Cape Haze Pioneer Trail:
Florida
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Description:
When you walk, run, skate or bike the 5.5-mile Cape Haze Pioneer Trail, you're tracing the line that once serviced Florida's early phosphate industry and also moved people, livestock and locally grown crops, such as watermelons, to waiting steamships in Boca Grande on Gasparilla Island. The long-running Charlotte Harbor & Northern Railroad operated until the late 1970s. Today there are plans to extend the trail south to the Gulf and connect it with the Boca Grande Bike Path on Gasparilla Island, which shares the corridor. The resulting regional trail will span coastal Charlotte and Lee counties.

The fairly straight and flat rail-trail offers a relaxing ride and welcome relief from the area's growing traffic congestion. From its origins near Charlotte Beach, the trail has a rural feel, while multiple access points offer a break whenever you need one. Boasting ample parking, water and restrooms, the northern trailhead is named after longtime trail advocates Robert and Anne Mercer, credited with starting Charlotte County's thriving rail-trail movement.

A 0.25 mile beyond the Harness Road access point, named for trail advocate R. David Johnson, the trail ends at Coral Creek. The vaunted extension is in the works, however. A new housing development has already incorporated the trail into its layout, and a commercial development on the northern end built an extension leading to its tenants.

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Parking & Trail Access:
To reach theRobert and Anne Mercer Trailhead from Port Charlotte, take State Route 776 west to SR 771 south. The trailhead lies on the right about a block south of the intersection.

To reach the Rotonda Boulevard East trailhead, follow the above directions but continue south on SR 771 about 2 miles, then turn right on Rotonda. The trailhead is on the left.

To reach the R. David Johnson Trailhead, follow the directions to the Rotonda trailhead but continue south on SR 771 just more than 2 miles to Harness Road; turn right and continue to the trailhead.

Contact:
Charlotte County Parks & Recreation
4500 Harbor Blvd.
Port Charlotte, FL 33952
(941) 627-1628

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Reviews: [1 trail ratings]
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Nice Trail
By leblondg in December, 2011
This is a very nice bicycle trail. Very well maintained, nice and easy to ride. Nice scenery. Not difficult so not for the hardcore bikers but very nice for us wanting a nice bicycle ride and enjoy being outdoors in Florida.
Should be called Cape Lay-ze
By fivespeed302 in March, 2011
The previous comments were all accurate. I was also very disappointed that I can't bring my dog on this trail. There are signs everywhere prohibiting dogs, as well as signs stating that fines will be issued for violators. Sections of this trail are very isolated. Although I am male, I wouldn't feel comfortable using this trail if I were female and alone. If you are injured or attacked, there is no one to hear your screams. Keep that in mind before riding, and bring a cell phone along with your carry permit and a loaded gun.
Nothing special, but a pleasant short ride
By lfreed in April, 2010
Like most Florida rail-to-trail trails, this one is pretty much flat and straight. There are several road crossings along the way, but traffic on the crossroads is usually very light. You need to be careful when crossing, because the trail is basically invisible to passing motorists.

The trail ends at a small stream that leads into Placida Harbor - it's a pretty spot, but there's not so much as a park bench to sit down and enjoy the view. This may be due to the large number of flying insects near the water.
Trail Photo
Trail Facts
Trail End Points: McCall (State Road 776 & State Road 771) to Harness Road, Rotonda
Counties: Charlotte
Trail Length: 5.5 miles
Trail Category: Rail-Trail
Trail Surfaces: Asphalt
Trail Activities: Bike, Inline Skating, Fishing, Wheelchair Accessible, Mountain Biking, Walking
TrailLink ID: 6015491