Find the top rated running trails in Fort Meade, whether you're looking for an easy short running trail or a long running trail, you'll find what you're looking for. Click on a running trail below to find trail descriptions, trail maps, photos, and reviews.
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!
It is a dream ride, all paved, scenic views from beginning to end. Stop off at Whiskey Joe’s for dinner or cocktails. Sandy beaches to sit on - easily make a day of this one trail and not wear yourself out.
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.
We rode our tandem on the Courtney Campbell Causeway on a bright, beautiful Super Bowl Sunday, 2/9/25. The asphalt still has a few sections where the pavement has been lifted and so is rough, but it is very serviceable with most bumps avoidable. The pelicans were diving and feasting on bait balls across the bay as we rode. The trail was busy, especially near the parks in the causeway, but nothing that a bit of patience didn’t resolve. It is a wide multiuse trail. We used a parking area in Cooper’s Grove Park in Del Oro Grove on the west side of the bay. We rode out and back and explored Safety Harbor (nice!) and some additional areas after our out and back.
Paved path runs parallel to the road the whole time. Park in lot at Walgreen’s because there’s no lot at trail head. It was ok.
We were surprised to find no designated parking at either trailhead ends. We did discover a nice area at the Polk State College trailhead in Lakeland with picnic table. The trail was nicely paved except for a couple spots. Not very scenic but a decent ride.
The only reason this isn't five stars, is some areas are bumpy. It is close to needing a resurfacing. Excellent shelters that are well spaced with water, real bathrooms, two parking lots, and entrances from opposite ends.
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