By russheitz in November, 2011
As an update, the Legacy Trail's bridge over US Route 41, Tamiami Trail, in Venice has been completed and is now open for business. For Florida bikers used to flatlands everywhere, the ramp to the new bridge has a moderate grade but the average rider should be able to conquer it without much difficulty, especially if your bike has a couple gears. The great part about the new bridge, however, is that it now connects the Legacy Trail to the Venetian Waterway Park trail. This makes the combined total for both trails now about 15 miles one way. As a bonus, the Venetian trail's southern end terminates at Caspersen Beach which is a magnificent blue-water Gulf of Mexico rest stop. It's a great place to down a sandwich and some water before heading north again. All in all, both trails are excellent! The views are pleasant and enjoyable. The ride is safe. And terminus and inbetween parking is adequate to good. Check it out. A Florida Rail-Trail at its best!
By fivespeed302 in March, 2011
This is a very nice trail. It is a concrete trail, basically a double wide sidewalk. I like to start from Shamrock Park, since there is plenty of parking. You can fish virtually at any point. It can be very windy (sometimes it feels like you are going uphill both ways even though it is flat), so be prepared for a good workout. Bring plenty of water, because there aren't many places to fill up except for Shamrock Park. You could also stray from the trail at 41/Circus Bridge to get refreshments, but other than that, you are on your own.
By workman in March, 2008
The Venetian Waterway Trail is on both sides of the waterway, but the only connection point is across the Circus Bridge (or the dangereous Venice Ave. bridge). The trail ends just north of the Venice Ave. bridge, at the Venice Train Station and connects to the Lagacy (Rail) Trail. It is 10 1/2 miles long and is beautiful but still has three breaks in it. The first is a small creek just beyond the Depot. The trail also will cross two bays, on it's way north. From Laurel Road north, the trail is unbroken to it's end point (no road access) about 3/4 mile south of Clark Road. There are probably about 6 unbroken miles on the trail's north end. The grand opening (even though the trail still has 3 breaks) was March 28, though the contractor may not be completely done. The three bridges needed, will require 5 million dollars in the future. The former railroad crossing gates and lights, are now positioned across the trail, as beautiful historical artifacts and the shelters that the county has built along the trail are beautiful with tile roofs, like south Florida houses. This trail needs a seperate listing on the Rail-Trail list, as it carries a seperate name.