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Latest update: August 2022

Pinellas Trail Loop... Regional Trail System, West Florida

Eastern Leg of the Pinellas Trail Loop

The Pinellas Trail Loop is a regional trail network providing safe recreational and transportation alternatives in Pinellas County. The loop incorporates the Fred Marquis Pinellas Trail (St. Petersburg to Tarpon Springs) on its western leg (now 46 miles), and on its eastern leg the Duke Energy Trail (13 miles, 22.5 miles when complete) and the North Bay Trail (6.5 miles). The Pinellas Trail on the west leg is a rail-trail, while to the east the route runs roadside and through powerline corridors. Here we describe the Loop east from the end of the Pinellas Trail, south along the Duke Energy Trail through Clearwater, and returning to St. Petersburg via the North Bay Trail. (Map and biking photos below.)

Visit the western (original) leg of the Pinellas Trail Loop here.

Map link...
Pinellas Trail Loop

Location: Pinellas County
End Points: St. Petersburg to Tarpon Springs and return
Mileage: 46 miles on the Pinellas Trail (Western loop); Eastern Loop under construction, 22 miles completed to date, eventually, 75 miles total
Surface: Paved asphalt, 15' (some narrower sections)
Nearby points of interest: North Anclote Nature Park, John Chestnut Sr. Park, BayCare Ballpark (formerly Spectrum Field), Weedon Island Preserve, Courtney Campbell Causeway

Bike Shops/Rentals:
See a listing here (look for the insert mid-page on the left)

Support and Advocacy:
Friends of the Pinellas Trail

 Page Summary:

1. Biking on the Pinellas Trail Loop - East
   - Tarpon Springs to Keystone Road
   - Keystone Rd. to John Chestnut Sr. Park
   - Duke Energy Trail
   - North Bay Trail
2. More Information and Resources

Biking on the Eastern Leg of the Pinellas Trail Loop... Comments and Photos

The eastern leg of the Pinellas Trail Loop runs from Tarpon Springs past portions of Palm Harbor, Oldsmar, and Safety Harbor, and through Clearwater and Pinellas Park to St. Petersburg. While the western leg (the "original" Pinellas Trail) follows the railbed and includes quaint Dunedin and Tarpon Springs, much of the eastern leg runs along powerlines and is more community-centered, linking residential areas, schools and businesses.

Tarpon Springs to Keystone Road

Past Tarpon Springs, the Pinellas Trail turns to the east, leaving the original rail line and running mostly alongside roads with almost no shade. Shortly after turning east, a short but scenic trail spur leads to North Anclote Nature Park - restrooms, playground, picnic table, nature trails, fishing pier, boardwalk, and kayak/canoe launch. Past the Nature Park, the trail goes under U.S. Hwy 19, around a subdivision, along N. Jasmine Ave. and Melon St. before emerging onto Keystone Road. It continues along Keystone Road to East Lake Road where it splits - south as part of the evolving Pinellas Trail Loop, and east as part of the Florida Coast-to-Coast Trail.

Keystone Rd. to John Chestnut Sr. Park - 4.25 miles

The trail continues south along East Lake Road about 4.25 miles to John Chestnut Sr. Park, where it meets the Duke Energy Trail. The trail is separated from the road by a wide median, but there are some road crossings, so keep alert.

John Chestnut Sr. Park at 255 acres is a real gem in Palm Harbor - parking, restrooms, picnic, playgrounds, playing fields, dog park, observation tower, boat ramp onto Lake Tarpon, and paddling trail. The park roads are bikeable and there are 2.7 miles of walking/hiking trails - we enjoyed the boardwalk along the lake and sunset view. An assortment of wildlife can be seen, including alligators, deer, assorted birds and more. More about John Chestnut Sr. Park

Trail along East Lake Rd.

Onto East Lake at Keystone Rd.

Along East Lake

 

 

Road crossing

MM 45 at John Chestnut Sr. Park

Entering John Chestnut Sr. Park

John Chestnut Sr. Park

Biking on park road

 

3 deer along the road

Boat ramps

Wooded pavilion

Boardwalk

Picnic at lake

Sunset

Duke Energy Trail - 13 miles

Duke Energy Trail forms most of the eastern segment of the Loop, eventually running from John Chestnut Sr. Park in Palm Harbor to the North Bay Trail in St. Petersburg. About 13 miles are now complete, with a total of 22.5 miles projected after completion of the "South Gap."

View trail, map and photos

South Gap - 12 miles

This section runs from Haines Bayshore Rd. south into St. Petersburg and connecting to the North Bay Trail, about 12 miles. An underpass has been completed at Ulmerton Rd., and a short portion is complete in St. Petersburg utilizing the Roosevelt Blvd. Trail, about 2 miles.

North Bay Trail - 6.5 miles

This existing trail forms the end of the Pinellas Trail Loop east leg, returning to Demens Landing in St. Petersburg.

View trail, map and photos

More Information and Resources

More Biking:

West FL Region - More trails plus Regional Overview map

Watch a Video:

Riding the Pinellas Trail Loop In Timewarp Speed with our friend Dave at Phonamana

Related Resources:

Pinellas County - Guide to the Pinellas Trail