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Panoramic views of Tampa Bay: That’s it, that’s the pitch for this recreational path at the southern tip of St. Petersburg. For uninterrupted views of the bay accessible by bike, this trail is hard to beat. The trail extends south from Pinellas Point Drive, paralleling Sunshine Skyway Lane. It then climbs until its alongside I-275, separated by a fence, and you get your first taste of stunning sea views. The paved pathway then diverts from the highway and enters Skyway Fishing Pier State Park. While at intervals, the ocean is screened by thick rows palm trees and other vegetation, the trail opens up again and again to expose the jewel-toned waters of the bay, with freight vessels dotting the water and the iconic curves and cables of the Skyway Bridge in the distance. The trail ends in a parking area and beach access point within the park.
Note that there is an entrance fee for all people entering the Skyway Fishing Pier State Park. Consult the official website for current rates.
You can park at Maximo Park near the north end of the trail (Pinellas Point Drive S & Sunshine Skyway Lane) and then carefully cross under I-275 and then cross Pinellas Point Drive to the start of the trail.
Beautiful waterside drive. Parked at maximo Park. Wandered around there a little bit and then hit the trail. Some of the trail , the water is hidden. Conditions were great. Very smooth trail. Enjoy
I only wish it were longer. About 7 miles round trip. We parked at Maximo Park. Be careful crossing underneath 275.
We went during the even to watch the sunset and see the skyway lights. I’ve biked this trail twice in the evening (7-9pm) during the week. If you choose to park at the rest stop just be aware that you will have to bike on the road to get to the trail. That area is quite busy on the weekends with people fishing, kayaking and doing water sports, so we preferred to go when it’s not as HOT and with less traffic. The trail is close to Maximo Park. That’s the closest parking to the trail in the South side or you can park at the rest stop off of I-275. Maximo Park closes at sunset although they seem to keep the gates open later than that. We road from Maximo and a little further than the map indicates and it was almost a 10mile ride round trip. There are 2 bridges and from one of the bridges you can see the skyway. Beautiful scenery as the trail is a long the water half of the way. The only downfall is the trail is right next to I-275 so it can get pretty noisy.
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