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Loyce E. Harpe Park (carter Road) Mountain Bike Trail
Lakeland, Florida
MTB TRAIL STATS
Avg Rating:   |
29 trail reviews |
|
Status: updated 8/14/08 by |
Difficulty:  Intermediate |
| Length: 10 miles | Global Rank: #759 |
| Tread: Singletrack | Configuration: Network |
| Ridden: 113 | Wishlist: 50 |
| Avg. Speed: 6.98 mph | Avg. Time: 2hr 23min |
| Elevation Gain/Loss: +1,610/-1,154 ft | |
 3 trail check-ins |
Mountain Bike Trails in the Loyce E. Harpe Park (carter Road) Trail System
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Description: The trail consists of approximately 7 miles of varied terrain including technical single track. Most of the trail winds through old phosphate mine land therefore the trail has a good mix of terrain. The most unique aspect of the carter park trail is the narrow single track through mine "spoil piles". Hours are approximately 8 to 8.
added in 2003 by 
SIMILAR TRAILS
Riders who liked this mountain bike trail also liked:Tillman Canal Mtb Trail (south Shore) in Palm Bay
Santos in Ocala
Fort Pierce Mountain Bike Trail in Ft. Pierce
Chuck Lennon Park in De Leon Springs
TRAIL REVIEWS review this trail
reviewed by darrinw2001 on February 9, 2012
love this trail system! not very long, but plenty of different type of trails for all kinds of skill levels. tight twisty single track and very technical sections, but lots of fun stuff in between. The Ridge riders keep this place well maintained.
Similar Trail: alafia river state park
reviewed by iamarealscientist on February 9, 2012
sweet trail with some really tough single track. big red and roller coaster are sick. big red is a must. sneaky snake is awesome too. i see gators along the shore every time i go.. big ones too. fun place to ride. wednesday is wacky "ride the trail in reverse. thats fun too.
Similar Trail: alafia
reviewed by afullsodacan on November 20, 2011
Great system of trails! I believe it is a very close runner-up to Alafia and Santos. There is everything from pretty calm yellows to red trails that have some nail-biter sections. Most (or all) of the reds have some parts where you could pretty easily fall 10-20 feet to the water on either side of the peninsulas. They have quite a bit of some steep hills. The blues are also a lot of fun, quite a few technical spots with some quick up and down parts. One of my favorite things at this place is that most of the reds are out-and-back which allow you to ride them while your family/friends can wait a couple minutes and you'll be able to meet right back up with them. This makes it a great place for anyone. I also love that basically all the trails are directional as opposed to Santos where people can go either way. The only thing negative I could say is that as opposed to Santos or Alafia, is that Carter Road is a little bit short (quantity of the trails--4 stars, quality of the trails--5 stars). One more thing--you need to watch out because there is almost always people fishing and walking right on the trail.
* Review edited 11/20/2011
Similar Trail: Santos and Alafia
reviewed by trnsprt on August 5, 2011
Nice trail. Very nice scenery. As most good trails go this one has a bit of everything. If you stick to the yellow areas you can ride easily as an intermediate and learn without too much danger as a beginner. If you ride the red areas you will be challenged even if you are a good rider. The trails are narrow and pretty. There is a little bit of climbing on the red areas. Some of the climbs are very steep albeit short. Really neat design with a lot of critters moving about. Snakes, Gators, Tortoises. You see a lot out there. Many riders which really surprised me for a Thursday afternoon with a 100+ degree heat index. Very dry well drained. Sandy in some areas. Hats off to the Ridge Riders who keep the trails up and provide the map and markings for the trail. The trails were pretty well marked and although there are areas that have a little trash here and there from other users it was a very pretty area and very well kept.
Similar Trail: ?? First FLA trail.
reviewed by jbster13 on January 9, 2011
I was extremely impressed with this set of trails. Although the length was not long overall, the advanced trails were extremely challenging. Nice ledges and beautiful views.
reviewed by MERCE006 on November 7, 2010
I ride this trail almost everyday. I havent been seeing all the trash everyones been talking about, maybe some here and there but nothing major. A little work is needed here and there where some of the trails are being eroded down. However as of about 3 days ago I could tell where the ridge riders had been in and moved a lot of dirt around fixing up some rough spots. Overall its a great trail, lots of varying and challenging terrain (especially the fingers) with some great scenary as well.
