November 2020, updates - East Central Regional Rail Trail (a Top 10 trail, Central Region and East Region)
- (1) Noted recent progress on the 3.5 mile trail "gap" between Guise Road and Gobblers Lodge Trailhead.
The entire 3.5 miles has been cut and partially graded, one small bridge needs to be constructed, hopefully completion sometime in 2021.
When done, cyclists can ride the Trail between Titusville and west Orlando without a break.
- (2) Visited a new trailhead in Titusville at Draa Park.
Once a high school stadium, Draa Park is now a water retention area, created to protect the Indian River Lagoon.
We walked a short paved path around wetlands and saw many birds.
The Park is located just north of the trail bridge over Garden St. (SR406) in Titusville.
November 2020, new trail added - Inglis Dam Recreation Area
(eco-biking, North Region)
- This State Recreation Area now includes a 3.5 mile paved trail along with 7.5 miles of unpaved grass trail
for eco-biking or hiking. The Recreation Area is a part of the Marjorie Harris Carr Cross Florida Greenway,
which includes a remaining section of the ill-fated Cross Florida Barge Canal.
November 2020, update - Withlacoochee State Trail (a Top 10 Trail, West Region)
- In Inverness, FL, upgrades to the lakeside "Depot District" are complete. Inverness has done a great job redeveloping its waterfront parks along the Rail-Trail.
October 2020, new trail added - Chain of Lakes Park (Titusville, East Region)
- Built primarily as a stormwater retention project (protecting the Indian River Lagoon), the Park
includes a 3-mile paved trail around interconnected lakes, water views, observation tower, many wading birds and alligators.
The entrance to the Park is across US Hwy 1 from the East Central Regional Rail Trail,
so the Park also serves as a trailhead (full-facilities) for the Rail-Trail.
October 2020, update - Biking at Cedar Key (top small town biking, North Region)
- Cedar Key is our favorite Old Florida escape. We added a brief description and photos of a short in-town hike, the Railroad Trestle Nature Trail.
October 2020, update - Nature Coast State Trail (North Region)
- Added some recommendations on the best trail sections (more shade, less road noise)
for more pleasant recreational biking. At 32 miles, this is one of Florida's longest Rail-Trails, so we now show distances from
the trail "hub," so visitors can select a trailhead and plan their ride to fit their individual wishes.
The Trail highlight is the Trestle Bridge over the Suwannee River.
October 2020, new trail added - Added Keaton Beach Bike Path (along the Big Bend, North Region)
- This paved 4-mile multi-use trail between Keaton Beach and Dark Island is shared
by bikers, walkers, and golf carts.
September 2020, update - Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge (eco-biking, East Region)
- We revisited the berm roads along Gator Creek Rd. Sadly, the south loop
appears to be permanently closed and entirely overgrown,
no longer suitable for hiking or biking. With almost all the dirt berm roads now closed,
and biking discouraged on Wildlife Drive (too many cars anyhow), the only pleasant biking (weekdays best) seems to be Biolab Road,
mostly one-way (south). Yet still some hiking options.
August 2020, update - Apopka Loop Trail (eco-biking, Central Region)
- Lake Apopka Loop Trail was shut down for some time due to damage from Hurricane Irma.
Now reopened, the trail surface has been improved in many areas.
August 2020, new trail added - Brevard Zoo Linear Park (East Region)
- Starting near the Brevard Zoo entrance in Melbourne, the 3-mile
trail features a long boardwalk through wetlands and oak hammock.
Back to Home
Find Trails A-Z
View Trails by Region