Just east of Tampa are two of the best MTB trail systems in Florida. Balm Boyette Scrub Preserve has around 50 kilometers of beautiful tropical trails. This trail system has few man made features, but it offers less people, more wildlife and some great looking trails. The layout of the trail system is perfect for the XC rider. The trails are all marked and super well laid out. Lots of blind armadillos and slow moving turtles, so take care when riding with speed.
Route
The trail starts out by passing under some power lines, and witches to double track as you enter the trailhead. The green trail connectors are great for warming up the legs. All the trails here have some nice distance and link up well, so you don't have to check the map at every turn. Ridgeline is the most popular trail in this network, with its super fast valleys. The system is setup so that is possible to do two giant loops and ride different trails most of the time.
Armadillo's, Turtles and XC Max Fun
The wildlife here is strong. I ran into a handful of armadillos and turtles. Another rider mentioned he had seen a river otter. The turtles are easy to see, but the armadillos are little less predictable. You will have to be quiet if you want to get a photo of an armadillo. This trail system is great for big days and fast km's. Love how you can pedal through the corners and maintain good speed.
Nearby Trails
Less than a 10 minute drive from Balm Boyette Scrub Preserve is the Alafia State Park trail system. Certainly, worth a visit.
Trip Advice
2 Hour Ride
Cool Trees
Easy to Navigate
Armadillo's and Turtles
Fewer Riders than Alafia