are listed below:

  • LEAVE NO TRACE PRINCIPAL IS IN EFFECT – IF YOU BRING SOMETHING ONTO THE TRAIL MAKE SURE YOU ALSO PACK IT OUT.
  • TRY TO STAY ON THE MARKED TRAIL AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE. THE TRAIL NEEDS THE REGULAR FOOT TRAFFIC AND THE INTENT IS TO KEEP THE SURROUNDING AREAS AS PRISTINE AS POSSIBLE.
  • SNAKES, WILD BOARS, COYOTES, PANTHERS, BOBCATS AND ALLIGATORS ARE PRESENT IN THE WOODS AND ALONG THE RIVER.
  • THERE ARE ADDITIONAL TRAILS TO THE EAST OF CHERRY OAK THAT ARE NOT AFFILIATED WITH THIS EFFORT. THOSE TRAILS ARE ON COUNTY PROPERTY AND NOT ACCESSIBLE FROM RIVER HILLS.
  • THE TRAILS AND BRIDGES ARE RATHER PRIMITIVE IN A FEW SPOTS SO PLEASE USE CAUTION.
  • THIS TRAIL IS INTENDED FOR RESIDENTS OF RIVER HILLS ONLY AND IS NOT ACCESSIBLE FROM OUTSIDE OF RIVER HILLS.
  • THIS IS NATURE AND ACCIDENTS CAN HAPPEN, ANY LIABILITY IS ON THE HIKER AND NOT A RESPONSIBILITY OF THIS VOLUNTEER GROUP AND/OR THE HOA
  • CURRENT RIVER INFORMATION (USGS) - GAUGE HEIGHT OF +6.0 FEET WILL IMPACT TRAIL ACCESSIBILITY
  • CALL 911 IN AN EMERGENCY. USE THE CLUBHOUSE ADDRESS AS A REFERENCE POINT. 3942 NEW RIVER HILLS PARKWAY.