Sam SmithFlorida’s best bike trails are famous — a cyclist’s dreamland of rail-trails, coastal cruisers, and wild forest rides. From the shaded corridors of the Withlacoochee State Trail to the technical thrills of Alafia River’s single-track, the Sunshine State offers something for every rider. Whether you prefer smooth, car-free pavement or the challenge of sandy backcountry loops, Florida’s 50 best bike trails invite you to explore its beauty at your own pace—mile after unforgettable mile.
Pedaling Through Paradise — Florida’s Best Bike Trails
1. Withlacoochee State Trail – Citrus, Hernando, Pasco Counties
At 46 miles, the Withlacoochee State Trail is Florida’s longest rail-trail and a must-ride for cyclists. It is one of the best bike paths in Florida, with smooth and fully paved surfaces. It winds through shaded forests, wetlands, and charming small towns, offering wildlife sightings including birds, turtles, and deer. Ideal for both casual and long-distance riders, the trail features multiple trailheads, rest stops, and picnic areas. Its gentle grades make it accessible for all skill levels, while the scenic beauty and serenity make it a favorite for weekend adventures.
2. Legacy Trail – Sarasota to Venice
The Legacy Trail spans 18.5 miles of paved pathway through Sarasota’s conservation lands, recently extended with an iconic bridge crossing Interstate 75. Perfect for road and hybrid bikes, it offers shaded sections, scenic wetlands, and glimpses of Florida wildlife. Cyclists enjoy uninterrupted rides alongside nature preserves, connecting historic downtown areas with charming suburban towns. Popular for leisurely rides, fitness cycling, and family outings, this trail combines convenience, beauty, and safety, making it one of Southwest Florida’s most celebrated cycling experiences.
3. Pinellas Trail – St. Petersburg to Tarpon Springs
Stretching over 50 miles, the Pinellas Trail is a blend of urban and coastal cycling. Riders traverse parks, beach communities, and vibrant downtowns while enjoying smooth pavement and bike-friendly amenities. Frequent benches, water fountains, and nearby restaurants make it ideal for both casual rides and longer fitness sessions. The trail connects charming towns like Dunedin and Clearwater, offering scenic views and cultural experiences. Its accessibility and diversity make it a favorite for locals and tourists alike, perfect for family or solo rides.
4. Gainesville-Hawthorne State Trail – Gainesville to Hawthorne
This 16-mile trail meanders through Paynes Prairie State Preserve and over the Lochloosa Slough bridge, offering scenic vistas of wetlands, wildlife, and forests. Paved and well-maintained, it’s ideal for road and hybrid bikes, providing a peaceful, nature-filled ride. Wildlife enthusiasts may spot herons, alligators, and turtles along the way. The trail’s flat terrain makes it suitable for riders of all skill levels, while picnic areas and historical markers provide convenient resting points, making it a perfect combination of fitness, nature, and leisure.
5. Van Fleet State Trail – Polk, Lake, Sumter Counties
At 29 miles, the Van Fleet State Trail cuts through the heart of the Green Swamp, offering long, straight, paved cycling perfect for fitness or leisurely exploration. Riders enjoy tranquil solitude, abundant wildlife, and scenic vistas of pine forests and wetlands. Its flat terrain allows for smooth, uninterrupted rides, ideal for road, hybrid, and e-bikes. The trail is well-marked with several trailheads and parking areas, making it convenient for day trips. Its remote, natural setting appeals to nature lovers and cycling enthusiasts alike.
6. Tallahassee-St. Marks Historic Railroad State Trail – Tallahassee to St. Marks
This 20-mile trail follows a historic railroad corridor shaded by trees and meandering through forests, pastures, and small communities. Riders are rewarded with a scenic finish at St. Marks, a historic coastal town ideal for seafood stops or photo opportunities. The trail’s flat, paved surface accommodates road and hybrid bikes and makes it accessible for casual cyclists and families. Wildlife sightings are frequent, including wading birds and deer, and trailheads provide parking, restrooms, and picnic areas for a complete cycling day experience.
