8/24/2023 0 Comments Rails to trails mapsIn Florida’s rural center, the General James A. Van Fleet State Trail | Photo by TrailLink user keithsnyder30 Van Fleet State Trail Florida's General James A. The route stretches 22 miles from Oakland to Apopka and is anchored on its southern end by Killarney Station, a modern take on an old-time train depot.Ĭounty: Orange General James A. This diverse pathway connects small communities and suburban neighborhoods northwest of Orlando, yet offers ample opportunities for viewing wildlife along the way. Midway along the trail, the Camp Milton Historic Preserve, the site of one of Florida’s most significant Civil War fortifications, offers a place to learn about local history and stroll the grounds, with a nature path and boardwalk.Ĭounty: Duval West Orange Trail Florida's West Orange Trail | Photo by TrailLink user Britte Lowtherĭotted with Spanish moss-draped oaks, skirting a handful of small lakes and winding through the charming town of Winter Garden, the West Orange Trail is a must-see Florida biking destination. The shady corridor offers a haven for many types of birds-including hawks, wood storks and belted kingfishers-and other wildlife. The rail-trail crosses the McGrits and Brandy Branch creeks as it extends 14.5 miles west to the small town of Baldwin. Located west of Jacksonville’s urban core, the Jacksonville-Baldwin Rail-Trail traverses some of northeast Florida’s prettiest landscapes, including wetlands, pine flatwoods and hardwood uplands. History buffs can also enjoy a peek into the past with railroad whistle markers, the Lake Henderson Trestle and a restored 1925 caboose.Ĭounties: Citrus, Hernando, Marion, Pasco Jacksonville-Baldwin Rail-Trail Florida's Jacksonville-Baldwin Rail-Trail | Photo by Anya Saretzky Deer, alligators, tortoises, wild turkeys and many other animals inhabit the landscapes that the paved pathway rolls through, including sand hills, wetlands, cypress forests and groves of longleaf pine. Florida is known for its wildlife, and trail-goers will almost certainly see some here. One of the longest rail-trails in the state, the Withlacoochee State Trail connects a string of small communities in west-central Florida along a 46-mile route largely paralleling the Withlacoochee River. Withlacoochee State Trail Florida's Withlacoochee State Trail | Photo by TrailLink user sarkazoid Related: Trail of the Month Feature on Florida’s Fred Marquis Pinellas Trail Excitingly, this Hall of Fame rail-trail also plays a role in two developing trail systems: a 75-mile loop connecting Pinellas County by trail and the Coast-to-Coast Connector Trail, a 250-mile route across the state. Pedal to nearby Honeymoon Island State Park for a delightful dip in the water and a nature walk through pine flatwoods. Petersburg north past Tarpon Springs and inland to East Lake, the nearly 50-mile Fred Marquis Pinellas Trail allows travelers to experience the charms of Florida’s western shore, with Gulf Coast views and an enjoyable mix of urban waterfront and quaint downtowns. Fred Marquis Pinellas Trail Florida's Fred Marquis Pinellas Trail | Photo by TrailLink user gmquesadaįorming an arc from St. Even better, with some of the flattest geography in the United States, these top trails are suitable for just about everyone. The Sunshine State’s plethora of pathways-including nearly 60 rail-trails-connect travelers to this diverse array of beautiful landscapes and unique communities. The very name conjures up lush natural areas rich in wildlife, sandy beaches and seashells, and vibrant cities bursting with attractions. For resources on how to #SharetheTrail and #RecreateResponsibly, go to /COVID-19. As others have said, best option is to start on the southern end, if you can get one of those couple of gravel parking spaces on Zion Cemetery Road, right off of the Mammoth Cave Parkway.otherwise, you can go up the Parkway just a little ways to the paved lot near the big Mammoth Cave Park sign, where there are 4-5 spaces (but you'll miss a couple of cool sections of the trail that start on the cemetery road).NOTE: A s you head out on the trail, remember to follow the guidelines by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and state and local governments. As for the starting point, no need to start in town (not that interesting anyway, unless you need to go to a store, or something like that). Surface is hard-packed dirt, but with a layer of pretty course gravel (trap rock, etc.), so definitely best for fat tire bikes. If you enjoy getting of the roads and paved trails, and ride trails through the woods, but don't like narrow, technical, dangerously unkempt trails, this is the trail for you! Nice wide, easy going in most sections, with a couple of steeper sections (which can be ridden easily on an e-bike.otherwise walked, as they recommend).
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