Heading to Florida and looking for the bike trails in Florida to enjoy some time on your bike? Or maybe you are local to Florida and just looking for a new area hit the trail on. We have several of the best bike trails in Florida that you should try.
You may be surprised to learn that Florida is home to more than 800 miles of trails to explore on your bike. And these trails range from flat and paved to over bridges, obstacles and more. Biking in Florida is an awesome way to spend your holiday.
Biking in Florida is also a great way to spend your leisure time if you are lucky enough to live in Florida. You are sure to find a new favourite bike trail on our list. Or maybe a new place to challenge yourself on the bike trails in Florida.
15 Best Bike Trails In Florida You Should Try
Baldwin Rail Trail
When looking for bike trails in Florida the Baldwin Rail Trail is a great option. The trail is around 30miles round trip from Baldwin to Jacksonville and back again.
The entire path is paved and has very few road crossings and one railway crossing. It is one of the best bike trails in North Florida for beginners. As a great bonus, the trail is nicely shaded with trees along the sides of the path.
Along the path there are plenty of resting places if you need to take a break. While you won’t be the only one on this trail it doesn’t tend to get very crowded so there is plenty of room for everyone. And there is plenty of parking at the trailhead in Jacksonville.
You will be able to catch a little bit of wildlife along the sidelines and there is a bathroom near Camp Milton when you are on the trail. With a bike pump located at the start of the trail this trail is truly equipped to help you get started on your journey. It is one of the best bike routes in Florida if you want something easy paced or if you are looking to train your times.
West Orange Trail
The West Orange Trail is one of the great options for bike trails in Florida. This trail runs from Oakland to Apopka and is primarily city trail. Don’t let this city trail fool you though. There is plenty of nature.
On the trail there are several small lakes and water features. The trail also passes a nature reserve where you can see some animals. And the paths are lined with beautiful trees covered in spanish moss and plenty of places to rest.
The town of Winter Garden that the trail meanders through is so beautiful and quaint. The town itself will be a great part of your ride. If you need a bike rental you can start at the southern end of the trail. The Killarney station is a fun little building that has bike rentals available. Of course, call ahead to make sure there are availabilities!
The ride is suitable for all levels of bikers but isn’t ideal if you are looking for training times. Also, be aware if biking with children, that there are several road crossings and biking near roads on the trail. That said, it’s still doable! And since this is one of the best bike trails in central Florida it is one that you can add if you are visiting Orlando.
General James A. Van Fleet State Trail
If you want bike trails in Florida that are packed with nature then the General James A. Van Fleet State Trail is for you. One third of this trail rides through the Green Swamp Wilderness preserve. This park is a massive 322,690-acres. You are sure to see plenty of alligators and turtles on your ride.
Also along the path are plenty of horses at the nearby farms. You could even plan a stop at one of them to trade a bike ride for a horse ride.
The ride itself is gorgeous. In addition to the Green Swamp Wilderness preserve you will also ride through bottomland forest and cattle ranch land areas. The trail is fairly remote but entirely paved. So it’s one of the best bike trails in Central Florida for beginners and experienced cyclists alike.
Be sure to take some water though! While there are some shaded spots there are also plenty of stretches of sun on this nearly 30 mile trail. Head our prepared and you are sure to love biking in Florida on this trail!
Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park
If in your search for bike trails in Florida you are hoping for bike trails in Jacksonville area then Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park is a great option. Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park is on the east side of Jacksonville right on the ocean.
With more than 20 miles of bike trails there is ample opportunity for beginners and experienced bikers alike. If you would like mountain bike trails in Florida this is a great place to check out. While there aren’t actual mountains you will have a fun time on the more advanced trails. With names like Tornado Alley, Misery and Grunt for the difficult trail names you probably get the point. Make sure you are equipped with good tires as you’ll go from dirt to sand to mud in short stretches and have plenty of tree roots in your path.
For beginners who are looking to get off the paved paths there are a couple of novice options available. You can even make an entire weekend of it and camp in the park. There is an entrance fee for the park but is super reasonable at $5 per car. You can also enjoy 1.5 miles of a soft sandy beach and a kids splash pad (open until the end of October each year). This is a great option for families and is an over great option on one of the best bike trails in north Florida.
Legacy Trail in Venice
The Legacy Trail in Venice is one of the awesome bike trails in Florida. Running from Sarasota to Venice it is a chance to ride a piece of history. It is a great option if you’d like some Sarasota bike trails. The Legacy Trail in Venice is also known as the Sarasota Legacy Trail since it runs between the two locations.
The trail was formerly a railroad track but has since been paved for your convenience. Along the trail there are several signposts that you can learn from. You’ll learn about the trail history and the local plants around you. You will even see historic buildings like the Historic Venice Train Depot. Here you will even find a train themed playground for younger cyclists.
This is one of the easier bike routes in Florida. The path is entirely paved and offers ample areas to stop and rest. At a total of 10 miles long it’s a very doable length to bike. So if you are hoping to go biking in Florida and learn a little about the history at the same time this is a great option for you!
And if you want to extend your biking in Florida for ra little bit longer then you are in luck. The south end connects to the Venice Waterway trail. This path will add another nearly 9 miles to your ride and take you right to the Gulf of Mexico. You also pass along several fitness parks and playgrounds if you need a rest.
If you happen to be here in the fall be sure to check out the International Chalk Festival in Venice. Checking out the incredible talent of chalk artists from around the world is a great way to round out your biking in Florida journey.
Balm Boyette Scrub Preserve
If in your search for bike trails in Florida you are hoping for some Florida mountain biking then this is for you. The Balm Boyette Scrub Preserve has something for everyone wishing to venture into mountain bike trails in Florida. Most people don’t realize that there is mountain bike trails in Florida right by Tampa. So this is great if you are hoping for bike trails in Tampa.
Balm Boyette Scrub Preserve has over 23 miles of single track courses. And it rounds that out with more than 15 miles of multi-purpose track. There are trails for all difficulty levels. Only bike traffic is allowed on the single track and there are plenty of runs and obstacles to keep you working.
If you’re opting for the multi-purpose track please bear in mind that there will be pedestrians to share the path with. Of course, please only opt for the advanced trails if you are truly ready for them. The obstacles are meant to be challenging for advanced riders. If in doubt, start with a beginner trail and work your way up. This is a biking in Florida experience you are sure to remember.
Mount Dora Bike Trail
The Mount Dora Bike Trail is a lovely surprise of the bike trails in Florida. Located in Mount Dora just north of Orlando this is one of the best bike trails in central Florida. This is, surprisingly also one of the great mountain bike trails in Florida as well.
In the Mount Dora trails you will find some great options for Florida mountain biking from intermediate to advanced. There are plenty of wooden obstacles that will keep you challenged and having fun. There are some surprisingly great climbs and lots of terrain variance.
The trail has ample parking at even has a fixit location at the trailhead. This is a stand that has some basic bike tools and a bike pump for you if you should need it. With several ramps and jumps you will want to make sure your bike is ready for this trail. This is a well maintained trail by the Ocala Mountain Bike Association and one of the more difficult mountain bike trails in Florida so make sure you are prepared. You are sure to have an awesome time on this Florida mountain biking trail.
And while you are there be sure to check out some of the very best things to do in Mount Dora.
Venetian Waterway Park Trail
This is a great place for a relaxing bike trails in Florida excursion. The Venetian Waterway Park trail will take you up and down the Venice Intercoastal Waterway. On the southern end you will connect to a gorgeous white sand beach on the Gulf of Mexico; this is one of the best family beaches in Florida. On the northern end you can take your bike journey further by connecting to the Legacy trail in Venice (also on our list!).
The Venetian Waterway Park trail is entirely paved and a great option of the Sarasota bike trails. You’ll love the leisurely feel of this biking in Florida trail. Along the route are several fitness parks, water features, shops and playgrounds. On particularly lovely days there will be boats coming down the Venice Intercoastal Waterway. You can even arrange your own boat rental to make a day trip of your journey on the bike paths in Florida.
Please be aware that this is a paved path through a town with road crossings. There will also always be other people to share the path with. So if you are looking for a challenging ride or a timed ride you are better off with some of the other options on our list. But, if you want a lovely, relaxed ride through a quaint Florida townscape to the beach this is a great option. As a fun bonus, this is a great way to enjoy the sunset over the Gulf of Mexico!
Pine Island Bike Trail / Stringfellow Trail
This is one of the fun bike trails in Florida as it spans the entire island of Pine Island Florida. The northern end of this trail is in Bokeelia. The southern end is in St. James City. You can easily start at one end and bike to the other as it is about 17 miles one direction.
Another great option is to start at the Pine Island community pool and choose to either travel north or south for a day trip. If you head north to Bokeelia you will have the chance to see plenty of community farms. In Bokelia you can have lovely water views to take a rest. You can also plan a stop in the Pine Island Flatwoods Preserve for a little nature hiking.
To the south you could enjoy a meal out in the lovely waterfront community of St James City. Do be aware that this trail is mostly sidewalk and will involve several road crossings. The northern journey tends to see less traffic though and the sidewalk has seen a lot of restoration over the last years making a more relaxing ride. To the north you also have a lot of opportunities to combine it with other activities such as hiking.
Since this biking in Florida trail does travel the entire length of Pine Island Florida it does give you a lot of opportunities to customize your day as you need.
Baker Park
Bike trails in Florida come in a lot of different varieties. Baker Park comes in the variety of a 15 acre gorgeous park. The park was completed just a few years ago and a lot of thought went in to it.
Not only does it have bike paths, but there are also dog parks, playgrounds, kayak launches, performances stage, splash pad and picnic area. And, if that isn’t enough, Baker park is also a great place to watch the planes take off in Naples.
Baker Park, on it’s completion, became one of the great bike trails in Naples Florida. The bike trail has trails that are bike only and some that are shared with pedestrians. You can truly make an entire day of your outing here. The scenery is breathtaking. You can meander the several paths on your bike and take in the whole park. Then it’s up to you what you want to do next. Kayak? BBQ? Picnic by the airport to watch the airplanes?
The trails here are easy and paved and are one of the really great bike routes in Florida for families and beginners or those just looking for a leisurely time biking in Florida. The beautiful Baker park is one of the best bike trails in Naples Florida! And while you are there be sure to check out some of the best places for breakfast in Naples Florida!
Withlacoochee State Trail
Bike trails in Florida don’t get much better than the Withlacoochee State Trail. This trail stretches over 46 miles and is one of the best bike trails in central Florida. The trail head can be found in Citrus Springs (1.5 hours north west of Orlando) and then the trail runs south for 46 miles.
Biking through all sorts of nature – from sand hills to bush – on a paved path that rolls on before you literally for miles is a real treat on the Withlacoochee State Trail. Along the way you are sure to spot plenty of wildlife and even some historical markers.
The Withlacoochee State Trail is also another great example of turning rails to trails in Florida. As an ode to this you will be sure to spot a few railway landmarks on your journey. The trail itself is well maintained but there are sections that are pretty isolated so make sure you are prepared with snacks and water for those longer stretches. Otherwise there are several communities that you will travel through with amenities and additional trailheads so you have plenty of options for where you want to get started.
Aside from a few road crossings you have plenty of stretches of safe biking areas. Overall this is one of the best bike trails in central Florida and a great path for going longer distances.
Amelia Island Trail
A list of bike trails in Florida would not be complete without the Amelia Island Trail. Not only is Amelia Island one of the best day trips from Jacksonville Florida. It is also full of gorgeous Airbnbs in Amelia Island to extend your stay when you fall in love with the island – which we know you will!
