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Excellent trail well maintained interesting nature and good rest stop facilities
This is a poor excuse for not providing a decent bike lane on the two lane road that was just re-paved and could easily have included a bike lane on each side. The "bike path" is overgrown and hazardous if you are on a road bike. I used the road and had vehicles blaring horns to move but nowhere to go.
Our first time on the trail. We parked at the historic train depot. Hint you can park in the shade under the bridge.
The depot is also an active bus station for SCAT their local bus service. Bathrooms were clean and parking plentiful. There is a boat launch on the water side of the trail. STOP at the information board and check on the construction projects. There are 2 as of April 2018. A new overpass for a busy road, and another trailhead on the trail is closed due to some road construction.
There is one steep overpass over a busy road at the beginning and after that the trail is pretty flat. However the construction project for the second overpass is a slight pain. there are two ways to go around it, we went to the right and saw a sign that said "go to xxx road to cross" well we are not from the area and have no idea which direction or what road they are talking about. We ended up trying to cross right there which is very dangerous. 5 lanes of traffic. On the return trip the trail allowed access to the pedestrian signal which we were able to push - which stopped traffic for an easy crossing. Just had to ride 50 feet in the road with the traffic stopped and cut over the grass. Can do this with hybrid bikes but not for road bikes with skinny tires due to the sand.
The second construction area looked like brand new roads for brand new housing construction, no problem on the bike path but there is no access to the car parking area for the trail head.
We continued all the way to the end of the trail where you can actually see the railroad ties still in the ground, kind of cool. We checked out Culverhouse park, which is actually only a small hardpacked dirt driveway with only a few parking spaces and a portapotty. There is a picnic table under a nice tree and a trash can, but no real bathrooms or water that I could see. There is a community garden that is locked.
Its a good trail, I was expecting more shade, in areas there are huge housing developments going in, so its obviously not as scenic as it was before. Nice signage explaining the history of the area along the way. Good covered rest areas. Lots of signs reminding people of trail courtesy.
A fun day on the trail.
We are novice bikers and thoroughly enjoy the fact that we don’t have to interact with traffic. Plenty of benches to take a break. Rest rooms also available. You will be surrounded by nature. Great place to meet interesting people.
Started from the train depot. Avaiable restrooms always a plus. Nice level concrete trail on the east side, but like previous reviews, completely open so maybe not so good on hot days. However, after crossing the bridge to the west side, there are no signs as to how to get on and follow the trail to Casperen beach. Also, be nice if the map showed the location of the bridge.
We loved this trail. Started in Sarasota, enjoyed the flatter than a flitter ride to Venice, rode into town and enjoyed lunch at one of the little sidewalk cafes and then rode back, 24 miles total. A very enjoyable day.
I loved this trail. Flat, wide, smooth, shade and lots of greenery. The trail doesn’t go through industrial areas which I like. I went from Laurel Park going north to Pine Ranch Station. Of all the trails I’ve done in southwest Florida, so far this is my favorite. There are places to sit in the shade and everyone was friendly. I was the only in-line skater but I rarely see other skaters on the trails. I felt like I could skate forever on this trail. I didn’t like crossing the street at the detour but that should be repaired soon. Good parking at Laurel Park and a bathroom by the playground. I didn’t see any wildlife. I didn’t see any children on this trail which was odd. But lots of bikers. I drove 1hour and 45 minutes to use this trail and it was worth it! Then I visited downtown Venice by car, which is very close and had lunch there.
Had a lot of fun biking around the island, lots of great place to stop and check out!!! Highly recommend for the casual rider, I got about 19 miles in, island is only 8 miles long. So more of a scenic and exploring ride than a ride to get a lot of miles in
I've been writing this trail for the last 20+ years,it's awesome! scenery is fantastic,and the repair stations, with tools,and air and usually water,great planning. People are courteous always saying hello, how are you. I look forward to riding this trail,every march and October, when I'm vacationing at Indian rocks Beach. Congrats to the wonderful people who maintain and volunteer to keep this trail so wonderful. Thank to all... Dave,Lewiston N.Y.
This is a nice paved trail that allows you to pedal (or walk) along part of the intercoastal. Seems odd to pedal and wave at passing boats, but there you go.
INSIDER INFO:
1) Saturday mornings there's a street market near Michael Biehl park where you can take your wife to buy produce, plants, or whatever makes her happy. They close about noon I think.
2) The trail goes under a few overpasses, giving you some shelter if you get caught in a drizzle/rain event.
3) You almost certainly will see small planes (today a Lear jet) take off and land at the adjacent airport.
4) The trail ends at the beach if you want to take a dip before going back.
5) No hills- easy-peasy trail.
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