Find the top rated cross country skiing trails in South Venice, whether you're looking for an easy short cross country skiing trail or a long cross country skiing trail, you'll find what you're looking for. Click on a cross country skiing trail below to find trail descriptions, trail maps, photos, and reviews.
Loved the trail and I rate it as 3.5 stars for a trail to visit. As a roadie and as a local, I would give it 5 stars. Few crossings so you can cruise (speed limit is 15 mph).
Did not see the water fountains every mile, but many restrooms (port-a-johns).
Kind of a boring trail for some.
Did see 3 rabbits, 3 tortoise a black racer snake and I believe 4 scrub jays.
Camped overnight on the island and did two days of casual bike riding. Trails are awesome, they even have water fountains.
I stumbled upon this trail in March as I was driving around wasting an afternoon while it was raining, and found that I was pleasantly surprised by it when I brought my bike back a few days later. The trail was extremely smooth, with easy crossings at the few streets that you encounter. There are several places to stop and rest if you need. Most of the trail is lined by trees, which helps knock down the wind and provides much needed shade from the hot Florida sun!
One of the things that I look for most in a trail is if I can use the ride as a good workout. The Cape Haze Pioneer Trail most certainly provides that!
There is plenty of parking at a trail head just south of SR 776-Gasparilla Road, that also has restroom facilities.
I rode this trail multiple times during March, and decided that I am not so much of a fan. The trail is wide open next to the waterway, which gives some cool views of boats passing by, but the concrete pavement seams provide a nearly constant pounding in your hands and arms as you are riding. The trail winds south along the waterway from the Venice Depot, and easily connects to the Legacy Trail which is a MUCH better option...in my opinion.
I rode this trail several times during late March, and found it to be one of my favorite trails. As others have noted in their reviews, most of the trail from Venice to the northern end is in a typical rural Florida setting. The trail is very flat, which allows you to get your speed up for a good workout. A few of the cross streets have signals to help you cross, but the crossings also have pretty wide open views and you can keep going if no traffic is present.
The trail has several places to rest if needed, and you can also access the Oscar Sherer State Park from the trail. One stop on the northern portion of the trail has an area that you can work on your bike if you need. Some of the best news, is that there are plans for expanding the trail further north to Sarasota, and south towards North Port.
Excellent trail located in a city environment. Wide bike and pedestrian asphalt roadway. Good chance to see a variety of waterfowl along the canal.
Starting at the NW Trailhead Colonial Blvd and Ortiz, there is a three mile section heading west that is completely off road and a very nice canal ride. Two road crossings. At that point I encountered a sign claiming the trail ended. I made my way south on Metro Pkwy in a well marked bike lane turning left (west) on Colonial Blvd for a block before getting on the Yarbrough trail again (TenMile Canal). At Daniels Pkwy there is a section that advises going down the the crossing lane, and since it is a very busy and wide Pkwy, I followed that advise. Back on the canal the trail continues to the technical end at the 6 Mile Cypress Pkwy. I continued to ride it back up to my original start for a 19+ mile ride.
Loved the trail and the wildlife and flora along the trail. I chased a two foot long iguana for a short time, until it finally heard me coming up behind.
It's a well maintained trail, and well used. A great ride.
Went on a great bike ride today she enjoyed herself and soda die
This was a nice Saturday afternoon ride. We started in front of the park headquarters and ended up riding both directions and a little the second time around to get 14 miles. It was easy going for casual riders, but the walkers and 4-wheeled pedal cars would make it frustrating for any speedsters. We appreciated the convenient restrooms. Although we did not visit them, an historic fort, piers, and beaches were all a stone’s throw from the trail.
We picked a great 1st time ride for Florida! Legacy Trail was well maintained and such a different scene from the Midwest trails. We rented from Popcycles near top end of trail. Easy 10 minutes on sidewalk to trail head. 2 thumbs up!
Some shade on northern half depending on time of day. Phillips Park about mid island is a good place to park.
TrailLink is a free service provided by Rails-to-Trails Conservancy (a non-profit) and we need your support!
Map Search
