Loyce E. Harpe Park (Carter Road)
Trail
10.9 mile
17.6 kilometer
loop
95% Singletrack
Intermediate/Difficult
Elevation
Ascent:
168'
51 m
Descent: -168' -51 m
High: 175' 53 m
Low: 122' 37 m
Grade
Avg Grade: 1% (0°)
Max Grade: 4% (2°)
Dogs
No Dogs
Weather
All Clear
“A lesser-known sibling of some other trails in SW FL, this is still a very fun place to ride.”
— Phantom JokerElectric Mountain Bikes Unknown
Features Drops/Jumps
Overview
Like many mountain bike trails in this area of Florida, Loyce E. Harpe Park (formerly Carter Rd Park) is a former phosphate mining operation. The trail meanders through the woods around man-made ponds (borrow pits). The main trail is relatively flat and only has the occasional root to throw at you.
Description
For the more serious rider, there are several fingers off of the main trail that clamber over piles of rock and dirt left from the former mining operation. These fingers are much more challenging, and the local MTB club is adding berms and other obstacles.
Some of the downsides, as of this writing, are poor signage in areas, making it easy for neophyte riders to suddenly find themselves in an area they may not be ready for. This is also a one-way trail, something not obvious from the (otherwise quite good) trail maps and other materials on site.
Some of the downsides, as of this writing, are poor signage in areas, making it easy for neophyte riders to suddenly find themselves in an area they may not be ready for. This is also a one-way trail, something not obvious from the (otherwise quite good) trail maps and other materials on site.
Contacts
Local Club: Ridge Riders Mountain Biking Association (RRMBA)
Land Manager: Polk County Parks and Recreation
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Check-Ins
Nov 23, 2019
Darrin Purcell
Really unique place. Out & Backs on this series of land "finger" peninsulas in man made mining site. Nothing like it, but some are super hard.
14mi
—
3h 00m
May 1, 2019
Rj Steele
Not sure who reads this, but I was trail runnning and there is a large gator near the "finger trails," that didn't move at all and was damn close.
—
1h 00m
Mar 15, 2019
Brett Kinney
Trail is running great! Under new leadership and a couple of new additions that aren't on this map. One of which is the area's first double diamond!
11.1mi
—
2h 17m
Jan 5, 2019
Joshua Hart
Some sections slightly washed out, but still rideable. There are sections taped off for the race coming up, which makes riding some sections incon…
Mar 2, 2017
Blake Brown
Some of the best trails i have ever ridden. With a wide variety of trails for all skill levels and some extremely scenic trails with beautiful views.
6mi
1 Comment