This Florida Off-Road Park Transformed 500 Acres Of Former Phosphate Mining Land Into An ATV Adventure

A county government built a pro-designed motocross track on old phosphate mine land, and one ticket covers it plus miles of ATV trails. That sounds like a teenager’s daydream, but it’s a real place you can ride in Central Florida.

The track’s designer is a Bartow native who has built dirt for professional supercross races. Out on the trails, riders also get a twisty route shaped like a roller coaster.

I like how this place turns worn-out mining ground into somewhere families can actually play. Dirt bikes, quads, and side-by-sides all get room to roam, from gentle beginner loops to steep hill climbs.

The name is pretty great too, since this region is famous for ancient fossils like Megalodon teeth and mammoth bones. So what happens when prehistoric dirt meets a modern throttle?

Old Mining Land Got A Second Life With A Lot More Horsepower

Bone Valley ATV Park sits on ground that once belonged to the phosphate mining industry. Polk County bought the first 200 acres from Mosaic, a fertilizer mining company, back in 2009.

The park officially opened in 2015, and the county clearly wasn’t finished. In July 2017, it purchased another 300-acre tract to make room for expansion.

Today, the whole property covers about 500 acres of reclaimed land. That’s a huge upgrade from the smaller park that first opened its gates.

Growth kept rolling for years after the purchase. In 2024, crews finished big additions like a motocross track and a bridge over County Road 630.

I believe that’s what makes this park so fun to think about. Land that once fed a mining operation now feeds the needs of riders who love dirt.

The terrain still carries clues from its past life. Reclaimed phosphate hills rise up next to sandy tracks and steady dirt climbs.

Polk County Parks and Natural Resources runs the place, so it feels organized and well cared for. Not bad for a former mine, right?

The Name Comes From Bones Way Older Than Your Grandpa’s Dirt Bike

Mammoths, rhinos, and giant sharks all left their mark on this part of Florida. That’s the real story behind the Bone Valley name.

The label comes from the Central Florida phosphate district, a region famous for vertebrate fossils. Many of them date back roughly 5 to 23 million years.

Phosphate mining often turned up these ancient treasures by accident. Workers digging for fertilizer minerals kept bumping into prehistoric history instead.

Megalodon teeth from this area are known for being well preserved and often richly colored. Fossils of whales, dolphins, stingrays, and other sharks have surfaced here too.

Land animals made the list as well. Alligators, mastodons, and ancient horses once roamed the same region where riders now kick up sand.

I can’t imagine a cooler backstory for an off-road park. Every hill climb sits in a place that paleontologists consider a true treasure trove.

Just remember that the trails are for riding, not digging. Enjoy the history as a fun fact to share at the picnic table between laps.

It definitely beats naming a park after the nearest highway exit.

Miles Of Marked Trails Mean Plenty Of ATV Adventure

Here’s something that should make any rider grin: miles of designated trails winding through Polk County terrain. Published sources list between 14 and 15 trails, so check the park’s current trail map before visiting.

Every trail at Bone Valley ATV Park runs one way. That simple rule keeps traffic flowing in the same direction, which makes riding feel calmer and safer.

Trails are marked and rated by difficulty, too. Leisurely cruisers and advanced riders can each find a route that matches their comfort level.

The ground keeps things interesting. You’ll roll over dirt climbs, reclaimed phosphate hills, and sandy stretches that test your balance.

Some sections throw in small jumps for a little extra air. Others may hold the occasional mud puddle, especially after Florida rain.

That mix is great for building skills. A newer rider can start easy, then slowly work toward the tougher routes over several visits.

Open riding areas add even more freedom between trail runs. So you can practice turns or simply enjoy some wide-open space.

My advice? Start with a lower-rated loop to learn the layout first.

Then you can push yourself once the park feels familiar.

Hang On Tight Because One Trail Rides Like A Roller Coaster

Roller coasters usually come with long lines and a seat belt bar. At this park, the coaster comes with handlebars instead.

The moto coaster trail opened in May 2024. It’s built as a roller coaster-style ride, with the kind of flow that keeps your stomach guessing.

Riders who crave a challenge can also head for the hill climbs. Hills in flat Florida?

Yep, the reclaimed phosphate land makes it possible.

Those climbs feel like a fun surprise in a state better known for beaches than elevation. They also give you a solid chance to practice throttle control.

A smart approach is to take each feature slowly the first time. Learn where the dips and rises are before you try to speed things up.

Wet weather can change the ground quickly. Clay and dirt get slick, so give yourself extra room when conditions look soggy.

I like that these features add some personality to the park. They turn a simple ride into something you’ll talk about on the drive home.

Just maybe skip the hands-in-the-air move. That trick works better on the theme park version.

