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MTB TRAIL STATS

Avg Rating:	19 trail reviews
Status: Open updated 8/14/08 by ChiliPepper Closed Open Wet / Sketchy	Difficulty: Intermediate
Length: 10 miles	Global Rank: 376
Tread: Singletrack	Configuration: Network
Ridden: 83	Wishlist: 32
Avg. Speed: 6.98 mph	Avg. Time: 2hr 23min

 

Fort Pierce Mountain Bike Trail in Ft. Pierce

 

Santos in Ocala

 

Tillman Canal Mtb Trail (south Shore) in Palm Bay

 

Chuck Lennon Park in De Leon Springs

 

  
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. Prefer the slightly more varied Alafia and Santos, but Carter Road is my third favorite FL park.

  
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 ChiliPepper 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 is a fun trail w/ a variety of small challenges. The trail is 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. 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. * Review edited 1/6/2009* Review edited 1/6/2009

* Review edited 1/3/2010

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.

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