Explore the best rated trails in Merritt Island, FL, whether you're looking for an easy walking trail or a bike trail like the Ponce Inlet Trail and Cross Volusia Trail . With more than 31 trails covering 313 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 had a blast riding in a group, enjoying the shade and sunny skies.
We rode this path from a beach park on south Hutchinson Island to downtown Vero Beach. It was a big ride for us 8 miles one way. Lunch and a drink made it worth the trip. It was mid July and a bit hot. A nice quiet afternoon. We will do it again in the Fall
I wrote a critical review of this trail two months ago due to dangers posed mostly by motorized bikes/trikes mixing in with non-motorized traffic on a very hilly and often sight-restricted segment of this trail. Signage is very clear in prohibiting motorized vehicles, yet they're out there in droves. Today was a prime example of why this mixing should not be allowed, or at least needs to be strictly controlled.
We regularly walk on this trail - I should say we USED to regularly walk this trail, because we won't be going back. Since it's only a half mile from our home, we hoped we could make it work for us. But the lack of any posted rules for shared-trail usage, and the lack of any posted etiquette pointers simply make it unenjoyable for us. In short, it's a free-for-all out there. Two instances today in fairly rapid succession convinced us to not ever go back.
In both cases, motorized units were approaching us unannounced from the rear, and they proceeded to "Thread the Needle" between us and oncoming traffic. In the first case, there was one e-bike and one person-powered bike in line. Not too bad. In the second case, there were three e-trikes in a line squeezing between us and a fast approaching e-bike. The trailer in this line had to veer sharply right immediately as he got right next to us to avoid a collision, causing us to have to check up quickly. So - one speeding e-bike coming towards us; three e-trikes squeezing between us in the middle; and us in line hugging the right side. Not a very comfortable feeling. And these are fairly frequent occurrences on this trail. It was at this point we simply vowed that enough was enough and to never come back.
And at the risk of appearing to want to pile on, the management of Volusia County parks needs to also be taken to task for the lack of maintenance of all the county trails, many of which, while relatively new, are starting to show the effects of weather and aging. On this particular trail, the asphalt is severely cracking and separating in numerous areas. Much of the the wood fencing is rotting, tipping and starting to fall over. Recent rains have vegetation growing across the trail. Trash is starting to appear along side the pavement - the same stuff there day after day. We'll usually pick it up where we can easily get to it, but refuse to go tramping off into the woods to retrieve it. It's a shame because the routes of many of our trails pass through some very scenic, serene and secluded wooded areas.
We regularly walk from the West Blue Springs parking area towards Lake Beresford because it's close to our home and mostly shaded in the summer. The problem has become however, that ebikes/etrikes also apparently like the shade and swarms of them are regularly encountered. Since this segment has a lot of twists and blind turns, maintaining a safe speed and separation from other users is important. Unfortunately, too many of these motorized units are operated by older folks who are simply out for the ride, in their own little no-need-to-pedal-too-much world, and oblivious to other users. They also seem unable to grasp the concept of single file to the right and not passing when opposing traffic is present. Volusia County has failed miserably in posting some simple rules and etiquette for use of not only this beautiful trail segment, but all other trails in the county.
We reviewed this awesome trail three years ago and agreed with most others that it is indeed a wonderful resource for getting out and exercising in Volusia County. The only criticism we had is that it didn't have - and still doesn't have - any posted trail rules and etiquette reminders. Thus, an otherwise 5 star trail is rated a 4 by us. As a result of this neglect, there are a growing number of users - mainly inconsiderate and speeding bicyclers, now joined by the rapidly growing population of e-bikers/trikers - that make the experience far less enjoyable than it should be.
While we both bicycle and walk all segments of this great trail, we mostly walk. In doing so, we are routinely met/overtaken by bikers/trikers who seem to think that it is our responsibility to make room for them, rather than the other way around. The latest irritant (and danger) are the swarms of of e-trikers (mostly older folks) who want to ride 2 and even 3 abreast, oblivious to anyone else out there. And the alarming speeds some of these folks often attain simply have no place on a trail that is supposed to be free of motorized vehicles. We have repeatedly reported this activity to the responsible county manager and have asked that some very basic and random usage guidelines be posted. We've been told that they would look into the matter, but so far nothing.
I have done this trail first thing in the morning it does stay pretty busy. It is 2 miles each way. You have a choice of dirty or pavement. Nice trail on a relatively busy street with wild life and a resturants to the opposite side.
Visiting the area and had my skates with me so woke up early and hit all the different paths down and back. All in all did just about 20 miles total and only hit each section twice (down & back). Now there are a couple boardwalk sections either made out of wood or those plastic planks so be careful hitting the one with plastic planks when there is morning dew on the ground. Some parts are definitely more scenic than others! Saw deer, alligators, squirrels, and ducks. Maybe next time I’ll get to see a swamp ape too! Also if you decide to start real early before the suns up I recommend getting some type of light with you as some sections can be pretty dark.
We started at a parking area on Cow Creek Rd and went south and then west to Maytown. I must point out that the Shack View from bike path is extremely underwhelming, but the trail is quiet and rural in this section. The bike trail through this are is in perfect condition at this time. We rode past a private airport with a few planes. There was a trailside stand for refreshments and produce near the Maytown junction. We got in about 25 miles in our round trip and want to return to finish the other legs of the trail. Highly recommended.
Started in Titusville and rode 20 miles yesterday. Found some delicious coffee shops, bakeries and restaurants in downtown Titusville. Rode 30 miles today. Trail flat and sunny if starting in Titusville - wear sunscreen. Will be back in the future.
When complete, this will be a great trail. But it is in different sections that are not connected. I only did the southern 2 sections on the map. Nice rides on picturesque trails.
We did almost 10 miles in this beautiful trail. Very well maintained and nice neighborhoods. Not crowded and easy to find.
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