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We are new to riding in Florida, and after searching Trailink, I found that this awesome trail was only a few miles from our place. We decided to park in Osteen and take the south end of the trail, before crossing over the bridge over 415. The trail is well maintained with bathrooms located in all of the parks which the trail rolls through. Our overall experience was a wonderful experience. Meeting a few turtles, road runners and yes, some really nice humans too along the way was pretty cool. The aqua colored Sulphur spring was incredible to see as it seemed to actually glow. When we rolled into Gemini Springs, it was amazing to see the large fish swimming below us in the crystal clear waters. The final destination was the added trail around Lake Monroe, which had it's share of sunlight, and but also had much more of Gods Balconies to shield us from the sun. Because of the weather, we had to cut our ride short on day one as we barely got back to our car before the storm hit. Day 2 was a perfect day with loads of sunshine, so we started at the northern end with plans to cover what we hadn't seen on day one, but ended up riding the entire trail once we got rolling. Thanks to all responsible for this wonderful trail.
WOW I can not say enough about this trail. We rode all 29 miles of it from end point to end point for 60 miles total. The trail is totally flat. No incline at all. The trail wisp through marsh lands, Wooded land, Pasture fields and small towns at each end point trail head. There is plenty of shaded areas however the areas in the sun can get quite hot for long stretches. Lots of water is required for this ride. Along the way we say 6 10 to 12 foot alligators one 4 footer and numerous baby's about 1 to 2 feet long. We saw them from one of the many swamp overpasses. We saw none on the path or near it. The ones we saw were close to us but below us. We saw numerous turtles, pelicans, cows,panther,numerous style birds. The trail is about a 50 minute drive from Clearwater and we did that in rush hour. There were nominal places to eat or water fountains in comparison to typical trails. The trail is maintained well. There are sheltered areas to cool off about every 5 miles. The trail was also pretty well traveled the day we were on it. Still it was a pleasant ride. This is a great trail and I rank it 5 stars. I have traveled across the country on great trails. This is in my top five. Just be prepared for the unexpected and bring water. Limited food too.
We packed lunch and headed-out to the Osteen Community Center on Hwy 415. Parking and restrooms are excellent. We went west over the pedestrian/bicycle bridge and rode approx 6 miles to Green Springs. Easy ride with about half of the trail covered by a canopy of tree limbs. We visited the Springs and then had lunch at a park bench by the boat ramp over-looking Lake Monroe. We then rode the 6-miles back. A very easy-going enjoyable 12-mile ride. I will return to do the complete ride on the east section of Osteen and then turning back west and ride past Green Springs on the one-way 12-mile ride at a higher rate of speed. Must be a great kept secret as there were only a few people out on a Saturday!
Thank you for the trail.
this trail offers a view of nature and wildlife at its best as you ride along the trail. you will need to be on the lookout for snakes and turtle crossing the trail. The trail is clean and well maintained.
Good shade well maintained but mileage is poorly marked. Boombah softball field is a good rest stop with rocking chairs, shade and clean restrooms. Walking is fine not much of bike path due to all the stops.
If you are in to going fast than use the roads, this is for relaxing rides. Not sure why there are so many complaints, I find the trail quite relaxing and very nice. Not sure where people are riding saying they have to stop ever 1/4 mile. I've been riding this trail since it first opened. I remember walking down the railroad tracks that follow the same path when I was a teenager back in the early 70's.
We parked at Thornby Park, Restrooms and water. There were several parking areas also nearby and all marked nicely. We headed east and weren't sure how far the trail went. Some maps I looked at showed all the way to Titusville. It actually ends 8 miles. Five miles in there is a great diner (recommended by another reviewer), Osteen's Diner is a great stop to take a break and grab a bite to eat. This is a beautiful 8 mile, tree shaded trail with lots to see. Head west and you're on the Spring to Spring trail for an additional 8 miles. We'll possibly do that trail another day.
Lake Monroe is around the corner from where we parked, beautiful view.
Not marked very well and lots of stopping for traffic lights
Been on many paved trails from PA to FL. This rates as one of the best. Great scenery and solitude, wildlife everywhere! There are stretches where you will see no other cyclists for miles, especially early in the morning. Make sure to bring a tire repair kit.
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