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Print Friendly MapThe Old Fort King Trail is a 6.7-mile mixed-surface trail in west Central Florida. The trail consists of two parts: starting from John B. Sargeant Park, a 2.2 mile paved portion heads north, along the east side of US 301. This part is easy for users of all ages and abilities. At the end of the paved path, the trail crosses US 301 and heads into the forest,continuing north to Hillsborough River State Park along an unimproved path that can be a challenge on a regular day, and downright impassable during periods of heavy rain. This part is best for hiking (carry a walking stick) and mountain biking.
It's best to start at John B. Sargeant Park at the southern end so you can start with the paved portion of the trail. The park is located at 12702 US 301, Thonotosassa, Florida. There is a nominal parking fee to enter the park.
Started at John B Sargent Park and rode north up into the Hillsborough River State Park mostly through wooded trails. The first few miles are paved and follows along the east side of Hwy 301. Once you cross back over to the west side of 301, it's unpaved the rest of the way. I veered off the designated trail at Dead River road and headed west to the river and then north on a path that follows the river for a good ways. I eventually found my way into the park. The trails are very beautiful and secluded. It is a low lying area, so it's best to take this ride during a dry spell when it has not rained for a while. I did it on a hybrid bike with 32 cc tires without any problems. The entire trip was 25 miles and took me about 4 hours. Highly recommended!
I’m giving this trail four stars precisely because most of it is just a simple dirt trail through a pristine Florida natural habitat -- we were just biking between the trees through beautiful nature. However, we did the trail during a very dry time in March 2022 and with 1.75 inch tires, and it didn’t hurt that we started on the dirt road out of the state park and didn’t know any better. If the conditions are wet you’ll want to do the non-asphalt part on a mountain bike with knobby tires.
Trail follows 301 like an old road. Feels historical but noisy due to traffic did not get into wooded part was closed. Not long enough for good ride w/o that section.
The first 2 1/2 miles would have been worth 4 stars but the unexpected short length puts it at 1 for me.
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