The wildlife makes this trail (they say) but I saw only a few turtles, deer, big birds, a snake (dead/alive?). The flora is about the same as you find on most FL trails; love the live oaks & pines. To me it became pretty monotonous heading straight as an arrow on a smooth flat surface (no hills, no curves). Having a companion rider along would have helped break up the routine. You could put it on cruise control & take a nap.

Bring your own water & nourishment, you'll find none along the way (except water at Green Pond TH). Empty your bladder before you depart. Don't plan on using a cell phone; signal is poor. There is little shade to be had--didn't matter much in Dec but in July or August it may. This wouldn't be a "destination trail" for me but if you're in the area it's worth checking out.

This trail is awesome. It is 29 miles of flat, straight pavement. Great ride for any age. This is an isolated trail, though safe, always ride with someone. Facilities are limited, so take water and food (sunscreen). Plenty of picnic tables with covers overhead. Fantastic wildlife viewing, take camera. I have seen deer, gators, snakes, turtles, raccoons, squirrels, amardillos, wild pigs & boars, coyotes, bear, vultures, eagles, hawks, owls, and one escaped pet monkey (for real!). If you like nature, give yourself time to take it all in. You won't be disappointed. I have rode some of the best trails in the state of Floirda and this is my favorite.

Previous reviews are right on the money. The only thing I will caution you on is that I have ridden the trail twice and encountered poisonous snakes both times. Both times they were across the trail and did not move. Remember this trail is REMOTE! There is no medical care readily available. Great ride, be careful!

Nice ride if you have trouble with turns, because there is only one. Plenty of animals, on my round trip I was able to see one alligator crossing the trail two nice black snakes also crossing the trail and about 24 turtles (too funny how some react when you go by). Best encounter was with an owl sitting on a bridge post not more than 15' from where I stopped. Nice trail but man is it straight.

I rode this trail on April 25, 2011. Nice trail, very quiet and remote. Saw more wildlife than people. Also, very hot in the middle of the day. Bring plenty of water. Water and bathrooms are available at the Mabel and the Green Pond Trailheads. Lots of critters to see; alligators, otters, turtles, vultures, and suicidal squirrels. You know, the kind that run at moving wheels. Trail is straight and level as stated in the description. There is a connector that goes to the Teco - Auburndale Trail. It's almost 7 miles South to the trailhead at the Lake Myrtle Sports complex and Denton Ave. Both trails are worth the ride.

WOW! What an amazing, wonderful gift! We rode the trail and were thrilled to experience the cypress groves, swamp lands, grazing pastures, gopher tortoises, snakes, alligators, llamas (or maybe alpacas), birds, butterflies, wildflowers, swamp flowers, etc etc etc. Lots of benches to take a break. No cars at cross roads. This is a lightly used trail compared to others we have been on. People were all very friendly - no obnoxious guys flying by at 30MPH, snarling at you to get out of the way. As stated, bring food and water, bug spray, sun block and a hat. The sun is strong at high noon, but the trees are tall and provide shade in the early morning and late afternoon. We found the 5 miles north of Green Pond Road to be the prettiest.

I rode the trail from north to south on March 1st. It was the 8th trail on my quest of 10 Florida trails. I was the most remote of all10. I saw seven alligators along with a couple of snakes lost of birds and turtles.
I really prefer trails that are in a more rural setting. The 29 miles are an ideal distance for a leisurely ride before lunch. Trailhead direction were right on.

The best part of the trail for us was the northern 19 miles. We saw 7 alligators, 2 bull snakes and a flock of vultures eating a dead cow within 30 feet of the trail. I biked this trail 2 years ago and only saw a couple river otter. It is boringly straight, but makes up for it with all the wildlife to see.

My wife and I rode the section from Bay Lake to Green Pond and back, a ride of 20 miles round trip. This portion of the trail is about as remote as you can get in Florida. We saw gators, armadillos, tortoises and one very wise owl. The scenery is Florida wetlands - enjoyed the series of bridges in the middle. The trail is straight ahead the entire time, but the scenery alongside is ever changing and wonderful. We didn't see the rest of the trail, but we will return to do so. We parked at the Bay Lake trailhead, which isn't very well marked, so bring a good map. We had no problems there.

The construction is complete on the Van Fleet Trail! Keep your eyes open and you will have wonderful wildlife viewing opportunities. We have seen fox squirrels, pygmy rattlesnakes, deer, alligators (with babies), otters, gopher tortoises and various snakes. The trail is flat and straight which can be a bit dull, but the critters and not having to dodge traffic makes up for that.

