Explore the best rated trails in Hernando, FL, whether you're looking for an easy walking trail or a bike trail like the Withlacoochee State Trail and Archer Braid Trail . With more than 27 trails covering 316 miles you're bound to find a perfect trail for you. Click on any trail below to find trail descriptions, trail maps, photos, and reviews.
We parked at Lake Townsen Park, had some lunch at Bree’s Provisions (They close at 2:00) and rode north, out and back for about an hour. The trail is well maintained and goes through beautiful farm country.
Started at Green Pond Trail Head and headed North. As reported, the trail has some pretty big bumps and a few holes, usually near the edge. With the limited traffic on the path, it isn't difficult to avoid them but you do have to keep your eyes on the trail. On 3/28 there was quite a bit of tree trimming and brush consolidation in the 10 miles between Green Pond and Bay Lake and some heavier equipment was staging at the State Park garage near Green Pond so maybe they are going to fix it this Spring.
The 10 miles between Green Pond and Bay lake is a very nice mostly shaded ride through timber with swamp land on both sides. There are 3 bridges about 2 1/2 Miles North of Green Pond which provides a place to watch alligators (this is mating season so you see some but there's a bunch more as the grunt and talk...), enjoy the birds and quiet serenity. At Bridge 2 that day, there is a 10+ Foot alligator nesting with her (soon to be) baby alligators.
North of Bay Lake is very nice and shaded for the 4 miles we traveled (Total round trip of 28 Miles).
Some call this trail 'straight and boring.' I'd suggest that it is quiet and serene, and, because it is straight and wide, you can spend most of your time enjoying nature!
This is a terrific ride on paved trail through shaded natural landscapes. Pine and live oak uplands and cypress swamps. The trail bed is in very good condition except for some minor root bumps here and there. Enjoyed the challenge of some long but gentle hills near the Gainesville end. We rode hybrid bikes so medium narrow tires and did nearly the entire trail and back again in two and a half hours of actual riding.
Great trail! But definitely needs some work after the Hurricane's North of Polk City. Trucks have created some dangerous dips/holes in the asphalt from the trail repair crews. BE CAREFUL. the Shade hides some of the obstacles.
You may encounter some equipment on the trail also during weekdays. Hopefully, it will get re-surfaced along this 2 - 3 mile stretch. I did NOT RIDE South of Polk City. Overall, a Very Nice trail. Will be back to 4 star trail after repairs.
Living in Apopka, I've been on portions of the West Orange Trail MANY times. Your description starts at the southern point at the bottom of Lake Apopka and ends with the words describing the trail ending at its southern point along Lester Rd. You should change the word "southern" to "northern". Otherwise, a nice description of a very nice trail. Thank you.
I love riding rail trails because you don’t need to worry about traffic ! Cross over a few roads but nothing major until you get into Gainesville. But there are crossing signals and traffic was good about stopping. Recommend you eat at The Wrap Shack if you ride into Hawthorne.
This is a great trail through marsh and forest area. As many we met on the trail say. This trail feeds our souls...enjoy. we will be back.
The trail is well maintained. There are a lot of road crossings and this in general is poor for road biking with only a few sections that are decent in length without interruption. For those using tri bikes there is essentially nowhere I felt comfortable in the aerobars. This is better suited for more leisurely activities.
Rode every inch on this trail back and forth. Not too much nature but one very small section. Should be called the Highway Trail most of it is right next to the highway. I've been on rail to trails all over the country this is my least favorite. You pass thru a lot of very trashy areas near Cross City, Chiefland and ride next to the highway A LOT. You see more broken down should be condemned trashy single wide trailers than nature. Also this is the only trail I've ever seen where the were to lazy to pull the rails up first. They just slapped the blacktop right on top. Big waste of good steel and it's causing problems all over the trail.
As of 11/24, there was a roughly a1000 foot section of the trail adjacent to the lake that is still closed due to past hurricane flooding. You will have to go on the road to get around it. No longer flooded, just covered with debris which will hopefully be cleaned up soon.
Parked off a dirt lot about the midway point of the trail. Rode west, enjoyed a view of the gulf at the endpoint, then turned around, and road the 6+ miles to the other end. If I had a complaint, it would be that the trail didn't go further.
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