* Review edited 11/7/2010
reviewed by blowinup13 on September 14, 2010
I rode this trail with a friend on Sept. 6th, 2010 and was a bit disappointed. The yellows and blues are decent for very short sections. Just when you get going and get in a zone, that trail ends and you have to search for the next one. Many of the reds are washed out and in need of some work to make them even worth riding. If you like to get a sweat going and put in a workout, then stick to the blues and some yellows that get you around this trail system. The reds are not worth the time unless they make some improvements. I saw another review say that this was every bit as good as Alafia if not better and that could not be further from the truth. Alafia and Balm Boyette are very nice and flow smooth throughout and will be the only trails I visit in the future when I decide to ride in that area.
Similar Trail: If you're riding in this area....I recommend skipping Carter Rd. and going to Alafia or Balm Boyette.
reviewed by rwingman on May 8, 2010
Rode here today and this was a great place to ride. I agree with most of the other reviews of this trail so I won't restate what others have said except that I wish the first mile or two was marked better, because it is easy to get lost on the first time out. Nice locals on the trail to help out though. Only did the yellow and some of the blue trails. Great place for a beginner to go looking to improve their riding.
* Review edited 5/8/2010
reviewed by markcamaro88 on April 2, 2010
The directions above are incorrect. FROM TAMPA, take I-4 to exit 27, the Polk Parkway (SR-570), toll road. Follow 570 East to exit 7, S. Florida Ave (CR-37). Go South on 37 for about 4 miles. Turn left (East) onto Carter Rd by Taco Bell / Wal-Mart. Park is 1/2 mi. on right. FROM ORLANDO, take I-4 to exit 41, Polk Parkway (SR-570) toll road. Follow 570 West 17 miles (3 toll plazas) to exit 7, S. Florida Ave (CR-37). Go South on 37 for about 4 miles. Turn left (East) onto Carter Rd by Taco Bell / Wal-Mart. Park is 1/2 mi. on right.
Similar Trail: Santos, Econ, Reddick
reviewed by markcamaro88 on March 19, 2010
This is in the back section of the big Polk County Loyce Harpe baseball/soccer complex. We just rode it for the first time today. My 9 yr old on his new Specialized 24" and my 3 1/2 yr old riding on the back of my bike. We hit mostly yellow (easy) trails and some blue (intermediate). Five minutes into the ride we were lost in a big field of jeep trails... eventually we found some hikers who pointed us to the "Horseshoe" and that's where the fun began. Lots of whoop-de-doos, roots, switchbacks etc. Each hairy section seems to be followed by a couple minutes of easy trail gliding before another rough patch begins. I think we only hit about half the network before sundown. While some parts were unnerving for me with a 40lb kid over the back wheel, both kids loved it! Can't wait to go back again on my FS with no back-seat passenger!
Similar Trail: Santos (Belleview), Soldier Creek (Winter Spgs)
reviewed by rich67 on March 7, 2010
I rode Carter Rd. for the first time today, and I was definitely impressed. I had read other reviews of people complaining how it looked "ghetto", but I honestly encountered nothing like that. The trails are fun, twisty, and fast in sections. A lot of the trails offer an excellent technical challenge. Ridgeriders MTB club does a very good job making sure the trail markers are in place, and it is pretty easy to follow. There are definitely some hairy spots, as a lot of the trails run along ridges with serious drop-offs on both sides. BE CAREFUL HERE! All in all, the parking area is spacious, there is a bike wash area, and I definitely give Carter Rd. a big thumbs up.
Similar Trail: Alafia River, Boyette
reviewed by reif-s on November 26, 2009
Great variety of terrain and technical challenges. There are some super-challenging trails that are narrowly wood-lined with errosion walls. Can be rough on your bike if you aren't skillful & ready. Overall great! The only negative would be the tideness and upkeep of the trails, which isn't too good. (trash, etc.)
reviewed by GoKite5 on November 24, 2009
Fingers are nice technical challenges. Some of the steepest descents and drops available on a trail in Florida. Prefer the slightly more varied Alafia and Santos, and the ridge line at Boyette, but Carter Road is my fourth favorite FL park.
* Review edited 5/2/2010
reviewed by freerideunionrider1 on September 16, 2009
still love this trail!!! lots of progress in the last few years. best when it is dry. a good mix of everything. if you are in central florida, do not miss this trail. and yes, watch out for the fishermen.
Similar Trail: alafia
reviewed by nickbj05 on September 11, 2009
This trail is designed as a race course. All trails are one way single track. Trails range from fast, tight trails through wooded area to high narrow ridges extending out into the surrounding lake. Any section of the trail considered to be too technical can be bypassed. I don't recommend this trail for beginners because most trails have fairly technical terrain. Trails are well marked and difficulty ratings are accurate. Don't miss Finger 1 and Finger 3. On my most recent trip August 29, 2009 some flat portions of the trail were muddy and sneaky snake seemed to have been tamed down some. This is my favorite trail to ride in Florida, I cannot get enough of the fingers.