We started in Polk City at the south end of the trail and road north only to find that the trail was closed at the 10 mile mark due to bridge maintainance. The trail was also not completed yet going south from Polk City but we road around the barrier and got a few more miles in anyway, it was a 120 mile drive there we wanted our RIDE! The 10 mile section we got to ride was average not much to see but trees, and a few turtles. I suggest calling ahead to make sure the trail is open, here is the number on the sign at the closed end>352-516-7384

My wife and I rode this trail today and it is an interesting trail with a lot of opportunities to see the varied wild life of the swamp. However, I would not recommend parking at the Green Pond road trail head. When we returned from our ride, our car had been broken into. The officer who came to investigate the incident commented it happened about once a month at that location. So, by all means, ride the trail. You will not be disappointed. But, park at the Polk City trail head or the Mabel trail head and, hopefully, you won't have the unpleasant surprise at the end of your ride like we did.

We found the Van Fleet Trail, more or less by accident, when looking for some quiet lanes (back roads) to cycle on during a visit to Orlando several years ago. It immediately became the main focus of our future visits. Keen cyclists for many years, Great Britain France Spain & Italy were becoming too hilly, mountainous , and busy for us. The quiet back roads of Central Florida were a surprise to us but the Trail was the icing on the cake. We loved it, straight, yes, flat yes, booring never. We have stood on the covered benches out of the rain, dodged snakes, watched alligators from a few feet away, fed the cats at Green Pond road (sorry Mr Ranger) & found the Sub at Polk City. Unfortunately now due to unexpectedly arisen medical problems we will probably not be returning again but will remember the Van Fleet as one if not the best loved of our rides ever. How lucky you locals are. Extending the trail safely through Polk City down to join up with the other short section into Auburndale is long overdue and would open up this under used gem to the Winter Haven area. Thanks for allowing us to share it with you for a few years. Finally, Armstrong for the 2009 Tour de France???? J E R, July 15 2009

Looks like all the grading and road base construction is complete, and they're waiting for a break in the weather to start paving in Polk City's piece of the link. I'm told the state is in charge of connecting the new link to the south terminus of the Van Fleet, and they are planning to route the trail around the west boundary of the existing parking lot at the terminus.

"This is THE trail to ride when you want to get away from it all. Lots of wildlife, covered benches and soooo quiet. Watch-out for the numerous snakes, some are poisonous. Bring your own water."

"From web page:
http://theledger.com/article/20070720/NEWS/707200320/1062/YOURTOWN18

Polk City has received funding to build the connection between the north end of the Auburndale-TECO trail and the Polk City trail head of the General Van Fleet Trail.
Both trails are built on a contigious railway corridor.
The construction area is about a mile to a mile and a half in length. It should pass by mostly low density residential subdivisions."

"YES!! This trail is worth extending to help preserve the Real rural FL. We traveled from OH & were not disappointed (except for the urban sprawl,which is getting close to the north end). We saw Red Tail Fox, Armadillo, and lots of Cooters! And surprisingly there is lots of shade."

"Monday, June 12, 2006

Polk City Wants to Extend Trail

By Iza Montalvo
The Ledger

POLK CITY -- The trek along the Van Fleet State Trail would stretch more than a mile into Auburndale if city officials have their way.

City officials are envisioning turning a stretch of undeveloped land with overgrown bushes and trees on Berkley Road and State Road 33 into a 5,550foot-long paved trail.

But that vision goes beyond a simple trail were people could ride bicycles, jog or enjoy the wildlife walk.

""We envision a park atmosphere with benches, vegetation and lighting,"" City Planner Gene Kniffen said. ""We are still in the planning stages, but it will be pretty neat.""

The trailhead of the Van Fleet State Trail extension would be on Berkley Road and would connect to Daniels Road, a dirt road in Auburndale.

That would link the Van Fleet State Trail to the TECO-Auburndale Trail. The Van Fleet Trail runs for 29 miles between Polk City and State Road 50 in Sumter County.

And Auburndale has been in talks with Polk City officials about extending own TECO-Auburndale Trail to the Van Fleet State Trail.

Denico said the Van Fleet extension is worth the time, money and effort because people will use it.

As an example, she pointed to a horseshoe walking nature trail about mile from the Van Fleet Trail that brings visitors from as far as Panama City and Miami, Vice Mayor Chris Denico said.

