Loyce E. Harpe Park — long known to riders as Carter Road Park — is one of Central Florida's best mountain-biking destinations, a Polk County park near Mulberry and Lakeland, southwest of the town of Bartow. With more than 13 miles of twisting singletrack packed into a surprisingly hilly landscape, it draws mountain bikers from across the region to a spot that proves Florida riding is anything but flat.

Like many trails in this part of Florida, the park sits on reclaimed phosphate-mining land, and the old borrow pits and spoil piles have been transformed into a genuinely fun trail network. The main loop is relatively flat with occasional roots — great for beginners and families — while a series of challenging “fingers” branch off to climb over rock and dirt piles laced with berms, jumps, and other features for more advanced riders. There's also a fun pump track near the trailhead and wooden structures scattered along the way, and the trails are lovingly built and maintained by the local Ridge Riders Mountain Bike Association.

The park is open to hikers as well, and it hosts community events through the year. As always on shared natural-surface trails, check the local trail conditions before you ride (Florida trails can close when wet to prevent damage), yield appropriately, bring plenty of water for the humid Florida climate, and pack out your trash. Whether you're learning to ride or looking to session berms and jumps, Loyce Harpe is a Central Florida gem.