Amelia Island Trail is one of the best bike trails in North Florida and they make it so easy to access. On the island there are several rental places to get a bike if you should not have access to your own bike. Some rental options on island induce Amelia’s Wheels, Spoke Cycles and Supercorsa Cycles. Of course, call in advance to make sure you have your rental all set!
Then you can arrange to hit the trail! You can start your journey on either the north or the south end of the trail. The over 6 mile trail is actually part of the East Coast Greenway. The East Coast Greenway is a bike trail system that goes all the way to Maine!
If you want to start at the north end head to Peters Point Beachfront Park. From there enjoy your 6 mile journey down to Amelia Island state park on the southern end. At the state park you can enjoy one of the prettiest Florida beaches and a ton of recreational activities. It is definitely one of the prettiest bike routes in Florida!
The Palatka to Saint Augustine State Trail
Among bike trails in Florida the The Palatka to Saint Augustine State Trail definitely deserves a mention. It is among the great Saint Augustine bike trails. The Palatka to St. Augustine State Trail has several trailheads to start off from; Vermont Boulevard Trailhead, Armstrong Park, and East River Road Trailhead are a few of them. Each trailhead has parking, restrooms and play areas.
The trail itself is 19 miles long, paved and luxuriously wide at 12 feet wide. The halfway point on the trail is home to the trail town of Palatka where you are sure to get any biking information you may need for the trail.
Saint Augustine is also a very popular place for cycling that there are many establishments that you can arrange a bike rental from if you should need it. We strongly recommend a visit to the Palatka to Saint Augustine State Trail with a visit to Saint Augustine. You can enjoy less formal Saint Augustine bike trails in the amazingly historic city. You can even venture on a guided bike tour to learn about the history. Or check out the best things to do in Saint Augustine.
This is an absolutely beautiful area of Florida and one of the great bike paths in Florida for your to explore.
Fred Marquis Pinellas Trail
The Fred Marquia Pinellas Trail is one of the amazing bike trails in Florida. It expands over nearly 50 miles of mostly urban paved trails but is planned to extend to a 75 mile loop in the future!
The scenery is vast an varied on this trail. You get to travel through places such as Dunedin, Wall Springs park and Crystal Beach or even take a little side trip to Clearwater Beach. The cities keep up with maintenance really well and there are ample places to rest. There are also plenty of restaurants that you can spot along the way to get a more formal refuel on your journey.
This is another great rails to trails Florida experience and you are sure to see many nods to the former railway use of this trail with railway themed trail markers. You will see a lot of variety from the gulf coast beaches to quaint towns on your journey through the bike paths in Florida on the Fred Marquis Pinellas Trail.
Florida Keys Overseas Heritage Trail
This 90 mile trail is one of the bike trails in Florida that is not for the faint of heart. The Florida Keys Overseas Heritage Trail extends nearly the entire length of the Florida Keys (and will eventually reach the entire distance!). The trail has little shade and does have areas of shared road with traffic so caution is advisable. Please remember that a shared road means extra caution on your part and to plan to be visible (and definitely no biking in inclement weather or outside of daylight hours!).
With all those safety details out of the way – the views are amazing! Florida Keys is truly an incredible experience and as you bike across the bridges you will have uninterrupted water views stretching before you. Eventually, this trail is planned to connect to the East Coast Greenway and run all the way to Maine!
In the meantime, you can use this trail to connect you between islands in the Florida Keys and journey to some of the stunning places for camping in the Florida Keys. All those biking in Florida miles will be well rewarded with digging your toes in the sand on some of the most beautiful beaches that Florida has to offer.
No matter what trail you decide to head out on be sure that you practice safe biking. Pack provisions, wear sunscreen and a helmet, bring a phone, keep your bike in optimal condition and follow the rules of the trail. And don’t forget to let others know where you’ll be! We are sure that you will love these bike trails in Florida.
15 Best Restaurants in Miami Beach You Shouldn’t Miss