🌊 River Conditions: A gauge height of +8.0 ft will impact trail accessibility.   Check Current USGS Gauge →
Valrico, Florida · Private Community Trails

Trails of River Hills

4.2 Miles · Alafia River · Resident Access Only

Hidden back behind River Hills, our trail system winds through a dense canopy of oaks, bald cypress, palms, and longleaf pines — with the timeless Alafia River running through it all.

Explore Points of Interest About the Trails

About the Trails

Close to Tampa, Close to Nature

Hidden back behind River Hills, our 4.2-mile trail system winds into a dense canopy of towering oaks, bald cypress, palms, and longleaf pines. Through this priceless gift of nature runs the timeless Alafia River, which contains both freshwater and saltwater fish.

Along its banks are water birds, turtles, and alligators. The lush surrounding woods are home to an abundant variety of animal and bird life.

The main entrance 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.

4.2
Trail Miles
13
Points of Interest
410 mi²
Alafia Watershed

The Alafia River

A Living Watershed

The Alafia River is part of the 410-square-mile Alafia Watershed Recharge Zone in West Central Florida and Eastern Hillsborough County — a system of lakes, ponds, creeks, and streams that feed into the Alafia River and its reservoirs.

The river is composed of a North Prong (ten miles long) and a South Prong (25 miles long), which join north of River Hills to form the Lower Alafia River. Canoe access is available to the north at Alderman Ford Park and just downstream at Lithia Springs Park.

The watershed hosts diverse natural systems including Wetland Hardwood Forest and Mixed Wetland Forest — the majority of our Nature Preserve. It absorbs enormous quantities of rainwater and is a key component of regional flood control. We take special care to preserve this property in its natural state for future generations.

The Alafia River winding through the River Hills preserve — palms and cypress lining the banks

Explore

Points of Interest

Each location has its own page with photos and trail notes. Click any card to learn more.

● Orange Trail ● Blue Trail ● White Trail

Conservation

Wildflower Program

The Trails of River Hills Wildflower Program is dedicated to the preservation of native Florida wildflowers and plants throughout the Trails of River Hills. We are citizen scientists looking to restore and increase plant diversity using a variety of cultivation and propagation techniques.

Our focus is preservation and conservation of our natural resource, with a special emphasis on education and discovery.

Students can also receive Bright Futures Service hours for helping with this program. Follow trail events and contact the trail leaders at the Trails of River Hills Facebook page.

Learn More Wildflower Facebook Page →
Native Florida wildflowers on the trails

Community

Stay Connected

All major updates, trail conditions, and volunteer events are shared through our Facebook community pages. Join us to stay in the loop.

👥

Community Facebook Group

The main group for River Hills residents to share trail experiences, photos, wildlife sightings, and trail condition updates.

Join the Group →
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Trail Map

An updated base map using Google Maps and GPS-tracked routes covering 4+ miles of hiking and biking trails available to residents.

Open Full Map →
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River Gauge (USGS)

A gauge height of +8.0 ft will impact trail accessibility. Check conditions before heading out after heavy rainfall.

Check River Level →
River Hills Country Club

River Hills Country Club

The trails are maintained by the River Hills Country Club team. Please reach out to them directly for any trail concerns or questions.

Visit Their Website →

Trail Etiquette

Community Expectations

These trails were built as part of the original River Hills master plan. The original tagline: "Close to Tampa, Close to Nature." Please help us keep it that way.

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Leave No TraceIf you bring something onto the trail, make sure you also pack it out.
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Stay on Marked TrailThe trail needs regular foot traffic and the surrounding areas should remain as pristine as possible.
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Wildlife is PresentSnakes, wild boars, coyotes, panthers, bobcats, and alligators are present in the woods and along the river.
⚠️
Use CautionThe trails and bridges are primitive in a few spots. Watch your footing, especially after rain.
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County Trails NearbyTrails east of Cherry Oak are on county property and are not affiliated with this effort — not accessible from River Hills.
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LiabilityThis is nature and accidents can happen. Liability is on the hiker — not the volunteer group or the HOA.
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Residents & Members OnlyThis trail is intended for Residents of River Hills and Members of the River Hills Country Club only. It is NOT accessible from outside of River Hills.
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Emergency — Call 911Use the clubhouse address as your reference point: 3942 New River Hills Pkwy, Valrico, FL
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Trail Cameras in UseTrail cameras are posted at multiple locations throughout the trail system. You may be observed at any time.
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Poison Ivy is Present"Leaves of three, let it be." Poison ivy is very common in Florida and can be found along the edges of the trails. Stay on the marked path and avoid contact.
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No Golf Carts or Motorized VehiclesGolf carts and all gasoline-powered vehicles are strictly prohibited from the trails.
River Hills Nature Trails