7. Suncoast Trail – Hillsborough, Pasco, Hernando Counties
Running parallel to the Suncoast Parkway for 42 miles, this trail offers rolling hills, overpasses, and picturesque vistas unique to Florida. It’s fully paved, ideal for long rides, fitness training, or scenic leisure cycling. Cyclists experience a mix of rural landscapes, wetlands, and wooded areas with frequent wildlife sightings. Convenient trailheads, parking, and rest stops enhance accessibility, while the gentle rolling terrain offers a challenge without being overly strenuous. The trail’s combination of scenery, length, and quiet makes it perfect for multi-hour rides.
8. General James A. Van Fleet State Trail – Citrus, Lake, Sumter Counties
Not to be confused with the original Van Fleet, this 29-mile trail is a pristine, car-free path through remote Florida wilderness. Paved and straight, it’s ideal for long-distance training, leisurely rides, or wildlife observation. Riders enjoy solitude, open landscapes, and scenic wetlands while spotting deer, wading birds, and turtles. Trailheads provide parking, picnic areas, and easy access, making it perfect for day trips. Its peaceful surroundings and smooth pavement create a meditative experience for both casual and dedicated cyclists.
9. Fred Marquis Pinellas Trail – St. Petersburg to Tarpon Springs
This versatile urban-county trail stretches over 50 miles, connecting parks, beaches, and downtown areas with convenient amenities. It’s perfect for commuting, long rides, or family outings. Smooth pavement, clear signage, and nearby restaurants make it extremely accessible. The trail passes through Dunedin, Clearwater, and Tarpon Springs, offering scenic waterway views and cultural exploration. Frequent trailheads provide restrooms, benches, and parking. Its mix of urban and suburban settings ensures cyclists enjoy both vibrant communities and quiet, scenic stretches for a balanced Florida riding experience.
10. Jacksonville-Baldwin Rail Trail – Jacksonville to Baldwin
This 14.5-mile trail winds through shaded forests, wetlands, and rural landscapes, offering a serene escape for cyclists. Fully paved and wide, it accommodates road, hybrid, and recreational riders, as well as equestrians along parallel paths. Wildlife is abundant, including birds, turtles, and deer, making it a nature-rich ride. Trailheads provide parking, picnic areas, and signage. The trail’s mix of tranquility, accessibility, and natural beauty makes it a top destination for day trips, fitness rides, or leisurely excursions near Jacksonville.
| # | Trail Name | Location | 15-Word Lifestyle Highlight |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Withlacoochee State Trail | Citrus, Hernando, Pasco | Long, scenic, shaded rail-trail perfect for relaxed rides through small towns and nature. |
| 2 | Legacy Trail | Sarasota to Venice | Beautiful conservation path with iconic bridge, ideal for peaceful, uninterrupted rides through greenery. |
| 3 | Pinellas Trail | St. Petersburg to Tarpon Springs | Urban-coastal hybrid connecting parks, beaches, and downtown areas for casual scenic cycling. |
| 4 | Gainesville-Hawthorne State Trail | Gainesville to Hawthorne | Nature-filled route through Paynes Prairie, perfect for leisurely rides and wildlife spotting. |
| 5 | Van Fleet State Trail | Polk, Lake, Sumter | Straight, long trail through Green Swamp wilderness, great for wildlife observation and exercise. |
| 6 | Tallahassee-St. Marks Railroad Trail | Tallahassee to St. Marks | Shaded, historic route ending at the coast; seafood and sightseeing reward riders. |
| 7 | Suncoast Trail | Hillsborough, Pasco, Hernando | Scenic rolling hills parallel Suncoast Parkway; offers unique Florida vistas on a smooth path. |
| 8 | General James A. Van Fleet Trail | Citrus, Lake, Sumter | Remote, pristine trail for uninterrupted rides through natural Florida landscapes and wildlife habitats. |