Motorcycle Fans Get A Track Built By A Supercross Pro

Bone Yard Motocross adds another exciting dimension to Bone Valley ATV Park. The motorcycle-only track officially opened for public riding on November 15, 2025.

The one-mile track came from Dream Traxx. That company is led by Jason Baker, a Bartow native who builds tracks for supercross.

So yes, a local talent shaped dirt for his home county. That’s a pretty cool full-circle moment.

Bone Yard Motocross is for motorcycles only. ATVs and side-by-sides stick to the trails while dirt bikes get the jumps and berms.

Ride days started out twice a month. The plan is to grow toward weekly sessions as operations scale up.

Regular park admission includes access to Bone Yard Motocross, but riders must reserve their track sessions in advance and wear the required protective gear.

Because motocross sessions require advance reservations, check the current track schedule and secure your spot before loading the truck. Riders should also confirm all required safety equipment before arriving.

I believe this track is a real gift to Florida riders. Having pro-level design at a county park feels almost too good to be true.

New Riders And Little Ones Have Their Own Place To Learn

Everyone starts somewhere, even the rider who ends up flying over jumps. That’s why the dedicated training areas here matter so much.

These spaces give riders room to learn and sharpen their skills. Beginners can get comfortable before heading out to busier trails.

Families with young riders should plan ahead. Florida requires off-highway vehicle operators under 16 on public land to wear an approved helmet, eye protection, and over-the-ankle boots, and to ride under adult supervision.

Riders under 16 also need to complete a rider’s eCourse. Knock that out at home before the trip, so nobody sits on the sidelines.

I like how these rules turn safety into part of the adventure. Kids learn good habits early, and parents get real peace of mind.

The rated trail system helps young riders grow too. They can move from easier routes to tougher ones as their confidence builds.

Pack the right gear for every family member, including gloves and sturdy boots. Comfortable riders usually stay out longer and smile bigger.

Training areas might not sound flashy. But they’re where future hill-climb heroes take their very first careful laps.

No Machine At Home? Rent One And Ride Anyway

Not owning an ATV doesn’t have to keep you off the trails. Showdown ATV Rentals offers rental options for visitors who want to experience Bone Valley without bringing their own machines.

The lineup includes single and double-seat ATVs. You’ll also find two-seat and four-seat buggies, plus dirt bikes.

Go-karts are on the menu as well, which adds a fun racing twist. Thirty-minute track rides are another option for a quick thrill.

Helmets come included with rentals. That’s one less thing to buy or borrow before your first outing.

Showdown ATV Rentals requires ATV renters to be at least 18 years old and hold a valid driver’s license. Check the company’s current requirements before booking.

Keep in mind that park admission is separate from rental fees. Budget for both, so there are no surprises at the gate.

Renting is a smart way to test the hobby before buying anything. You can try a quad one visit and a buggy the next.

I can’t think of an easier way to bring curious friends along. Nobody has to haul a trailer, and everyone still goes home dusty and happy.

Take A Breather Because The Comfort Stuff Is Covered Too

Riding hard builds an appetite and a serious need for shade. Luckily, the park handles the basics well.

Clean restrooms are available on-site. That alone makes a long day of riding much more pleasant for families.

Grassy picnic areas give everyone a spot to relax between rides. Some even come with gazebos for a break from the Florida sun.

A concession stand is on-site too. Still, packing plenty of water and snacks is a smart move on hot days.

Hauling a trailer? Plenty of paved parking makes unloading machines far less stressful.

Overnight stays aren’t offered at Bone Valley ATV Park itself. If you want to camp, Hardee Lake County Park sits about 15 miles south.

That setup works nicely for a weekend trip. You can ride all day, then head down the road to rest under the stars.

I like that the park thinks beyond the trails. Good amenities mean the non-riders in your group can still enjoy the day.

A comfy lunch break might even give your sore arms a fighting chance for round two.

A Little Homework Now Saves A Lot Of Headaches At The Gate

Your GPS destination is 10427 County Road 630 W., Mulberry, FL 33860. The drive is easy, but the prep work matters most.

Hours change with the seasons. From October through May, the park opens Friday through Monday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

From June through September, the main park operates Friday through Monday from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. The Moto-Coaster follows a separate Saturday and Sunday schedule.

The park closes on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day.

Race days or private rentals can shift the schedule too. Always check the official county page before you leave.

Your machine needs a spark-arresting exhaust silencer or end cap. It also has to stay under a 96 dB noise limit.

Florida’s off-highway vehicle titling requirements apply to Florida residents. Visitors should review the park’s current documentation and vehicle requirements before arriving.

Three-wheelers, jeeps, and sand rails aren’t allowed. Pets need to stay home as well.

Day passes and annual passes are both available. If Bone Valley ATV Park becomes your new favorite Florida playground, that annual pass might start looking pretty tempting.