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The Coastal Trail is a 24.2-mile crucial link in the Capital City to the Sea regional trails system in the Greater Tallahassee Area. The paved trail is 10-ft wide and flat, with ample shade against the Florida sunshine.
About the Route
At its northeast end, the trail begins at the entrance to the St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge and Lighthouse on Lighthouse Rd in Crawfordville. The paved trail is a dedicated path that runs west along the south side of the Coastal Hwy (US-98/FL-30). While crossing the St. Marks River, the route becomes a non-separated and unprotected lane on the George Nesmith Bridge/US-98. After the bridge, the trail returns to being an off-road dedicated path.
In 2.7 miles, the trail intersects with the Tallahassee - St. Marks Historic Railroad State Trail and there is a trailhead with parking and restrooms on the north side of the Coastal Hwy/US-98. The Coastal Trail heads southwest 21.5 miles 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 US 98 and continues paralleling the road. After crossing Spring Creek Highway, sections of the trail drift slightly farther away from the road and pass through woods and wetlands with a few sections of boardwalk.
The trail continues to parallel US 98 as the highway curves southwest. At the intersection with Crawfordville Highway/US 319, the trail switches again and runs along the southeast side of US 98. Continuing to follow the highway, the trail runs south through the communities of Medart and Panacea. Between communities the trail runs through wetlands.
After heading south through Panacea, the trail parallels the highway through wetlands and salt marshes. The route includes two long bridges over the wetlands.
At its southern end in Panacea, the trail connects with the Ochlockonee Bay Trail on Surf Road. There is a trailhead with parking, restrooms and picnic tables at the intersection of Surf Road and US 98.
Connections
The Coastal Trail provides a connection between the Tallahassee - St. Marks Historic Railroad State Trail and the Ochlockonee Bay Trail.
The Coastal Trail runs between Lighthouse Rd (Crawfordville) and Surf Rd & US 98 (Panacea). Parking and restrooms are available at both ends of the trail.
Additional parking is available at a number of locations along the trail, including:
Visit the TrailLink map for all parking options and detailed directions.
About a mile of sidewalk in Panacea. Trail proper picks up again at intersection with Division St (south bound), where there is "casual" parking across the street.
We really enjoyed riding this trail. Long spaces of curvy trail. I was confused in Panacea, FL, since there were several road crossings. Not much for shade. Plenty of gas stations on the route & a rest area when it intersects with St. Marks trail.
We rode the trail from Panacea at a closed shopping center all the way to St Marks trail. Nice 18 miles one way. The trail was asphalt, great shape and recently mowed edges. Wish Ga had these trails near us. Very impressed!
The trail is now completed through panacea to the ochlockonee bay bridge. In the town of Panacea the trail turns into a sidewalk. But as the trail and sidewalk is new the ride is smooth. 36 of us rode the trail this weekend and thoroughly enjoyed being able to ride all the way from downtown Tallahassee to Sopchoppy without riding on the road. We now have four trails that connect together to make this possible. The capital cascades trail from down town Tallahassee meets up with the St Marks Trail which connects to the coastal trail. The coastal trail takes you all the way to the ochlockonee bay bridge where it meets the Ochlockonee Bay trail.
There are now 17 miles of trail completed. It stops just before Panacea. I would recommend starting early as there is very little shade. The trail is in excellent shape.
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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