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Print Friendly MapThe 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 15 miles are already open. The trail is 10-ft wide and flat, with ample shade against the Florida sunshine.
At its northeast end, the trail starts at the intersection of the Tallahassee - St. Marks Historic Railroad State Trail with US 98 and heads southwest 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 current end of this trail segment is near the junction of US 98 and US 319 in Crawfordville. The section between US 319 and Tower Road is under construction.
A complete 2.7-mile segment picks up on Tower Road and parallels the west side of US 98 to a connection with Ochlockonee Bay Trail on Surf Road in Panacea. There is a trailhead with parking and picnic tables at the intersection of Surf Road and US 98.
When complete, the Coastal Trail will provide a connection between the St. Marks Historic Railroad Trail and the Ochlockonee Bay Trail.
Parking is available at a number of locations along the trail including at Medart Park (79 Recreation Dr, Crawfordville) and by the intersection of Crawfordville Highway and US 98. Visit the TrailLink map for all options and detailed directions.
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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