Similar Trail: Alafia River State Park
reviewed by mudly68 on August 2, 2009
New rider here, I started up at Santos, then I rode this place twice, and round 1 I felt completely outta my league, round 2, still really tough but of course still fun. For a newbie it feels pretty technical almost all the time so I never seemed to get a chance to recover my flow once I lost it.
Similar Trail: Alafia so they say...
reviewed by JSurratt on June 3, 2009
This trail has a lot to offer everyone....easy to very difficult......up & down hills and sugar sand in spots.....along the water (where the GATORS lay in wait for their next meal) ....lol.....rode this trail a few times and I know I have missed a few trails....maybe next time.
Similar Trail: Alafia River MTB park
reviewed by cujo on April 11, 2009
Awesome trail with something for everyone. If it's not long enough, ride it again...duh.
* Review edited 4/11/2009
Similar Trail: Alafia, Boyette, & Santos.
reviewed by thegrooms83 on March 24, 2009
Loyce Harpe Park Trail Description Loyce Harpe Park (formerly Carter Road) Trail is approximately 10 miles in length. The trail is built on old phosphate land offering something for everyone from beginners to advanced riders. The trail meanders around scenic lakes up and down ridges with numerous wildlife encounters. Watch out for the notorious 14 foot gator known to the locals as "Big Mamma".
reviewed by guest on August 14, 2008
Not bad! Sweet singletrack trail with something for everyone!
Similar Trail: Too many to post, but Alafia & Santos are the bomb!
reviewed by craig_sloan on October 5, 2007
This is a great little trail for this area. The technical single trak in the mine spoils near all the water was awsome. I loved all the fast tight single trak. Just missing long fun downhills - and no grueling uphills either. But this trail was a lot more fun than i anticiapted.
Similar Trail: you tell me...i am looking for more in central florida. i am a mtn boy looking for more riding down here.
reviewed by Dippy1584 on May 25, 2007
short ride super challening wish it was longer great ride after work
reviewed by pyrophly on April 15, 2007
This trail is a great "after work" ride. The system flows nicely. The trails are tight in sections. There is something for every level of rider here. There are dirt (vehicle) roads that can be a bypass for difficult sections. The park has come along way over the years. Those that remember the unkept Carter should give it another chance. I did & I don't regret it. This has descent singletrack & some technical challenges, which is a God send. Beware of careless fishermen in the trail. This is a good park for the family. Has a nice playground area for the kids & well kept dog park. Thanks to all that the Ridge Riders & others for continuing to be progressive with this park. * Review edited 12/20/2010
* Review edited 12/20/2010
Similar Trail: Alafia, Markum Park, Oleta River, Ft. Clinch or Santos - depending where you are in the state.
reviewed by papercityhustler on March 21, 2007
People have been working hard on the trails recently and alot of improvment on sections that didn't flow quite right. A great place to ride. Blood really gets pumping on the ridges or near the gators. Challenging
reviewed by Major813 on February 19, 2007
Its Ok....I ride Alafia Religiously and wanted a change, but I wasn't impressed. Trails are a not marked well and need lots of maintenance. This park has a lot of potential, but with no one there working the trails its a lost cause. I would recommend Alafia without a doubt.
Similar Trail: Alafia
reviewed by mtbfamily on February 3, 2007
Lots of changes. Now known as Loyce Harpe park. Local police are very active at keeping atv's and 4X4 trucks off trails. New signs thanks to local boyscouts. All bridges have been repaired. The trail is flowing better than ever right now and attracting lot of new riders. If you have not been there in a while you are missing a great, much improved trail.
reviewed by TEDSTER on June 25, 2006
overall the trails are in good shape a very dyverse trail however i ride this trail almost every weekend trails need some attension like at the beggning of sneeke snake and toward the end of big mommas house other than that ahsome trails .
Similar Trail: allafia
reviewed by dashreeve on May 4, 2006
Not being an "expert", I enjoy riding at Carter road for a good quick cardio workout. I can't stay on my bike through some of the more technical parts, but keep a steady pace and carry my bike through the sections I can't ride. The sand in parts is annoying, but for the most part the trail is maintained very well and has a nice flow to it. As someone mentioned, the more difficult parts can be skipped for a more constant ride.
Similar Trail: Have been to Alafia, Croom, Morris, they were all different than this one but all were fun.
