We rode the trail on a late September morning and had a great time. We parked on a public beach lot and rode east to Rosemary beach for a total of about 30 miles round trip. The trail is well kept and we had shade for about half of the ride (there was less as the sun went overhead). For the most part, people we encountered on the trail were friendly and courteous but it did get a little congested around Seaside. It’s a nice, relaxing ride on a smooth asphalt trail.

This trail seemed to go on forever. We parked at Salinas park, which has clean restrooms, beach access, and a gorgeous boardwalk overlooking the bay. We did 16 miles round trip, with a stop at the beach. But you could go even further if desired.

I live in the area. During tourist season it can get quite crowded (as do the highways and grocery stores). During off season it is a pleasant ride. No walkers 3 abreast and not paying attention to your bell. I’ve now just started to shout bike on the left and that helps. The areas this trail follows has a lot of beach rentals and the little towns are just crawling with people. Views are pretty but there are other trailsduring peak season.

The paved part that starts at Frank Brown Park is great. I expected more from the conservation park on the west end. We rode everlasting trails totaling about 12 miles and saw 3 ducks the whole time. I was expecting to see much more wild life during May but there was none. Not even any fish in the waterways. So partly good and part just ok.

Why Spend money to build a trail If you are not going to maintain it? The asphalt is in decent shape, with the expected cracks and upheaval. The benches along the trail are mostly rotted as is the fitness stations. The bridge near the north end is not safe - many rotted planks. Parts of the trail have a lot of litter. The restroom at the boat ramp is pretty gross. After all that the trail was a good short exercise experience. Signage to the trailheads are non-existent.

Just to let people know, conservation park at the west end has a 9 mile loop that I frequently ride. It is dirt/ gravel so no road bikes. Im not sure if all the other trails allow bikes but its all posted. Im adding a picture that shows the trails.

We rode this trail in March, 2019 and would like to share some observations. The trail has great potential, connecting four state parks. Personally, when I ride it again, I would stick to the western section beginning just east of Grayton Beach SP to Topsail SP. The eastern section has over one hundred driveways and an annoying surface including paver bricks and sidewalk. In addition, the Seaside and Seagrove Beach areas were very congested and I had to walk my bike through crowds of people. To be fair though, it was during spring break.

This is a fine trail. I don’t understand why the other writer rated it so low. The surface is in excellent condition, there appears to be a low threat of any crime, and most of the trail is near woods or fields with no car traffic nearby. The only downside is the hot location in Florida. This is a perfect winter trail.

Gayle's trails is actually four different interconnected trails, each interesting. I suggest that you park in Frank Brown Park, which has bathrooms and water. The park also is the trail head and has a very useful map of the trail system.