Keaton Beach Path... North Florida

Paved Bike Trail in Florida's Big Bend Region... Map & Photos

Keaton Beach is located along shallow Gulf waters in Taylor County, in Florida's remote Big Bend region. The nearest towns are Steinhatchee (20 miles south) Perry and (30 miles north). This is fishing country, with scalloping also popular in season. In an effort to boost tourism, recreation, and safety, this 4-mile paved path now runs from Keaton Beach Coastal Park (aside CR 361, Beach Road) to Dark Island Road. While not a "destination" bike trail, if you are in the area, it's the only paved, off-street biking for miles. We passed a few golf carts on our ride, but all were courteous, with no problems sharing. (Map link and photos below)

Map link... Keaton Beach Path

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Location: Taylor County
End Points: Keaton Beach Coastal Park to Dark Island Road
Mileage: 4 miles
Surface: 10-12 feet, paved
Nearby points of interest: Hodges (Keaton) Beach, Forest Capital Museum State Park (Perry), Steinhatchee

Bike Shops/Rentals:
N/A

Biking on Keaton Beach Path

Keaton Beach Coastal Park to Dark Island Road

Keaton Beach Coastal Park, across from the Keaton Beach Boat Ramp, offers parking, restrooms, and picnicking. The bike path starts from the parking lot, winds around the Park and then crosses CR 361 (Beach Road). From here it runs alongside the roadway to Dark Island Road, including some views of marsh and wetlands. The road to the boat ramp can be busy with vehicles pulling trailers, so the path is a welcome way for locals with bikes and golf carts to get around. Note: the actual beach is at Hodges Park (small beach, pier, picnic, playground), along the canal and down the street from Coastal Park.