I pedaled from Port Mayaca to Taylor creek. The good is that part it was well paved, and I didn't have to contend with traffic. Also, I saw a pair of grey foxes. The bad part is you can't go any further on the trail at Taylor Creek. I couldn't just follow the road back to 441 because they had a chain link fence there that was locked with no way around. I had to go south on the trail to find a way over to the highway to get water. To make my way back to the trail, I had to get past this other gate that had a high curb and locks. The way they make it a big hassle to get to the road from the trail and vice versa seems like someone doesn't like cyclists? I understand having gates to keep cars off of the trail, but why are they making it hard for cyclists?

I recommend if you're not already "on island", to park on the mainland and bike over. I appended this trip to the Cape Haze Trail and parked for free. You will still have to pay a $3 toll on a bike. The causeway is a great ride too!

Super fun trail, with walkers, dog walkers, joggers, inline skaters, electric golf carts, and the occasional iguana to share the trail. EVERYONE was super respectful about sharing and it was not busy.

I recommend creating your own spurs to see some cool homes and natural beauty. Banyan Street is one of the prettiest canopied roads you can see.

Red tide note as of Sept 6, 2021: I did not see/smell any evidence of the red tide and my sinuses let me know immediately last time I got close to it. I didn't notice anyone swimming in the ocean though.

We managed to ride both sides of the canal despite the confusing directions. Be aware you will have to cross bridges - a local told us the best bridge to cross was 41 drawbridge which we did the first pass. We crossed the bridge by the Train Depot on our way back and had to walk our bikes across. Unfortunately the canal had quite a few dead fish which we attributed to the red tide. We saw plenty of bunnies and gopher tortoises. The trail itself was mostly poured concrete but not too jarring. We will definitely do this one again - preferably in cooler weather!

Well groomed. Wasn’t particularly wide, but sufficient, smooth and mostly straight. Very easy. The trail takes you down to beach areas. Two quick turns from the end and you’re on the road to Boca grand. We didn’t take that route. We continued on a path along route 775 north towards englewood. We ended our trip at a nice restaurant called The Lighthouse Grill. We ate lunch there. It was approximately 15 total miles one way. We are loving Florida’s rails to trails!!

My husband and I biked to Bokeelia from Matlacha. It was very nice to see the communities and farmland. We saw a lot of lizards, birds, monstrous crickets, and indecisive turtles along the way. The motorists were considerate of us. Wear sunscreen and a hat/helmet, skin and scalp will get burnt…crispy. Bokeelia is beautiful and there is one public pier near a restaurant, but it’s mostly private property up there and you can’t just get into the water. Did see a lot of sting rays at the public pier though.

Taking all the side parts of this paved/boardwalk trail, we got in 6 miles from Gordon River Greenway Park to the end where it dead ends into a regular street near another park. Great for a leisurely bike ride, not appropriate for going fast on bikes b/c of the winding path and pedestrians that have right of way. Very scenic.

This is a nice paved trail. Make this ride almost twice as long by turning north (left) at Ortiz and go about 2 more miles north. We park at the trailside park on veronica shoemacher drive ..just north of winkler road. I like these paved trails that are not right on the road... much safer and wide enough to ride at least 2 bikes side by side.. About 8 miles total...up and back....

Nice views of the waterway. Ride on both sides for a change of perspective. Add to the Legacy for a nice long local ride

Good way to lay down a 30 mile round trip. Include the Venice trail for great water views.