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This is a multi-use trail that runs along Via de Luna Drive and Fort Pickens Road in Pensacola Beach, Florida. It mostly runs along the two roads but does offer some great ocean views along the way - never straying more than about 100 yards from the Gulf-front and most of the time is closer than that.
The area between the Santa Rosa Island Authority Maintenance office and Red Fish Blue Fish along Via de Luna Dr is not a marked wide trail but is only about 300 yards and there are sidewalks that can be utilized for walkers/runners or the road (for bikers).
Additionally, the trail continues to the bridge along Pensacola Beach Blvd towards Gulf Breeze from the intersection of Via de Luna Dr and Fort Pickens Rd. The bridge is bicycle and pedestrian friendly but there's not much once you get past the bridge area in Gulf Breeze for biking. Walking/running is supported via standard sidewalks beyond that area.
Parking can be found:
If you park near the “Pensacola Beach Ball Tower” and start your ride from there all the way through Fort Dickens it comes to about 20 miles. Beautiful ride with a safe bike lane most of the way. The old fort is not much to look at, but it is still a great ride. It is costly to go into the park via bicycle. I think it was $15 unless your military like me and then it is free.
Loved the Gulf Islands National Seashore Park section. Stopped along the route to walk the beach and Fort Pickens. Enjoyable afternoon
The Pensacola Beach Trail is part of my favorite Florida rides. What really makes this ride special is the additional mileage you can do on both ends of the trail. If you start at the eastern most point and continue east, you are on wide bike lanes which are extensions to the road. This takes you through Gulf Islands National Seashore park. All you see on both sides is sand and water. Since Santa Rosa island is about 2 miles off the Florida mainland, you have the sound to your left and the Gulf of Mexico on your right. This is totally undeveloped. You can take this all the way into Navarre Beach. The road speed limit is only 35 MPH so passing cars don't speed by you. It is also a low traffic road so most of the time you are by yourself. The park has some facilities but you must pay to use them.
If you follow the trail west, you will end just outside Fort Pickens which is also part of the Gulf Islands National Seashore park system. You must pay to enter the park, but the ride to the Fort is again beautiful and has little traffic. This Civil War fort is the only one (from the original 3) that still survives. It was the only fort in this area that the Confederates did not overrun. It was also a temporary holding ground from Geronimo after he was captured. There are rest room here and a convenience store right outside the campgrounds. Be sure to watch the movie about the fort. It will give you a lot of background to the area. If you are lucky you will see the Blue Angels practice because you right next to the Naval Air Base.
If you include the two side trips, the total round trip ride is around 55 miles. Quite pleasant and FLAT!!! However, being next to the water, you will always be dealing with wind. Wear LOTS of sun blocker because there is NO SHADE.
Highly recommended!!!
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