Find the top rated birding trails in Sebring, whether you're looking for an easy short birding trail or a long birding trail, you'll find what you're looking for. Click on a birding trail below to find trail descriptions, trail maps, photos, and reviews.
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So far , 9/25/21, from my own personal experience, the longest stretch of paved trail that you can ride on without being blocked is from Port Mayaca to Taylor Creek. Which is about 19 miles. Recently, I got on the trail at South Bay. I could only pedal a very limited distance before the paved part ran out or the path was blocked because of construction. As other people have stated, you might want to bring plenty of water and sunscreen.
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?
Depressed area, abandon industrial complex, water treatment plants, Grave yards this is for you. Only for people that live there.
We have ridden most of the trails in central florida, most are beautiful, this one not so much. No shade and not much to see.
This is our sixth trail that we have tried. Very smooth. Well marked mile markers. Not a lot of scenery. We went on a beautiful Monday in June. In the six mile trip we passed about 15 people. The people seemed very friendly. Much more so than other trails we’ve tried. Do not make a special long trip for this path. It would be a great trail if you’re in the area or live locally. As far as nature we saw lots of birds and four snakes. Harmless black snakes. Bathrooms were not plentiful and very dirty. No trash anywhere on the trail.
Well paved and maintained! Very flat and not much to look at. Usual FL wildlife, we did spot TEN gators in the drainage creek alongside the path, which was cool! No shade, only one little store 5 mi from McDonald’s parking, so bring your own nutrition, water, & sunscreen!
The listed distance is probably too high. My tracker came up with 2.74 miles and I realize it can be off a bit, but probably not a mile. Anyway, this trail is a well maintained asphalt trail, six feet wide. Most of the trail has limited vehicle access, except on the east end. Five benches are on the trail. Much of the trail is shaded. The only drawback is the very east end that crosses US 27, which is very busy. This trail is a good connector between Highlands Hammock State Park and Lake Jackson. Public parking is only available at the west end of the trail.
This route is probably only about 9.75 miles or a bit longer. I walked it and that's what my Garmin said. Garmin could be off a bit, but probably not by 3/4 of a mile. Anyway, this route could use a few park benches along the way, as the only two places to rest are the two parks on opposite sides of the lake. Parts of this route could be run, but parts have many street crossings and driveways that make running difficult. I would not recommend bike riding along the three miles that front US 27 on the west side (although some ride there). I have walked and run many trails and I rate this one average. I think this route has potential to become a better trail with a bit of work.
the trail has been extended on the southern end and now it's 9+ miles and ends at Plymouth Avenue instead of Denton Avenue
The paved trail is pretty flat with the exception of some bridges across busy streets. From the parking lot at the Chamber of Commerce on the Winter Haven side to the end of the trail at W. Haines Blvd in Lake Alfred is 5.1m out and 5.1 miles back. It's pretty basic, but I would like to add some suggestions to make the ride slightly more enjoyable.
1) Try and time your ride for the third Saturday of the month. There is a free water ski show on Lake Silver. The show time changes so check the website for the Cypress Gardens Ski team. I suggest that you do your ride first and hit the show on the way back into Winter Haven as the bike path goes right past the lake.
2) Instead of just dead heading out to where the trail ends in Lake Alfred, take a little detour off the path to the Mackay Gardens and Lakeside Preserve. The preserve is a better destination than just the abrupt end of the trail in downtown Lake Alfred. It's about a mile east of the trail.
3) There's not a lot of shade on the trail so stay hydrated and bring sunscreen. There is a "splash pad park" along the trail in downtown Winter Haven where you can cool off under the misters so DEFINITELY bring a change of clothes.
4) Enjoy Winter Haven at the end of your ride. Again, bring a change of clothes...and explore the downtown area. There are public restrooms for changing near the splash park for changing. They have nice restaurants, coffee shops, a brewery, antique shops for browsing, and live music on Saturdays (once Covid subsides) - It's a cool little area to walk around after your ride.
I think it's a great way to kill a Saturday afternoon if you're looking for a leisurely ride. A good portion of the trail is through industrial areas, which is to be expected as this was an old train track bed, but if you're looking for a nice 10 or so mile easy trail, this is a good option.
Easy ride. Trail is clean-has a few leaves & sticks. Easy to park & go to the trail.
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