Find the top rated running trails in Sarasota, 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.
_155380_st.jpg)
_3446_st.jpg)
_130832_st.jpg)
Great Trail. Very smooth asphalt path. 90% of the trail is in the sun. Farm animals visible from trail. It connects to the Suncoast Parkway Trail at Gunn Highway and Suncoast Toll Road. Address for parking lot is: 7020 Lutz Lake Fern Rd. The parking lot is practically right across from Seed World. Parking cost 2 dollars for all day, card or cash accepted. Full trail length is actually about 5 miles from one end to the other. Water is provided along the way but due to thirsty people be sure to bring water with you. I hope you enjoy yourselves!!! ¿¿
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.
Got on at "The Long Center" on S. Bellair Road. Fun ride to Safety Harbor. You pass the Phillies spring traing facility, so if they are on the practice field there will be a few guys with gloves waiting for a home run. A couple of decent climbs, one is over a 4 lane roadway. Safety Harbor is a beutiful place with a boardway to the bay. We locked our bikes up at the hotel /spa, bike rack outside. There is a GREAT sandwich shop at 3rd & Main, get a seat outside if you can. Great for all levals of ability.
Road this trail with 2 other couples. Started at Gulf to Bay and road towards Tampa. Such a great experience. Very easy for all levels. Do not be frighten by the mid ride bridge, it was constructed to be a easy climb. Whiskey Joe's at the end is a nice reward. Only complaint, does anyone in this state say "on the left!" It is aways a surprise when you get passed. This is the same on ALL the trail we have walked or ridden in Florida in the last two months.
Put this on the bucket list, you won't be disappointed.
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.
Nice walk / run. It was really beautiful. My only complaint is that there were no water stations. Other minor complaint would be not bathroom / port-a-potty. Will definitely go again. May bike ride next time.
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.
I started to walk the trail from Old Coachman Road at starting point but had to turn back as trail is down at spectrum field. The sign said it would be down through December 2017. Anyone know when this will be repaired?
TrailLink is a free service provided by Rails-to-Trails Conservancy (a non-profit) and we need your support!
