Bone Valley Visitors Can Preview 300-Acre Expansion at Rally in the Valley on May 4
by JEFF FOLEY, Polk County Communications Division
Many throttle-gripping thrill-seekers would say there’s nothing better than 200 acres of all-terrain vehicle riding trails, especially when those trails include rocky hillsides and Instagram-worthy scenery. But 500 acres is definitely better than 200 acres!
And that’s exactly what’s coming to Mulberry’s Bone Valley ATV Park – an additional 300 acres for families to enjoy.
When Bone Valley hosts its annual “Rally in the Valley” customer appreciation event May 4, it will also provide an opportunity for visitors to preview Bone Valley North, a 300-acre expansion. Both events are free to attend, and there will be prizes, food and vendors.
“You don’t want to miss this,” says Derek Harpe, manager of Bone Valley ATV Park. “It’s a sneak peek at what’s coming. When this expansion is complete, you’ll be able to bring your grill and a tent, and hang out with us all weekend. People do that already, but soon they’ll have even more space. Bone Valley is a place where families can ride and play together instead of being cooped up in front of a screen.”
Back in the early 2000s, Polk County recognized that locations for ATV enthusiasts to ride legally were dwindling. Then-County Commissioner Randy Wilkinson helped the county use grant funds to purchase 200 acres of reclaimed mining land from Mosaic.
Polk County opened Bone Valley in 2015. Located on the south side of County Road 630, it originally featured 13 trails incorporating the terrain left behind by phosphate mining, as well as picnic areas. Two additional trails, including a motocross track, are slated to open soon.
As it stands now, riders can spend an entire day on Bone Valley’s eight miles of trails. The expansion will take Bone Valley to another level, though, making it a place to spend days exploring.
This is great news, as Central Florida is home to more than 50% of Florida’s ATV registrations.
The 300 acres being utilized in the expansion were also purchased from Mosaic. They are located on the north side of County Road 630, and a new bridge runs over the highway to connect the expansion to the original portion of the park.
“We’re building a world-class facility,” Harpe says. “And our visitors aren’t just from Polk County. They come from all over.”
Once the expansion is complete, visitors will have access to a campground, motocross tracks, an ATV area for kids, event parking and race stage areas.
“We have about 30 new acres ready now,” Harpe says. “We’ll check things off over the next few years. The campground will be amazing. You’ll be able to camp overnight. Then, when you wake up, you can grab a cup of coffee and enjoy sitting by a lake. You may see deer, turkey, hogs, gators … Bone Valley ATV Park is a destination.”
Dream Traxx, which is owned by Bartow native Jason Baker, is developing a new track. Baker develops courses worldwide.For more information, go to www.BoneValleyATV.com.