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Reported: Reported: October 2016

Fort DeSoto Park... Florida

Bike Trail along Tampa Bay and Gulf, near St. Petersburg

Fort DeSoto Park is a Pinellas County Park, covering over 1,100 acres on 5 keys south of St. Petersburg at the mouth of Tampa Bay and along the Gulf of Mexico. The Park has over 7 miles of waterfront, award-winning beaches, campgrounds, snack bars, picnicking and more. A boat ramp, kayak, and bike rentals are available, plus the historic fort. A ferry runs to Egmont Key, a Florida State Park. Day fee applies. (Map link and photos below.)

Map link - Fort DeSoto Park Biking

Location: Pinellas County
End Points: Fort DeSoto Park - boat ramp to east beach to north beach
Mileage: 7 miles
Surface: Paved
Nearby points of interest: St. Petersburg, Dali Museum

Bike Shops/Rentals:
The Pedaling Pelican  at Fort DeSoto Park (rentals)

Biking at Fort DeSoto Park

On the Park Trail

The paved 7-mile bike trail runs from the boat ramp (near the entrance), past campgrounds, and connects the east and north beaches.

Fort DeSoto

Historic Fort DeSoto dates from 1898, built to defend Tampa Bay during the Spanish-American War but never saw battle and was abandoned in 1923. The land was obtained by Pinellas County in 1948 and the park developed. Visitors at the fort can see the remaining battery and mortars.

Resources:

Pinellas County - Fort DeSoto Park

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