""You know when you see the car tags how long people have traveled to use it,"" Denico said. ""That's why we know this project is going to be a great addition. It will be used.""

The trail extension may take two or three years to complete.

The project's first phase is estimated to cost the city about $300,000 to $400,000. That phase would consist of clearing the area and paving a strip in the middle.

Kniffen said he hopes that work can be completed by the fall of 2007, if the city can get the money through grants and other sources.

The second phase would be planting trees and flowers, putting in benches and lighting. There is no cost estimate for this phase.

On Tuesday, the Planning and Zoning Board reviewed a survey of the trail plan and is recommending that the City Council seek state funding and grants to pursue the project.

The city would most likely seek funds from the Department of Environmental Protection and the Department of Transportation, Kniffen said.

The council is expected to make a decision at its next meeting Tuesday about whether to approve construction and about seeking funding for Phase 1.

Denico wants to make sure the city's natural flora and fauna doesn't get trampled with construction.

""It's going to be a great addition to the community,"" Denico said. ""But we want to preserve its natural beauty.""

Iza Montalvo can be reached at iza.montalvo@theledger or 863-401-6967."

"This is one of the most remote paved trails I have ever been on. I remember only crossing 3 roads in 30 miles. Except for Polk City, there are no places to eat on or near this trail. Watch for alligators and wild hogs. If you are looking for a place to get away from it all in Central Florida, this is it. "

"I rode 15 miles out from the Mabel trailhead. It's a beautiful ride. I saw lots of wildlife later in the day. Around 1:00 p.m. I saw two deer about 100 yards up the trail. They ran alongside the trail for about a quater mile as we rode behind them. Later I rode up on a 10 foot alligator that was sunning about 6 feet alongside the trail.

When my friend rode up along side of it after I already passed, the gator jumped off the trail side and dove into the swamp! It was a fantastic site. We also saw no less then 20 turtles, and several snakes.

Don't let my review scare you -- all these critters run from you. They hear you coming before you see them. This is an excellent trail. Ride it and take in the beauty and leave nothing but great memories."

"This is an excellent trail for heads-down-mindless-cardio-pedaling. If you want to get a good workout in this is a great trail. There's good shade, it's a long, flat, and straight-as-an-arrow trail with few road crossings. Watch out for small alligators, and snakes on the trail. Don't worry -- they'll run first!"

"The Auburndale-TECO Trail is now officially open to the public. Expect plenty of shade in the morning, and full sun from mid-day to late afternoon. Bring water with you. The trail is within a powerline-utility corridor.

Parking is available at the Lake Myrtle Road Trailhead and the Lake Mrytle Park Soccer Fields. The trail may be accessed from Braddock Road, Pace Road and Mt. Olive Road.

The trail has a gentle upward slope from Braddock Road to Pace Road, less of a slope from Pace to Mt. Olive Road. There is a convience store at Lake Myrtle Road and Berkley Road."

"The Florida Office of Greenways and Trails has assumed management of the Van Fleet State Trail this year. The Polk City Trailhead has been upgraded with the additon of a picnic shelter and paved ADA handicapped parking. The City of Auburndale has been paving. First, a parking lot has been completed for the Lake Myrtle Road Trailhead, it is open to the public. Second, the trail corridor between Braddock Road and Mount Olive Road has been paved, but TECO's gates for the corridor have remained locked. This newly paved portion will be accessable from Braddock Road, Pace Road, and Mount Olive Road."

"From: www.theledger.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20030701/NEWS/307010368/1004

July 1, 2003: Grant Will Extend Auburndale Trail; By Merissa Green in The Ledger

AUBURNDALE -- The Parks and Recreation Department has been awarded a $200,000 state grant that will help extend the Auburndale Trail.

Once Auburndale receives the money, which it will have to match, another 2.5 miles of the trail will be paved, said Cindy Hummel, parks and recreation director.

The sooner Auburndale can connect to the Van Fleet Trail in Polk City, the better, Hummel said.

""It's good for our citizens,"" she said. ""This will enable them to do more in our community instead of going someplace else.""

Auburndale is the only municipality from Polk to receive the allocation from the Florida Recreation Development Assistance Program this year, said Terri Messler, community program administrator for the Florida Department of Environmental Protection.

The city completed a 1.2-mile section of the Auburndale Trail last year. This year's grant will mean 3.7 miles of the trail will be paved.

