The Florida Greenways and Trails System
Looking for a unique place to hike, bike or meander, here's the source!
The Florida Greenways and Trails System is a statewide network of multi-use trails and green spaces that span over 1600 miles. The system was established to provide a safe and enjoyable way for people to experience Florida's natural beauty and cultural heritage. The trails within the system are designed for walking, cycling, horseback riding, and other non-motorized activities.
Here are some notable trails within the Florida Greenways and Trails System:
Withlacoochee State Trail - This 46-mile trail runs from Citrus Springs to Trilby and features a mix of urban and rural scenery. The trail passes through a variety of landscapes, including wetlands, forests, and small towns. Link: https://www.floridastateparks.org/trail/Withlacoochee-State-Trail
Gainesville-Hawthorne State Trail - This 16-mile trail is located just outside of Gainesville and offers a shaded, peaceful ride through the woods. The trail is perfect for cyclists, walkers, and runners. Link: https://www.floridastateparks.org/trail/Gainesville-Hawthorne-State-Trail
Cross Seminole Trail - This 23-mile trail runs through Seminole County and features a mix of urban and suburban scenery. The trail connects to several parks and other recreational areas along the way. Link: https://www.seminolecountyfl.gov/departments-services/leisure-services/greenways-natural-lands/cross-seminole-trail.stml
Pinellas Trail - This 38-mile trail is one of the most popular trails in Florida, running from St. Petersburg to Tarpon Springs. The trail passes through several historic towns and offers beautiful views of the Gulf of Mexico. Link: https://www.pinellascounty.org/trailgd/
West Orange Trail - This 22-mile trail runs through the heart of West Orange County and offers scenic views of Lake Apopka. The trail is popular with cyclists and walkers and features several parks and rest areas along the way. Link: https://www.orangecountyfl.net/CultureParks/Parks.aspx?m=dtlvw&d=83
Legacy Trail - This 10-mile trail runs through Sarasota County and features beautiful views of the Gulf of Mexico. The trail is popular with cyclists, walkers, and runners and connects to several parks and other recreational areas along the way. Link: https://www.scgov.net/legacytrail
Fred Marquis Pinellas Trail - This 34-mile trail runs from St. Petersburg to Tarpon Springs and features beautiful views of the Gulf of Mexico. The trail is popular with cyclists, walkers, and runners and connects to several parks and other recreational areas along the way. Link: https://www.pinellascounty.org/trailgd/
Suncoast Trail - This 42-mile trail runs from Hillsborough County to Pasco County and features a mix of urban and rural scenery. The trail passes through several parks and other recreational areas along the way. Link: https://www.floridastateparks.org/trail/Suncoast-Trail
Lake Minneola Scenic Trail - This 13-mile trail runs through Lake County and offers beautiful views of Lake Minneola. The trail is popular with cyclists and walkers and connects to several parks and other recreational areas along the way. Link: https://www.southlakechamber-fl.com
General James A. Van Fleet State Trail: This 29.2-mile trail passes through rural landscapes, rolling hills, and small towns in Central Florida. It is named after General James A. Van Fleet, who served as a commander of U.S. and United Nations forces in the Korean War. The trail is also popular for birdwatching and wildlife viewing.
Cross Seminole Trail: This 23.2-mile trail in Seminole County features a mix of natural and urban landscapes, including parks, residential areas, and business districts. The trail passes through historic downtown Sanford and offers views of Lake Monroe.
Gainesville-Hawthorne State Trail: This 16-mile trail is a former railroad corridor that runs through Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park and other natural areas in Alachua and Putnam Counties. The trail is known for its scenic vistas, wildlife sightings, and opportunities for hiking and horseback riding.
Suncoast Trail: This 42-mile paved trail runs through Pasco, Hernando, and Citrus Counties and offers views of the Gulf of Mexico and local wildlife. The trail is popular with cyclists, joggers, and rollerbladers, and offers access to parks, restrooms, and other amenities.
Withlacoochee State Trail: This 46-mile trail follows a former railroad corridor through Citrus, Hernando, and Pasco Counties. The trail is known for its scenic beauty, including views of the Withlacoochee River, and offers opportunities for hiking, biking, and horseback riding.
Upper Tampa Bay Trail: This 7.8-mile trail runs through suburban and natural areas in Hillsborough County, including Upper Tampa Bay Park, which offers opportunities for hiking, picnicking, and kayaking. The trail also passes through residential neighborhoods and shopping centers.
Black Creek Trail: This 7.2-mile trail in Clay County follows Black Creek and passes through wooded areas, residential neighborhoods, and parks. The trail is popular with cyclists and hikers and offers access to restrooms and picnic areas.
Jacksonville-Baldwin Rail Trail: This 14.5-mile trail in Duval County follows a former railroad corridor and passes through rural areas, residential neighborhoods, and small towns. The trail is popular with cyclists and hikers and offers access to restrooms and picnic areas.
West Orange Trail: This 22-mile trail in Orange County follows a former railroad corridor and passes through downtown Winter Garden and other urban and rural areas. The trail is popular with cyclists, joggers, and walkers and offers access to parks, restrooms, and other amenities.
Lake Minneola Scenic Trail: This 12-mile trail in Lake County offers views of Lake Minneola and passes through residential neighborhoods, parks, and natural areas. The trail is popular with cyclists and hikers and offers access to restrooms and picnic areas.
Pinellas Trail: This 47-mile trail in Pinellas County follows a former railroad corridor and passes through urban and suburban areas, including downtown St. Petersburg and Clearwater Beach. The trail is popular with cyclists, joggers, and walkers and offers access to parks, restrooms, and other amenities.
Links to important sites:
Florida Greenways and Trails System: https://www.floridastateparks.org/learn/florida-greenways-and-trails
Friends of the Florida Greenways and Trails: https://www.floridagreenwaysandtrails.org/
Rails-to-Trails Conservancy: