Rail-Trail
State: FL Length: 42.50 miles Surface: Asphalt
One of Florida's most popular and unique urban pathways, the Pinellas Trail spans the 38.2 miles from St. Petersburg north to Tarpon Springs, connecting several county parks, coastal areas and communities. Its multiple access points, mile markers and parking areas make the trail—and the communities it connects—very popular destinations among cyclists. For the first 15 miles from St. Petersburg the trail crosses dozens of pedestrian bridges with sweeping views of the urban landscape. The most scenic of these is the 0.25-mile Cross Bayou Bridge, which spans Boca Ciega Bay. Farther north lie the towns of Largo, Clearwater and Dunedin. In downtown Clearwater the trail merges with wide sidewalks and a newly resurfaced bicycle boulevard. Use caution through here because the trail crosses roads with heavy traffic. Dunedin offers a particularly pleasant scene, with shops, restaurants, public restrooms and parking. The Gulf of Mexico is just two blocks away, worth the brief detour for lovely coastal scenery. In the quiet township of Palm Harbor pause on the Bayshore Boulevard pedestrian bridge at Mile Marker 29 for more Gulf scenery. From Tarpon Springs's quaint business district the trail continues under US 19 to Keystone Road (CR 582) at Melon Street. An extension will continue along Keystone to East Lake Road, linking an already existing section of the trail. The Keystone Road link is expected to be complete in 2013; until then, you can pick up the other 4.25-mile section of trail at Keystone and E. Lake Road/CR 611. The trail heads south to John Chesnut Sr. Park.
State: FL Length: 12.40 miles Surface: Asphalt
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.
State: FL Length: 6.50 miles Surface: Asphalt, Concrete
The North Bay Trail begins in downtown St. Petersburg with an easy connection to the scenic 42-mile Pinellas Trail at Bay Shore Drive SE. From there, the trail heads north along Tampa Bay, offering enjoyable views of the water, busy marinas, palm trees and beaches. The trail turns inland at Coffeepot Bayou, which is lined with beautiful waterfront homes in the Old Northeast neighborhood. A busy commercial area follows as the trail closely parallels 1st Street NE. After crossing a pedestrian bridge at 79th Avenue NE, you'll turn back east and head up to 83rd Avenue North, where the trail ends. Along the way, the long list of recreational amenities that the trail provides access to is exceptional. From south to north, you'll be in the vicinity of: - Progress Energy Park (180 2nd Avenue SE) - Demens Landing Park (Bayshore Drive and 1st Avenue SE) - South Straub Park (200 Bayshore Drive NE) - North Straub Park (300 Bayshore Drive NE) - Vinoy Park (701 Bayshore Drive NE) - North Shore Park (9th Avenue NE and North Shore Drive NE) - Gizella Kopsick Arboretum (901 North Shore Drive) - Flora Wylie Park (13th Avenue NE and North Shore Drive NE) - Coffee Pot Bayou Park (3200 1st Street NE) - Rio Vista Park (1st Street and 79th Avenue NE)
State: FL Length: 4.40 miles Surface: Asphalt
The Ream Wilson Clearwater Trail will one day stretch across Florida from Tampa Bay to the Gulf of Mexico. Four miles on its eastern end are now complete and run through Safety Harbor. It will one day connect to more than 20 parks, including current connections to the recreational amenities of Carpenter Field, Cliff Stephens Park, Del Oro Park, and Cooper's Bayou Park.
State: FL Length: 5.80 miles Surface: Asphalt
The paved trail in Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park stretches across the preserve for about 6 miles. Well-spaced shelters along the trail offer pleasant places to rest in the shade; many are even furnished with ice water. The park, a short distance northwest of Tampa, is one of the largest natural areas in Pasco County. A mixture of pine woods, wetlands and palmetto scrub can be experienced here, and recreational opportunities include hiking, biking, birding, horseback riding and camping. For further adventuring, you can continue on the 42-mile Suncoast Trail from the eastern terminus.
State: FL Length: 42 miles Surface: Asphalt
Opened in 2001, the Suncoast Trail is part of Florida's Statewide Greenways and Trails System. The parallels the Suncoast Parkway, beginning in northern Hillsborough County, and heads north through Pasco and Hernando counties. It passes through a mix of suburban, agricultural and natural areas, along which you will find rest areas and interpretive signs that illuminate the trail's historical significance and identify the local ecology. One of the Suncoast Trail's most impressive features is the nearby Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Preserve, with beautiful waterways and scenic views of natural areas.
State: FL Length: 3 miles Surface: Asphalt
The Town-n-Country Greenway is part of Tampa's network of trails and non-motorized greenways. You can access the paved trail from a parking lot on Webb Road, just south of Woodbridge Boulevard and on the east side of Hanley Road between Hillsborough Avenue and Waters Avenue. You can also jump on the short trail at the Shimberg Sports Complex. There are plans to connect the greenway with the Upper Tampa Bay Trail, which is near the Town-n-Country Trail's west terminus. For more information, contact: Hillsborough County Parks & Recreation Department Trails & Greenways 7508 Ehrlich Road Tampa, FL
State: FL Length: 8 miles Surface: Asphalt
Widely regarded as Tampa Bay's best urban trail, the Upper Tampa Bay Trail provides a scenic escape from its congested surroundings. The original section winds through suburban Citrus Park on an unused railroad corridor and extends along the west bank of the Channel A waterway, a drainage canal. From the Peterson Park trailhead, the first mile leads through a rural landscape past grazing cattle, sheep and other livestock. At Ehrlich Road the scene waxes suburban, and interesting local eateries tempt you with their fare. Next, you're transported over busy Gunn Highway on a beautifully constructed pedestrian bridge, a good example of Florida's investment in its local trails. The route then diverts from the original railroad corridor and takes a sharp right along the Channel A waterway, lined with native vegetation and beautiful cypress trees. You'll soon cross a lovely wooden bridge over peaceful Rocky Creek. Continue following the west bank to the Waters Avenue trailhead, which offers plenty of parking, restroom facilities and an information center. This is a good spot to begin a trek or take a break. Beyond, the trail crosses Waters Avenue and parallels Memorial Highway to the westernmost trailhead. There are plans to connect the Upper Tampa Bay Trail with the Town-n-Country Greenway.
State: FL Length: 9.50 miles Surface: Concrete, Grass
The Venetian Waterway Park Trail follows along both sides of the Intracoastal Waterway, from the ocean north and somewhat east, past the Venice Airport to north of Venice Avenue. It is flat and often windy, passing through a mix of urban corridor and open green space. Colorful murals, covered rest and picnic areas and interpretive signs dot the way. You will also find playgrounds, fitness stops and parks. At the northern end of the trail, you can link directly with the Legacy Trail and continue toward Sarasota.