The trail will eventually connect to the Van Fleet Trail in Polk City, making the total distance 7.8 miles, Hummel said. She hopes to have the project completed by 2005.

The Van Fleet Trail is 29 miles long, ending at State Road 50 in Sumter County.

The city has worked for several years with Tampa Electric Co. and other agencies on the trail development of the abandoned CSX railroad right of way west of Berkley Road. The city bought a portion of the right of way between Lake Myrtle and Braddock Road in 1998.

TECO owns the balance of right of way between the city's property and the Van Fleet Trail in Polk City. The property was annexed in January 2001. Both TECO and the city have utilities in the 100-foot-wide parcels between Braddock Road and an area just south of I-4.

In 2002, Auburndale entered a 30-year lease with TECO that will allow the city to develop 51Ú2 miles of property between Braddock Road and I-4.

The lease will cost the city $1 per year.

TECO is in discussions with the state Rails-to-Trails program regarding donation of the 100foot-wide parcels north of the interstate that would connect with state property at the Van Fleet Trail.

The Florida Rails-to-Trails program, started in 1987, was designed to purchase abandoned railroad corridors and other areas.

In addition to hiking paths, such trails are typically used for such recreational activities as bicycling, horseback riding and wildlife observation.

Later this year, the city will construct parking and restrooms at the trail.

Merissa Green can be reached at merissa.green@theledger.com or at 863-401-6968."

"Wonderful ride! Finally made it the entire trail (roundtrip)... saw three deer, one field rabbit, four snakes, six gopher tortises, numerous birds...

Suggestion: start your ride as early as possible, and wear sunscreen! Since the trail runs north/south, the sun can be merciless as noon approaches. Also bring plenty of water..."

"Very good shape - well maintained. Saw 50 turtles, deer and great birds. Over 2 hours I only saw 3 people. They have covered bench areas in the swamp every 2 miles or so. Great Trail.

Only 30 minutes from Disney World. I4 West to Polk city make left go to bridge. Trailhead in park under bridge."

"The Lakeland Ledger, Published Saturday, September 14, 2002

Getaway to Nature: Along With Exercise, Van Fleet Trail Offers Abundance of Wildlife, Plants; Tom Palmer

The Withlacoochee River hits a barrier where Polk County meets Lake County. The barrier opens in three places and the blackwater stream pushes through on its way westward to the Gulf of Mexico.

Sometimes you can hear baby alligators grunting from the protection of the tangle of pickerel weed, primrose willow and other aquatic plants.

The alligators and the rush of the river are audible because this is the middle of the Green Swamp, miles from urban noises, 12.6 miles to be exact.

That's what the distance marker on the pavement of the Van Fleet Trail says. The marker measures the distance from Polk City, the trail's southern beginning for hikers, bicyclists, rollerbladers and horseback riders.

The pavement lies on the river barrier, a berm completed in 1925 to support a railroad bed. The long-abandoned set of tracks was built by the former Seaboard Air Line for a route that went from Coleman in Sumter County to West Palm Beach.

Today, 29.2 miles of that abandoned rail line have been converted into the Gen. James A. Van Fleet Trail State Park, named after the World War II military leader who was a Polk County native.

In June, U.S. Secretary of the Interior Gale Norton named it a National Recreation Trail.

A Ledger reporter rode a bicycle the length of the trail over a recent two-day period.

ESCAPE

At either end of the trail, whether you're in Polk City next to the State Road 33 overpass or in the unincorporated Sumter County community of Mabel next to the State Road 50 overpass, it is not quiet.

Tractor trailers' diesel engines seem even louder from the nearby overpasses, shooting sound waves down the trail.

One way to escape the noise is to head down the trail.

Some trail riders disappear quickly toward the trail's vanishing point.

Preston Hall of Lakeland is unloading his bicycle just after dawn for just such a quick ride.

His goal is exercise.

""I come out here at least once a week,"" he said.

Hall likes to ride in the early morning because it's cooler, less humid and he has more opportunities to see wildlife.

""I saw my first bobcat a couple of weeks ago,"" he said.

Farther down the trail, Oscar Pimentel of Polk City is returning from his regular weekday exercise ride.

He said he has been riding on advice from his doctor after a quadruple bypass operation.

But there are long stretches with no encounters between trail users, at least on a recent weekday.

OTHER SOUNDS

As the highway noise dulls, other sounds replace it.

