Fort Fraser Trail:
Florida
Trail Map
  • Get Personalized Driving Directions!
  • Find Trail Side Shops with Google Search!
  • See Users’ Geocoded Photos!
  • Get a Print-Friendly Map and Get Outdoors!
Description:
The paved Fort Fraser Trail traverses part of the former CSX Railroad line, running parallel to US Highway 98 for nearly 8 miles, from Bartow to near Crystal Lake, Florida.

Although the trail is named for the 1837 fort, built during the Second Seminole War, which in turn was named for Captain Upton S. Fraser, who was killed in the first battle of the war two years earlier. In November of 1837, Colonel Zachary Taylor (later our 12th president) arrived with Company B & E of the 1st U.S. Infantry. With them they brought 80 wagons of supplies to construct a new military road from Fort Brooke in Tampa to the Kissimmee River. Fort Fraser didn't last long; it was decommissioned six months later. Today, a historical marker notes the spot where the fort once stood, just south of CR 540A.

The trail includes picnic and rest shelters; also, look for some of the 33 different species of butterfly that flit among the native plantings, including the lovely zebra swallowtail.

... Click to read more
Parking & Trail Access:
From I-4 in Lakeland, east or west, take the Polk Parkway (Toll Road 570) and exit at US 98 south, Exit 10. Head south to the PCC/USF entrance and follow the signs for the Fort Fraser Trail parking, behind the sheriff's substation.

The Highland City trailhead is due south of PCC/USF Campus trailhead and includes restrooms and other amenities. Head south on US 98/SR 700/Bartow Rd/CR 540A to Highland City. Turn left on Central Ave., right on 4th St SE; parking is on the right.

... Click to read more
... Click to read more
Reviews: [1 trail ratings]
[View all reviews for this trail]
[register/login to Submit a Review of this Trail]
Very Enjoyable
By RStephens in May, 2010
The family ode this trail today. We started at the trail head in Bartow and rode the entire trail as well as the extension to the Circle B Reserve. My daughter recently stated riding a bike less than two weeks ago. We rode over 15 miles with her today on this trail. PLeanty of shde, nice breeze and very clean. We will ride this trail again very soon.
Great trail !!
By Rafael in October, 2009
This trail is well kept and has a nice variety of sections for all kind of activities. It has a couple of hills that are a nice welcome for the bicycle enthusiast as well as for the people walking. The head trail in Highland City has a good facility with parking with access in both directions; north and south. Has some shade protected and wavy sections with places to rest. In summary I think is a great addition for those that want to stay in shape or for those who want to enjoy the natural view.

Rafael Arbelo
Wonderful Trail 1/29/09
By youker in January, 2009
Of the some 30 trails I have done in Florida this has the best amenities. It has 3 nice trail heads with parking, many historical signs and a rest room at the center trail head. It is a wide trail with a good bit of shade. It even has its own marked truck for maintaining the trail. The mileage markers go outward from the center so you need to do a bit of figuring. Youker
Browse Trails by Activity: