Rail-Trails Florida: The definitive guide to the state's top multiuse trails

Rail-Trails Florida: The definitive guide to the state's top multiuse trails

by Rails-to-Trails Conservancy
Rail-Trails Florida: The definitive guide to the state's top multiuse trails

Rail-Trails Florida: The definitive guide to the state's top multiuse trails

by Rails-to-Trails Conservancy

Paperback

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Overview

Explore the best rail-trails—52 trails and more than 856 miles—with the official guide

Looking for a level trail where you can enjoy a brisk fitness walk, bike ride, or stroll with the family? All across the country, unused railroad corridors have been converted to public multiuse trails. Here, the experts from Rails-to-Trails Conservancy present the best of these rail-trails in Florida

General James A. Van Fleet State Trail runs 29 miles through Central Florida’s expansive Green Swamp, home to some of the state’s most impressive wildlife. For a real adventure, try the 106.5-mile Florida Keys Overseas Heritage Trail, which stretches from Key Largo to Key West. Or for visitors who really want to unplug, visit Sanibel Island, a beautiful sanctuary with 24 paved miles that take you to beaches, a wildlife refuge and rehabilitation center, a historical lighthouse and village, a renowned seashell museum, and more.

In this book, you’ll find:

  • Detailed maps for every rail-trail, plus driving directions to trailheads
  • Icons indicating the activities each trail can accommodate
  • Succinct descriptions written by rail-trail experts
“You can now throw away all your self-help books on fighting depression, losing weight, toning muscles, finding something to do with your kids, and learning American history. Just use this guide, find a great trail—and enjoy!”
—Peter Harnik, Director, Center for City Park Excellence, Trust for Public Land

Product Details

ISBN-13: 9780899978192
Publisher: Wilderness Press
Publication date: 05/10/2016
Series: Rail-Trails
Pages: 192
Sales rank: 168,169
Product dimensions: 5.50(w) x 8.40(h) x 0.40(d)

About the Author

Rails-to-Trails Conservancy is a nationwide nonprofit dedicated to converting former railroad corridors to public, multiuse recreational trails that offer easy access to runners, hikers, bicyclists, skaters, wheelchair users, and equestrians. It serves as the national voice for more than 160,000 members and supporters, more than 23,000 miles of open rail-trails across the country, and more than 8,000 miles of potential trails waiting to be built—with a goal of ensuring a better future for America made possible by trails and the connections they inspire. To find out more about Rail-Trails, check out the Conservancy's official website at railstotrails.org.

Read an Excerpt

Seminole Wekiva Trail

  • Counties Seminole
  • Endpoints Markham Road near County Road 46A in the Wekiva River Protection Area (Lake Mary) to FL 436 near Laurel St. (Altamonte Springs)
  • Mileage 14
  • Type Rail-Trail
  • Roughness Index 1
  • Surface Asphalt
  • Uses Cycling, inline skating, wheelchair access, walking
The 14-mile Seminole Wekiva Trail is one of the most popular trails in Seminole County, offering a variety of experiences, landscapes, and amenities for trail users of all ages. The well-marked pathway follows the former route of the Orange Belt Railway, established in 1885, and information kiosks along the trail offer small lessons to trail users curious about the region’s railroad history.

Starting at the northwest trailhead, you’ll pass through quiet residential neighborhoods and a Spanish moss–draped tree canopy that provides welcome shade from the Florida sun. Just after the Seminole Soccer Club Complex and Orlando City youth soccer club, stop at the pond overlook to enjoy views of frogs jumping from lily pad to lily pad as birds patrol the water’s edge.

The middle section of trail offers a more suburban feel with shopping centers and plenty of restaurants. You’ll pass business complexes and modern office buildings, eventually arriving at a pedestrian bridge over I-4. This spur connects you to the Cross Seminole Trail.

The southern part of the route mirrors the peaceful scenery of the northern section, with the added benefit of art displayed along the trail. Through a project titled Paint the Trail, artist Jeff Sonksen has installed hundreds of paintings with themes ranging from current events to movies and music.

After exploring the Seminole Wekiva Trail, check out the nearby 22.8-mile Cross Seminole Trail (see page 35) that extends east and south to Oviedo.

DIRECTIONS
To access the northern trailhead from I-4, take Exit 98 toward Lake Mary/Heathrow. Head west on W. Lake Mary Blvd. Continue 1.3 miles, and turn right onto Markham Woods Road. After 2.5 miles, turn left onto Markham Road, and go 0.8 mile. Turn left into the trailhead.

To access the southern endpoint from I-4, take Exit 92 for FL 436 toward Altamonte Springs/Apopka. Head west on FL 436, and go 1.7 miles. Turn right into the access road, the next street past Riverbend Drive (if you pass San Sebastian Prado, you’ve gone too far), and turn left into the trailhead parking lot.

CONTACT: seminolecounty.gov

Table of Contents

About Rails-to-Trails Conservancy

Foreword

Acknowledgments

Introduction

How to Use This Book

The Trails

Index

Photo Credits

Support Rails-to-Trails Conservancy

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