Legacy Trail (Sarasota to Venice Rail-Trail):
Florida
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Description:
The Legacy Trail between Sarasota to Venice covers 12 miles and runs along a former CSX Railroad corridor. The trail passes by lovely waterways and includes rest areas with benches and restrooms. A new bypass over US 41 allows for a direct connection with the Venetian Waterway Park Trail.

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Parking & Trail Access:
You can access the Legacy Trail at Potter Park in Sarasota, Bay Street Park and Oscar Scherer State Park in Osprey, Laurel Park in Laurel, Nokomis Park in Nokomis, and Patriots Park and the historic Venice Train Depot in Venice.

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Reviews: [7 trail ratings]
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Terrific Trail!
By patmplsmn in March, 2012
I posted a similar review of this trail on TripAdvisor. I can't believe how few people have reviewed it on this site, so chose to do so again here. The local community is very proud of this trail and justifiably so. A friend and I decided to check it out while vacationing in the area. We biked the southern 2/3 of it and really enjoyed the ride. It is relaxing and fairly scenic in many spots, passing over waterways and alongside a few local and state parks, as well as an attractive restored train depot. With a new highway overpass in place in Venice we only encountered 1 busy road crossing, and that one is signal-controlled. We rented hybrid bikes at a shop called Real Bikes on US 41 in Venice, and their back door is directly adjacent to the trail...no need to bike on streets at all here if you don't want to. Highly recommended if you're looking for an active pursuit in SW florida.
Great trail
By chuckkittrell in September, 2011
I travel a lot and just started bike riding. I take my bike with me when I don't have to fly somewhere. So as I was in Florida I looked online for bike trails and found Legacy trail. I entered through the state park and rode 14 miles (to the bridge construction and back). What a wonderful ride! Very pleasant day and beautiful scenery. Crossed a couple of lakes and saw some wildlife as well. Not too many bikers, walkers, or traffic. Looking forward to riding this trail again.
Legacy
By rondon3689 in July, 2011
Great trail cannot wait until the bridge over US 41 in Venice is completed, although 41 is busy in that area there are traffic lights to get you across safely. once the bridge is completed in Sept it will be virtually non stop from Sarasota to the Gulf of Mexico in Venice. On the trail I have safely seen bob cats, armadillos, turtles, snakes and gators