Explore the best rated trails in Palatka, FL, whether you're looking for an easy walking trail or a bike trail like the Cross Volusia Trail and Gainesville Rail-Trails . With more than 24 trails covering 204 miles you're bound to find a perfect trail for you. Click on any trail below to find trail descriptions, trail maps, photos, and reviews.
I had to add my 2 cents, don’t be discouraged by a previous review talking about steep hills and bumpy pavement in the 5 miles near Gainesville. I rode it in the pre dawn hours and took it really slow so as not to out run my light. Yes there are bumps - I had no issues and my tires are 23s. As far as hills, this path is what we call in the Midwest flat. Maybe some steep hills for Florida, but again not a real issue. Enjoy it - I look forward to riding it again someday!
Did the entire trail (both fragments) at 52 miles on rollerskates. Great surface and one of the best long trails in Florida for skates. Beautiful scenery. Saw bald eagles, an owl, a couple of deer, and lots of gopher tortoises. I will say that the northern fragment has like no place to park. I parked at the National Refuge but that isn’t an official trailhead. Additionally, the northern leg has some areas that are just sidewalk vs actual path. Still enjoyable !
There is a new paved two-plus mile north-south spur, east of Old Kings Road, that now connects the trail to State Road 100.
The west end towards Gainesville is quite a bit different than the east end at Hawthorne. The Hawthorne end offers good cycling with a road bike. The Gainesville end not so much. It has a lot of severe tree root damage, sharp curves, and suprisingly steep hills. Once you get thru that in the first 5 miles the trail straightens out and runs parallel to a busy and noisy road. Great.
We rode it 3 times and finally agreed it wasn't worth the effort. With the 2 overlooks onto Paynes Prairie and the Al Lucha trail within the first 3 miles, this end of the trail lends itself to walking or riding an ebike. The ebike negates the hills and would have larger tires that would absorb all the bumpiness.
The east end was rural with fewer people and was more suitable for someone wanting to actually bike.
Agree with all the comments on beauty. No place to buy food or beverages on the trail. Several picnic sites. Only use bottle water dispenser not hoses for water
I agree with another post, women should be very aware of areas of this trail. Many young men on drugs it appears in areas where things could go bad in a hurry
This trail is just outstanding. There is just not enough you can say about it. We road only the paved part but it is beautiful. We saw deer and wild turkeys and even heard an owl. The trail is smooth and wide and everyone was very respectful. We liked the fact that has a nice mix of shade and sun. Also the fact that it has some moderate hills and how it winds through the forest is great. Highly recommend!!
My wife and I just did a 24 mile ride there on our ebikes. Beautiful wide and SMOOTH trails through the Florida woods. Many gentle hills and plenty of curves. Nice trail head with restrooms.
We rode this trail on January 30, 2024 from the Vermont Heights Bike St. Augustine Trailhead to where the trail crosses 207 between the Cora C. Harrison Preserve Trailhead and the Bull-Hit Ranch. The trail is the best when it is away from 207 and there are stretches that are very bumpy where tree roots have pushed up the asphalt. There are several roads to cross as well.
We rode this trail on Jan. 29, 2024. Based on the directions above, we couldn't find the trailhead and were fortunate to see the poles marking the end of the trail near the intersection of Royal Palm Parkway and Highway 1. We parked in front of a bike shop in a small strip mall and rode the sidewalk directly to the trail. About half a mile down the trail, we saw the bridge linking the trailhead to the trail. Farther down the trail we saw a spur to the east and headed down it. Another cyclist told us where it went so we rode across several bridges through the woods and swamp and across a high bridge that crosses highway 100. The trail then curves around to where we stopped at highway 100. The next day, we were heading down the coast and turned on the Royal Palms Parkway to see if we could find the trailhead and did so. There is a bike path that goes west along Rymfire in Rymfire Elementary School. Follow the path past the school to Ralph Carter Park - maybe half a mile - plenty of parking, restrooms and water.
Rollerskates this entire trail in October of 2023. Sadly, not great quality always in surface. Lots of homeless tents along the trail. Ends by airport. Busy road next to it. No cool scenery. Glad I did it but not planning to ever do it again.
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