Biking The Florida Coast to Coast Trail

East to West or West to East - It's Your Choice!

The Florida Coast to Coast Trail is a 250-mile multi-use trail that spans the entire state of Florida, from the Gulf of Mexico in St. Petersburg to the Atlantic Ocean in Titusville. The trail provides a scenic and safe way for cyclists, hikers, and runners to explore Florida's natural beauty, rich history, and diverse communities. Here are some points of interest along the way.

St. Petersburg: The western terminus of the Florida Coast to Coast Trail is located in downtown St. Petersburg, a vibrant city known for its arts and culture scene, beautiful waterfront parks, and world-class museums. Cyclists can start their journey at the Pinellas Trailhead, where they can connect to the Pinellas Trail, a 47-mile paved trail that runs through several Pinellas County communities.

Dunedin: From St. Petersburg, the Florida Coast to Coast Trail follows the Pinellas Trail to Dunedin, a charming small town that is home to the Dunedin Brewery, Florida's oldest craft brewery, and the Honeymoon Island State Park, a popular destination for beachgoers and nature enthusiasts. Cyclists can also take a detour to the historic Tarpon Springs Sponge Docks, where they can learn about the town's Greek heritage and sample delicious Greek food.

Sanford: The Florida Coast to Coast Trail leaves the Pinellas Trail at the Pasco County line and continues eastward through several rural communities. The trail passes through the Seminole State Forest, a 25,000-acre wilderness area that offers opportunities for hiking, camping, and wildlife viewing. Cyclists will eventually reach Sanford, a historic city on the banks of Lake Monroe. Sanford's charming downtown area features brick-lined streets, antique shops, and art galleries.

Orlando: From Sanford, the Florida Coast to Coast Trail passes through the city of Orlando, where cyclists can explore the world-famous theme parks, including Walt Disney World, Universal Studios, and SeaWorld. The trail also passes through several scenic parks, including the Cady Way Trail, the Little Econ Greenway, and the Orlando Urban Trail.

Titusville: The eastern terminus of the Florida Coast to Coast Trail is located in Titusville, a city on the Indian River Lagoon that is known for its proximity to the Kennedy Space Center. Cyclists can take a detour to the Canaveral National Seashore, a pristine barrier island that offers miles of undeveloped beaches, dunes, and marshes. The Space Coast Birding and Wildlife Festival is also held in Titusville each January, attracting birdwatchers and nature lovers from around the world.

In addition to these points of interest, the Florida Coast to Coast Trail passes through several other communities, including Brooksville, Inverness, and Deland, each with their own unique attractions and amenities. Along the way, cyclists can also enjoy scenic vistas, natural springs, and historic landmarks.

The Florida Coast to Coast Trail is maintained by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection and the Florida Greenways and Trails Foundation. The trail is designed for cyclists, hikers, and runners of all skill levels, with paved and unpaved sections and several access points and rest areas. The trail is also part of the larger Florida Greenways and Trails System, which includes over 1,000 miles of trails and connectors throughout the state.

For more information on the Florida Coast to Coast Trail, including maps, trailheads, and trail conditions, visit the Florida Greenways and Trails website at https://www.floridagreenwaysandtrails.com/trails/coast-to-coast-trail/