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    Alderman's Ford Park

    4.7 (38 reviews)

    Alderman's Ford Park Photos

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    History of the park.
    Karen F.

    I am embarrassed to admit that whenever I heard the name "Alderman's Ford" I thought someone was talking about a car dealership! Little did I know it was this beautiful park. I have a friend that lives near here and she was the one that recommended we take a power walk through this well maintained park. We went early on Sunday morning - it opens at 8:00 am, and we were there about 8:30 am. Because I buy a Hillsborough County Park pass for $50 every year, we did not have to pay at the guard house at the entrance. It was early, so there was plenty of parking available. All the specialty areas were cordoned off (picnic areas, playgrounds, etc.) so no one could use them during these infectious times. Which was fine by me, because we were there to walk. They have an awesome boardwalk path - two really, so you have lots of options as to which way to go. Fortunately, they all loop around back to the start, so someone who is directionally challenged like me can't get lost. We only passed about 10 people on our walk, so it was almost like having the park to ourselves. Plenty of shade combined with lots of peaceful, relaxing nature made this a fun park to walk in, and I can't wait to go back.

    Beautiful trail along the river.
    Allison R.

    I loved this park. Excellent for walking. Beautiful paved trail and boardwalk along the river. It was nicely shaded with a bit of a breeze, so very comfortable even in warmer weather. Even has a few geocaches to track down. This park has been my favorite find in the Tampa Bay Area.

    Wooden bridge over river. Beautiful view!
    Jason H.

    Great park for walking and/or biking. Very family orientated with a lot of shade. Get there early, it does get busy. Certain restrictions right now with parts closed due to COVID19

    Along the trail in February
    Tori W.

    I have been to just about all the parks in the area and this one is my favorite. The boardwalk is unique and beautiful and you can ride a bike or walk around a loop that is almost 2 miles long. You can also walk the trail through the woods that will also take you along the River's Edge. Has shelters and play area, and the only drawback from me is that I cannot take my dog on the boardwalk. Beautiful trail through the woods though. Shady throughout. Can't wait to go back and explore more.

    Ingrid S.

    This place is incredible! One of the best nature conservation parks that I've been to close to/ around Riverview area. I am from a small town in the midwest and I grew up hiking on trails and fishing. Florida is known as the Sunshine State for a reason and all the other conservation parks I've been to around this area was mainly open field they call a trail. So the sun was literally beating on you as you are "hiking". HOWEVER, at Alderman's there is PLENTY of shade, which I LOVE and its clean! There is a $2 entrance fee which is cheap compared to others. It has a nice 1.8 mi paved trail around the conservation with beautiful scenery along the river. There is a board walk that adds 1/2 mi. , work out stations along the paved trail, and there are also unpaved trails for my fellow trekkers. Alderman Ford park is absolutely beautiful, peaceful, and serene. A good place to clear your mind and escape your hectic life to enjoy the beauty of nature. There is also shelters with grills by a big playground area for those BBQ Days with friends and family and also a designated piñata post. There are a couple big shelters that you can reserve for $75 for those get togethers or parties and the other shelters are first come first serve. What I like the most is paved trail, it gives accessibility for everyone to enjoy this beautiful park.

    Sometimes you will find baby alligators like I did here. Due to the water being so low there aren't very many at this time
    Tanja S.

    What a nice place and until now I didn't even know about it or rather passed it without ever paying Attention to it. Thanks to my Family and some cooler weather we decided to drive there to go for a nice walk. Entry fee was 2$ which had to be put into an envelope and dropped into the box since nobody worked there. The second part of the envelope has to be torn off and put in your front window for it to be seen. Apperently there are a few paths to choose from so we started out with the one that looked like it would take us for the big tour (about 1.8 Miles if I remember right). We followed the signs and crossed bridges (most of them very well kept) and looked out for wildlife. It was absolutely beautiful though the bugs were a bit annoying. We did not see Alligators but we did get to see an owl that sat right above our heads and some birds and such. It is such a tranquil and beautiful place away from stress and hectic every day life offers. We did see Joggers and a couple of people on bikes so this apparently is a place to go for your daily dose of Sports too. The second time we went, a week later, we did get to see some smaller Alligators, some birds and due to the humidity a bunch more muskeetos. The facilities are clean and well kept and so are the paths. It is possible to have cook-outs, Family get togethers, lots of parking is available and the park rangers are very helpful too. I can only say try for yourself and see what a great place this is. Enjoy!

    Ashley G.

    Loved this park. Went for the first time yesterday with my husband and daughter. We walked the paved trail and did the boardwalk as well. The boardwalk is amazing. So beautiful and the views are awesome.

    Beautiful park with paved walking trails. Tree lined so plenty of shade and benches. Clean restrooms.

    One of the marked hiking trails
    Nadine F.

    5 stars for a small piece of Florida left as mother nature intended. Pulling into the main entrance there is a $2 per vehicle fee to get in which is very affordable for anyones budget. When you first enter into this park it looks small but looks can be deceiving. At first glance you will notice there is not a lot of parking but there is a large playground and several picnic pavillions. As you venture into the park, you realize there is a lot more to its story. Take a walk to the back of the park and find there are several choices of walking trails and a Canoe rental. The largest walking trail starts in the far right corner and is marked with a small post. A few minutes into your walk the voices of the playground fade away and you find yourself a serene environment. There is a paved trail for bike riders and dog walkers and those who just wish to take a stroll along the mighty Alafai River. Along the paved trail there are excercise stations and restrooms but the real magic starts when you abandon the pavement. Follow the hiking trails or make your own way for miles and miles of fun. Walk quietly and you may stumble upon wildlife. Walk carefully because you are in the Florida swamp and may possibly encounter poisonous snakes and will most definitely encounter poison ivy! There are not many places left in Florida where you can hike through the woods without tresspassing. Here you can lose yourself in the real Florida. Don't worry you won't stay lost, there are arrows posted everywhere to show you the way back to the paved trail. Anyone who wants to get to know the original Florida, should come spend a day with her here.

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    3 years ago

    Been going here since I was able to walk. Always a great place to walk or ride a bike. You never know what what you might see in the woods.

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    3 years ago

    Always a great time hiking or kayaking out here. Very family and pet friendly. Highly recommend for a weekend adventure

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    7 years ago

    Are you kidding this place has some of the best casual hiking paths in Hillsborough county! Worth getting an annual pass. So relaxing.

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    Ask the Community - Alderman's Ford Park

    Are masks required when going on the trails?

    No. They just suggest social distancing which is pretty easy to do since you're outdoors.

    Don’t See Your Question? Ask Away!

    Review Highlights - Alderman's Ford Park

    The boardwalk is unique and beautiful and you can ride a bike or walk around a loop that is almost 2 miles long.

    Mentioned in 10 reviews

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    Alderman's Ford Park - parks - Updated May 2026

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