Explore the best rated trails in Pine Castle, 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 50 trails covering 422 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.
Nice paved trail for a short ride. We parked at the visitor center and rode the southern section. It will be if/when both sections are connected.
We started at the Floral City trailhead and rode to Croom. 13.5 miles. 27 round trip. All beautiful shaded tree canopy. About 6-7 miles from Floral City right on the trail at Istachatta is a great ice cream and sandwich shop. Would definitely ride again. We saw a deer and wild turkeys.
We live in Florida and have driven Hwy 98 for many years, always saying that we should ride this trail. Today was the day. We parked at the sheriffs station as someone had suggested. The trail is a very nice paved path for a very comfortable ride and well taken care of. Lots of shade and a chance to see the area at a slow pace. Lunch at Culver’s after our ride. A beautiful day.
If you don't have a full-suspension mountain bike, I would recommend NOT doing this trail. If getting your teeth almost rattled loose, then, yes, this is the trail for you. I started out @ the Green Mountain Trailhead parking area. I expected crushed stone on the switchbacks coming off the mountain, but I expected that to turn into asphalt at "lake level". For the next 8 miles, I kept expecting pavement, but was sorely disappointed. I had initially expected to do the whole 17-mile O/W (34 mile R/T) trip to Magnolia Park, but quickly realized that would turn into a whole-day affair at my average speed of 8 mph. To say nothing about the wear-and-tear on my body. Absolutely horrible rutted, pock-marked, eroded limestone the whole way. I finally "bailed" at the North Shore Trailhead (the 8-mile mark). Rather than take that horrible trail back to the Green Mountain Trailhead, I resolved to take roads back -- which added 4 miles to the trip but was worth it. This, in spite of having to climb two substantial hills towards the end of the ride (Green Mountain is a sister mountain to Sugarloaf Mountain, with similar climbs).
Also, the scenery is rather bland. Barren scrub brush with no trees. Flat as a pancake. Some people claim there's substantial wildlife. I didn't see any. I did hope to maybe see a gator sunning itself, but no luck.
Out of curiosity, I went to Google Maps to see what the Magnolia Park end of the trail looks like. As far as I can tell from satellite view, as soon as the trail leaves Binion Road out of Magnolia Park, the limestone starts. It may be in better shape than the horrible stuff I encountered, but I'm not going to waste my time finding out. Lake & Orange Counties have much better trails.
There is an amazing quality to the vistas you can find here. Undeveloped rolling hills of grass and trees, eerie stillness, and strange dreamlike feelings galore. Extremely liminal, particularly in the early evening. Bring your own water!!
I had a nice ride today at my first visit to the Fort Fraser Trail. Most of the trail parallels Hwy 98 so I wouldn't call this a deep in the woods nature trail but it is way off the highway so you feel safe. Trail was in excellent shape with only a few blind corners that encourage you to slow down. On this Friday afternoon there was very little pedestrian or bike traffic. Street crossings are well marked with stop signs and even the light poles have some cute motivational quotes printed on signs. Nice touch! I did find a diversion connector trail to the Circle B Bar Reserve. I will definitely go back there and explore some more.
we had a blast riding in a group, enjoying the shade and sunny skies.
Little over 5 mi round trip on this trail. Nice and quiet. A safe ride. Not a lot of shade or people around. There's a Little hill you can get up to 25 miles an hour going down it.
Started at Dunnellon and after several miles turned back. There is absolutely no shade whatsoever and not much to look at as it runs behind homes.
This trail is great for enjoying nature, but has very little shade, so plan accordingly.
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