A red-shouldered hawk calls from somewhere among a forest of maple, bay, pine and cherry on one side of the trail.

On the other side of the trail, a ribbon of underbrush gives way to a pasture below the trail.

A bobwhite calls.

For the moment the cattle in the pasture are intent on grazing and say nothing.

Not far down the trail, a subdivision with its own airstrip appears on the right.

A little farther, unpaved ranch roads cross the trail.

The vegetation changes at irregular intervals.

In some places there are pastures, then there's a strand of wax myrtles, slash pine and water oak, then there's more pasture or open pine woods or a cypress swamp or a marsh or a stand of sweet gum.

Wet areas predominate.

This is, after all, the Green Swamp, a place that collects and holds water even in the places that are not swampy.

NOT FLAT

Some bicyclists disparagingly refer to the trail as the ""Van Flat.""

It certainly appears flat, in the sense that it is not hilly.

But the trail's seeming flatness is an illusion.

The Polk City trailhead sits about 135 feet above sea level.

By the time the trail crosses the Withlacoochee River swamp, the elevation has dropped to 105 feet. The trail elevation rises again to 113 feet north of the river, but drops to 103 feet at Bay Lake Road, the next trailhead near an area known as Bayroot Slough.

By the time the trail ends in Mabel, it is about 95 feet, a drop of 40 feet from Polk City.

Whatever the trail's elevation, it is usually higher than any of the surrounding countryside.

That is, except when it crosses a place in Lake County called Carter's Island, a small hill that rises to 130 feet.

Here the railroad line was cut through sand and rock that rises 8 to 10 feet above the trail.

There are oaks and sandhills here instead of cypress and standing water.

There has been some talk of trying to set up a primitive campground here.

Carter's Island is one of those sights that adds interest to a trailside view that generally seems to change in predictable and not very interesting ways.

A CLOSER LOOK

But if the general view is unexciting, the micro-views can be fascinating.

You may look down and see an oval-shaped hole a few inches wide with its main occupant, a gopher tortoise, peering out tentatively.

The hump of land upon which the trail sits is ideal for gopher tortoises, who look for high and dry living spaces.

Many congregate in the relatively dry section of the trail around the Green Pond Road trailhead, a quiet area, whose serenity is broken only by the occasional roar of farm equipment or a crowing rooster.

Sometimes you should look up.

On one side of the trail in a maple tree hangs a respectable-sized hornet nest, not a common sight around here.

Flying just above the trees, a trio of Eastern kingbirds are migrating south.

Far higher a red-shouldered hawk circles in the thermals.

All types of wildlife live along the trail, though it will take repeated visits to see many of them, said Mike McCarthy, the trail's ranger.

""The more you come, the more you'll see,"" he said.

Wildlife surveys so far have turned up 102 species of birds, 60 species of butterflies, 11 species of reptiles and amphibians and nine species of mammals.

In addition, biologists have identified 159 species of plants along the trail.

Those plants can grow in interesting combinations.

At the edge of the Withlacoochee floodplain, a giant red maple tree supports an impressive collection of bromeliads and resurrection ferns.

In Bayroot Slough, a colorful swamp-dwelling prothonotary warbler gleans insects from tree branches.

Sometimes it's better to focus in the distance to see interesting things.

South of the river a family of raccoons 100 yards away quickly crosses the trail, disappearing quickly into the undergrowth.

In another place, about three miles south of the northern end of the trail, a low pasture stretches off the west, interrupted by cypress domes.

Spots of color -- yellows and pinks -- dot the field, evidence of polygala and meadow beauty that stand out against the plainer colors of the grasses.

Then there's movement and three white-tailed deer appear from hiding in the tall grass and disappear again behind a cypress dome.

A few barn swallows, darker blue than the sky through which they move, zip quickly southward.

In another field south of Bay Lake, wild turkey move through the grass, only their featherless heads visible.

More birds appear at another trail crossing, one that's aerial instead of terrestrial.

Eighty-one black vultures, one wearing the telltale yellow wing tag of a biological research project, sit atop the giant metal frameworks of the electric transmission line.

They finally begin soaring as the day warms, joined by a pair of turkey vultures. All eventually disappearing as black dots against the sky, creating their own invisible trail.

MORE PEOPLE

At the north end of the trail, people appear again.

Jim and Peggy Coleman, who just moved to Clermont in nearby Lake County in July, are new converts.

""We're going to be using it,"" Jim Coleman said.

