The Coastal Trail is a crucial link in the Capital City to the Sea regional trails system in the Greater Tallahassee Area. The trail is still under development, but close to 12 miles are already open to bike, hike or roll on.The trail is 10-ft wide and flat, with ample shade against the Florida sunshine.
The trail starts at the intersection of the Tallahassee - St. Marks Historic Railroad State Trail with US-98 and heads south and west within the woody margin of the highway. The path sits on the north side of the road, but then switches to the south side close to the Wakulla River bridge, which has a separated non-motorized lane. Beyond the bridge, the trail switches back to the north side of the trail and continues its journey.
The current end of the trail is near the junction of US 98 and US 319 in Crawfordville. When complete, it will connect the St. Marks Historic Railroad Trail to the Ochlockonee Bay Trail.
At the current south end of the trail is the parking lot of the Trinity Lutheran Church
We started at the Riverside Cafe in St. Marks on the Tallahassee/St Marks Trail and took a left after 3 miles onto the Coastal trail. We turned at a convenience store just passed the Wakulla High School. The trail was in great condition and provided plenty of shade at various times. But there are parts under the sun too. We started around 10AM and except for a lady in a wheelchair, we never saw another person on the Coastal Trail. There were several convenience stores along the route which we took advantage to refill water bottles. It was a nice day, especially the beer at the Riverside Cafe upon completion.
We rode the trail in the late afternoon. We picked the trail up right outside our hotel (Best Western in Crawfordville)It was shaded and cool. In great condition. There are a couple busy streets you have to cross while riding, but all in all a great trail.
We rode this morning and encountered a handful of other riders and 1 runner. Great 12 mile trail. Thank’s to Trinity Lutheran Church for the parking. The path is in great condition and the trees made the feel like temperature 15-20 degrees cooler. Can’t wait for the eventual connection to the sea.
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