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.
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
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.
We rode from St James to the middle of Pine Island. The trail was just okay. Nice cement sidewalk along side the highway. Not a lot to see. However, beyond the trail in St James we had the best seafood gumbo ever at The Waterfront Inn Restaurant and the Key Lime Pie was to die for!!
After riding the Pinellas Trail with its urban like intersections, this trail was a relief. The Trailhead at the Historic Venice Depot was clean with lots of parking midday on a Wed in Jan. We chose going north on the Legacy due to the wind that was blowing about 15-17 mph versus go south on the water. We were so pleased at the low number of intersections (<5) and few of these had traffic. There were 2 high bridges that provided some exercise going up and some potential air coming down if you are going too fast. The terrain was mainly countryside with few buildings which I enjoy. The trail had plenty of rest stops with shade and rarely did we see one empty. There is no food on this route to buy so pack a lunch or a snack. Maps and signage were present as well. I highly recommend this route, especially if you don’t want an urban feel and like to ride continuously. Slow or fast it’s a good ride for 20 miles up and back. Lunch in Venice was a treat!
Stop at the visitor center as you enter the island to get a map. Free parking and restrooms at the SCCF Park 1300 Periwinkle Way, about a mile from the visitor center. Trails are all in good condition and separated from traffic. There are much more than 24 miles if you do all the trails. The trail is busy along Periwinkle, but then it thins out and you can ride as fast as you want. Bikes can be rented in a number of locations so there are a lot of kids and inexperienced riders, but they usually stay on their side.
First time on this trail and enjoyed everything around me.
This long concrete path links Bokeelia in the north, to St James City in the south of Pine Island.
Yes, it can be somewhat boring, due to lack of buffer landscaping and rest areas along the busy main road, Stringfellow. However, just off the path are some truly unique sights: such as the historically-significant Calusa homeland, Pineland (extinct indigenous peoples of southwest Florida), and beautiful conservation areas, like Galt Preserve.
Off-path side roads are flat, quiet and welcoming for bicyclists, especially beginning north of Harbor Drive-Pineland, keeping west and north. Don't be afraid to venture off the concrete, but bring plenty of drinking water and snacks.
Great photo opps: Bokeelia fishing pier, Pineland Marina pier, Calusa shell mounds, Randall Research Center.
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Note: locally, bicyclists and residents have been asking Lee County, FL to reduce speed on Stringfellow to 45 mph. In the meantime, use caution when crossing Stringfellow Road.
Of interest to mountain bike and dirt riders: numerous dirt-sand roads crisscross Pine Island's many palm plantations. Some, but not all of these roads, are public property. Consult local maps for the best guides, available at Pine Island Library, Russell Road.
A good portion of this relatively short bike path runs along the main road which is shared by bicycles and golf carts. Once your reach the lighthouse and town center, the scenery improves and there are options for dining and refreshments. You can take the Cape Haze Trail to the causeway onto the island, but be prepared to pay a hefty $3.00 per bicycle toll to cross over.
Excellent trail well maintained interesting nature and good rest stop facilities
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