McCarthy, the ranger, said the Colemans aren't the only new people discovering the trail.

He said estimated trail use has grown to about 35,000 visitors a year, up 1,000 or so from a year ago.

Although use is growing, it is still considerably less than urban trails, such as the 34-mile Pinellas Trail, which attracts 90,000 users a month.

But most of the people who visit the Van Fleet Trail don't travel far, which means staring at the rippling Withlacoochee River can still seem like a fairly solitary experience.

But then a bullfrog or a Carolina wren break the silence and you realize you're never really alone on this trail.

Tom Palmer can be reached at tom.palmer@theledger.com or 863-802-7535."

"From web address:
http://www.theledger.com/local/east_polk/06trai.htm

Two Trails Merge; Official Opening as One Set for Thursday

Tuesday, August 6, 2002

By MERISSA GREEN
The Ledger

AUBURNDALE -- The Auburndale Trail officially connects with the Van Fleet Trail in Polk City this week. City officials will open the trail at 10 a.m. Thursday.

Polk County and state officials have been invited to the ceremony opening the nearly 4-mile final stretch.

Cindy Hummel, parks and recreation director, said she's excited about the trail's completion. ""There are so many people that are into walking and rollerblading,"" she said. ""I think it's a great addition to our recreation in Auburndale.""

The addition of the extension creates a 40-mile trek from the Auburndale trail head to the end of the Van Fleet Trail near Mabel in Sumter County. Auburndale spent $95,445 developing the trail extension. The commission approved a 30-year lease in January with Tampa Electric Co. that allowed the city to develop 3.9 miles of property between Braddock Road and Interstate 4 so that the two trails can be connected. The lease costs the city $1 per year.

The city received $5,000 from Gulf Stream National Gas Systems for shelters, two covered benches on platforms and trash cans, Hummel said. In the 2002-03 proposed budget, parking and restrooms for the trail are planned, costing $125,000. Hummell said $75,000 of that amount is from a Department of Environmental Protection grant. The city will pay the remaining $50,000.

The city has worked for several years with TECO and other agencies on the trail development of the abandoned CSX railroad right-of-way west of Berkley Road. The city bought a portion of the right-of-way between Lake Myrtle and Braddock roads in 1998.
TECO owns the balance of right-of-way between the city's property and the Van Fleet Trail in Polk City. The property was annexed by Auburndale in January 2001.

Both TECO and the city have utilities in the 100-foot-wide easement between Braddock Road and an area just south of I-4. The Florida Rails-to-Trails program, started in 1987, was designed to purchase abandoned railroad corridors and other areas. In addition to hiking paths, such trails are typically used for such recreational activities as bicycling, horseback riding and wildlife observation.

Merissa Green can be reached at merissa.green@theledger.com or 863-293-3017."

"Auburndale OKs Land Lease for Nature Trail: The city plans to connect the Auburndale and Van Fleet trails in May, making it 40 miles long.
Wednesday, January 30, 2002
By MERISSA GREEN
The Ledger
AUBURNDALE -- Nature enthusiasts will soon enjoy a longer journey on the Auburndale Trail. The City Commission unanimously approved a 30-year lease agreement Tuesday with the Tampa Electric Co. that will enable the city to develop five and a half miles of property between Braddock Road and Interstate 4 that will connect the Auburndale Trail to the Van Fleet Trail in Polk City.
The city plans to connect the two trails in May, making it 40 miles long from the Auburndale trail head to where the Van Fleet Trail ends near Mabel in Sumter County, said Cindy Hummel, parks and recreation director. The lease will cost the city $1 per year.
Preliminary plans call for paving the portion of the trail that is within the city. The city has $100,000 budgeted for the project. The trail cuts through 126 acres of Lake Myrtle Park, said City Manager Bobby Green. With all the activities planned for the park, the trail will enhance recreation, he said.
""The trail can become a focus for the park,"" Green said. ""It allows us to close the missing link between the Auburndale Trail and the Van Fleet Trail.
The city has worked for several years with TECO and other agencies regarding trail development of the abandoned CSX railroad right of way west of Berkley Road. The city bought a portion of the right of way between Lake Myrtle Road and Braddock Road in 1998. TECO owns the balance of right of way between the city's property and the Van Fleet Trail in Polk City. The property was annexed in January 2001. Both TECO and the city have utilities in the 100-foot- wide parcels between Braddock Road and an area just south of I-4. TECO is in discussions with the state Rails-to-Trails program regarding donation of the 100- foot-wide parcels north of the interstate that would connect with state property at the Van Fleet Trail. The Florida Rails-to-Trails program, started in 1987, was designed to purchase abandoned railroad corridors and other areas. In addition to hiking paths, such trails are typically used for other recreational activities such as bicycling, horseback riding and wildlife observation.
TECO went back and forth on the draft stage of the agreement, said Cynthia Price, TECO's regional manager.
""We are pleased as a company to have this continued relationship in the community,"" she said. ""I think it's a win-win situation for all."" Hummel said she's real proud of the agreement.
""I go to the trail frequently and I hear so many comments,"" she said. ""It will enhance recreation on the trail.""
Commissioner Jim Moody is excited about the connection.
""I'm real tickled by this,"" he said.
When Commissioner Marvin Wiley was city recreation director, he said the city had the dream but didn't have the money to extend the trail. Wiley said the extended trail will be wonderful for the residents. ""It looks like a beautiful plan,"" he said. ""I think it's perfect the way it's falling into place.""
Merissa Green can be reached at merissa.green@theledger.com or at 863-293-3017.
From web page address.
http://www.theledger.com/local/east_polk/30trai.htm"

