Florida naturally flatter terrain makes it all the better for biking! This low-impact cardio workout is a favorite activity of many, and is a great way to stay in shape, get around, and get outside. Best of all, Florida has plenty of hot spots for biking.
Here are eight of the best Florida bike trails. Happy riding!
The Suncoast Trail spans 42 miles through the counties of Hillsborough, Pasco, and Hernando. Each trailhead includes its own parking, and you can find benches, picnic tables, and water stations all along the path. Make sure you keep an eye out for wildlife as you pass by the scenic Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Preserve.
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Starting at Gainesville's Boulware Springs Park, the 16-mile Gainesville-Hawthorne State Trail is a perfect place for cycling. During your ride, you'll head through the Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park featuring gorgeous meadows on either side. Plus, you can bring your four-legged friends with you on this pet-friendly path.
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Sanibel Island may be known for its shelling and white sand beaches, but it also boasts 25 miles of bike trails. We recommend starting near Sanibel Lighthouse and heading west along Periwinkle Way. From there, you can head west following Sanibel-Captiva Road, or go down to Gulf Drive along the beach.
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One thing we love about the Tampa Bay area? It's home to several of Florida's best bike trails, including the Fred Marquis Pinellas Trail. It's one of the most popular trails in the state and extends from St. Petersburg to Tarpon Springs. Our opinion could be biased, but we think it's be the best way to travel through downtown Dunedin and Clearwater.
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Making its way through rural Florida, the Withlacoochee State Trail stretches 46 miles, making it one of the state's longest trails. You can travel the entire expanse from Citrus Springs to Dade City, or traverse the trail one section at a time.
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In quiet reaches of North Florida lies the Nature Coast State Trail. Easily one of the best Florida bike trails, this 32-mile paved trail winds through lush forest. Be sure to stop in Trenton to explore the local businesses of this quaint Florida town.
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Stretching from South Sarasota to Venice, the Legacy Trail is a great place to bike in southeast Florida. We recommend starting or ending your ride at Culverhouse Nature Park so you can check out the local wilderness.
Sarasota recently approved the Legacy Trail to extend into the downtown area, a major undertaking for this city. Keep an eye out for the opening of this extension in the near future!
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You'll have to make a special trip to get to the Shark Valley Trail, but it's oh so worth it. This rustic path follows the tram road through Everglades National Park. Along your ride, you might see alligators, herons, turtles, and more. Don't sleep on this incredible experience!
What's your favorite Florida bike trail? Share this post on social media and gather your friends for a day of cycling fun.
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