Rail-Trail
State: FL Length: 6.60 miles Surface: Asphalt
The Auburndale TECO Trail connects Lake Myrtle in Auburndale with Polk City, where it meets up with the General James A. Van Fleet Trail. The Auburndale TECO Trail is flat and invites walkers, joggers, cyclists, and inline skaters. At the southern end of the trail there is an observation area where you can watch bald eagles, which have built a nest nearby.
State: FL Length: 3.20 miles Surface: Asphalt
The Chain of Lakes Trail stretches for more than 3 miles along a former railroad bed from downtown Winter Haven north to Lake Alfred in central Florida. As its name implies, you'll pass numerous lakes along the way, as well as parks, neighborhoods and businesses. After the first mile (from the trail's southern endpoint), you'll approach busy Avenue T. To reach the northern section of the trail, turn left (west) at the roadway and travel on the sidewalk to the pedestrian crossing just past Inman Park (at the U.S. Highway 17 intersection). Once across, travel back east along the Avenue T sidewalk to the trail. The pathway continues north another two miles to U.S. Highway 17/92.
State: FL Length: 7.75 miles Surface: Asphalt
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.
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: 29 miles Surface: Asphalt
The James A. Van Fleet State Trail runs 29 miles through some of Florida's most scenic rural landscape. If you are looking to immerse yourself in wetlands and wildlife, it will not disappoint; at least one-third of the trail crosses central Florida's 322,690-acre Green Swamp. The trail stretches from Polk City north to the town of Mabel on State Route 50. The Polk City trailhead offers ample parking, picnic and restroom facilities, plus an expansive field of clipped grass, perfect for a game of pickup soccer. From the Polk City end you can also head south to Auburndale along the Auburndale TECO Trail. The flat and arrow-straight route, with one slight curve around Mile Marker 5, have made it a favorite among time-trial bicyclists, though thanks to its remote setting, you'll likely encounter only the occasional speedster. The Green Pond Road trailhead, near Mile Marker 10, marks the boundary of the Green Swamp, one of Florida's protected wetland and wildlife areas. From here on watch for feral pigs, armadillos, buzzards, tortoises and possibly an alligator or two basking on the trail's warm asphalt surface. While the Bay Lake trailhead signals the end of the protected reserve, the final 10 miles of the to the Mabel trailhead are every bit as scenic. The decision is yours whether to race back to Polk City or savor the return trip along this beautiful, serene trail.
State: FL Length: 3.55 miles Surface:
From the City of Leesburg website: This network of trails will serve as a recreational and transportation connector to the downtown business area, residential neighborhoods and various parks. Additionally, the City is proposing to develop a 500 acre nature park off of CR 470 that would include hiking and off road trails. Ultimately, the Leesburg Greenway Trail will provide connectivity to the county and regional trail system.
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: 46 miles Surface: Asphalt
The 46-mile Withlacoochee State Trail is a must-do pure Florida experience for any trail enthusiast. Situated between Orlando and Tampa, it hosts a steady stream of visitors and locals on its paved path and adjacent equestrian trail. The Withlacoochee's length, popularity and proximity to numerous communities have given rise to seven trailheads, information kiosks, colorful murals and convenient parks. Although the trail makes for a long journey, food and drink are never too far as you travel southbound through Citrus Springs, Inverness, Floral City, Istachatta and Trilby. For much of its length, the trail parallels the Withlacoochee River, a state-designated paddling trail. The best place to catch river views and put in your canoe or kayak is at Nobelton Wayside Park, about 8 miles south of Floral City. From here the trail crosses the Withlacoochee State Forest and Croom Wildlife Management Area. In the mornings and early evenings expect to see deer along this roughly 6-mile stretch. Near the southern boundary, Silver Lake Recreation Area offers year-round camping. Several miles farther south is the heavily used Ridge Manor trailhead, just off US 98/SR 50. Fortunately, a state-of-the-art overpass leads safely across the congested roadway.