"My wife and I rode the length of the General Van Fleet trail yesterday and it was an excellent ride.

The northern end of the trail passes through the “Great Green Swamp” so there are enough trees to block the sun except when it is directly overhead. The swamp makes for a very interesting and beautiful ride.

The southern end is more open and passes through pastures and open fields. There are still some well-shaded areas along this end of the trail. And it too is quite beautiful.

The volume of traffic, level of safety, and quality of the riding surface will be of interest to fellow cyclists. There are no cars. Down and back we encountered 15-20 other cyclist, 3 joggers, a couple walking, and one guy walking his dog.

The trail surface is smoothly paved and well maintained from highway 50 to highway 33. The trail is flat and straight. There is only one curve in the whole trip and it is so long it’s almost unidentifiable as a curve.

For the full length of the trail, round trip with a side trip to lunch, my cyclometer read 58.96 miles.

There are clean, well stocked restrooms at each end of the trail and another about a third of the way up from the southern end.

There is no shortage of wildlife along the way. We saw three snakes (non-venomous), a baby rabbit, several huge gopher turtles, a variety of falcons, hawks, and other large birds of prey, and a large whitetail doe.

We started at the northern end. At the southern end we turned left on the road and went a block or two to highway 33, left on 33, and found two restaurants in the next block.

We had lunch at Walt’s Restaurant. A quaint little place where one of the waitresses had a t-shirt with Confederate flag on the back and without exaggeration half of the patrons were wearing camouflage outfits. There was only one sedan in the parking lot, the rest were large new pickup trucks. The food was good, the people were polite, the children were well behaved, and some said grace before they ate. They list several homemade cakes and pies on a whiteboard inside. It was a very pleasant meal and we will undoubtedly return on our next trip.

The General Van Fleet trail is an outstanding ride. We put it off far too long but we will return often.
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"AT THIS TIME LAKE COUNTY IS PLANING TO CONNECT THE G.VAN FLEET TRAIL TO THE CLERMONT TRAIL IN CLERMONT, FLORIDA.THE CLERMONT TRAIL ALREADY HAS ACCESS OF LINKAGE WITH LAKE MINNOLA TRAIL.LAKE COUNTY IS ALSO WORKING WITH THE WEST ORANGE TRAIL FOR CONNECTIONS WHICH HEADS UP TO APOPKA, FLORIDA.ON THE SOUTH TERMINAL OF THE VAN FLEET TRAIL POLK COUNTY IS WORKING ON CONNECTIONS WITH WITER HAVEN AND LAKE ALFRED TRAIL JUST WEST OF THE VAN FLEET TRAIL. IF YOU CHOOSE TO RIDE THE VAN FLEET TRAIL, BRING WATER AND FOOD, BECAUSE MOST OF THE TRAIL IS IN THE COUNTRY.WHILE RIDING STAY AWAY FROM WILDLIFE!! ENJOY THE TRAIL AND HAVE A GOOD TIME."

"All 29 miles now paved. 12 feet wide. Parking, water, & restrooms at northern end (Mabel). Benches & one restroom with drinking water along trail. At southern end of trail (Polk City) go 0.2 miles east and 1 block north to restaurant."