| 9 | Fred Marquis Pinellas Trail | St. Petersburg to Tarpon Springs | Versatile, long urban and suburban trail with parks, restaurants, and local charm. |
| 10 | Jacksonville-Baldwin Rail Trail | Jacksonville to Baldwin | Shaded, wide trail through forested areas; ideal for cyclists and equestrian enthusiasts alike. |
| 11 | Southwest Coastal Regional Trail | Lee County | Bayshore section offers stunning river views and peaceful, scenic 10-mile coastal ride. |
| 12 | West Orange Trail | Orange County | Connects Winter Garden, Oakland, Apopka; urban-rural mix with shops, parks, and eateries. |
| 13 | Seminole Wekiva Trail | Seminole County | Quiet suburban greenway linking multiple parks and trails for a calm, refreshing ride. |
| 14 | Cape Hawk Trail | Cape Coral | Scenic loop featuring water, mangrove views; perfect for nature-focused cycling. |
| 15 | Babcock-Webb WMA Trails | Charlotte County | Tranquil paved roads through wildlife management area; peaceful, natural Florida riding experience. |
| 16 | Alafia River State Park | Lithia | Technical mountain bike trails with elevation, jumps, and expert challenges for adrenaline seekers. |
| 17 | Santos Trail System | Ocala | Extensive IMBA Epic-rated network; freestyle jumps, varied terrain, ideal for all skill levels. |
| 18 | Baldy Mountain Bike Park | St. Petersburg | Flowy trails with elevation changes; great urban mountain biking adventure. |
| 19 | Markham Park | Sunrise | Technical, rooty single-track for intermediate to advanced riders seeking challenge and fun. |
| 20 | Jonathan Dickinson SP | Hobe Sound | Tight, technical single-track through sand pine scrub; scenic and adventurous ride. |
| 21 | Chuck Lennon Mountain Bike Park | DeLeon Springs | Fun, flowy forest single-track; perfect for intermediate cyclists seeking a challenge. |
| 22 | Graham Swamp Preserve | Palm Coast | Rugged, technical loop with moderate elevation; remote forest ride for adventurous cyclists. |
| 23 | Carter Road / Loyce E. Harpe Park | Lakeland | Technical reclaimed-mining trails; challenging single-track with a mix of elevation and terrain. |
| 24 | Tom Brown Park | Tallahassee | Diverse trail network with flow and rooty sections; ideal for skill-building rides. |
| 25 | Moses Creek Conservation Area | St. Augustine | Scenic 7-mile single-track through pine flatwoods; peaceful ride near water and wildlife. |
| 26 | Little Big Econ State Forest | Geneva | Sandy, rooty single-track following river; combines beautiful scenery with moderate technical challenge. |
| 27 | Halaula Trail (Picayune Strand SP) | Naples | Remote flat single-track; adventurous, peaceful ride through restored wetlands and wilderness areas. |
| 28 | Hannah Park | Jacksonville | Sandy, rooty coastal single-track; fun ride ending right at the beach. |
| 29 | Croom Tract, Withlacoochee SF | Brooksville | 50+ mile network of hilly, sandy single-track; offers true backcountry mountain biking. |
| 30 | Mala Compra Trail System | Palm Coast | Fast, flowy single-track; excellent introduction to North Florida mountain biking. |
| 31 | Rickenbacker Causeway Trail | Miami | Breathtaking views of Biscayne Bay and skyline; smooth coastal ride. |
| 32 | Key Biscayne Loop | Key Biscayne | Oceanfront scenic loop to historic lighthouse; perfect for relaxed rides with views. |
| 33 | Casey Key Road Ride | Nokomis to Venice | Barrier island coastal ride with multi-million-dollar homes; serene, low-traffic experience. |
| 34 | Sanibel Island Shared-Use Paths | Sanibel Island | 25+ miles of paved paths; beaches, wildlife refuges, and lighthouse exploration. |
| 35 | Captiva Island Drive | Captiva Island | Scenic tropical path; short, tranquil ride through lush island landscapes. |
| 36 | A1A / AIA | Multiple Locations | Iconic coastal highway stretches; wide bike lanes with stunning beach and ocean views. |
| 37 | Bayshore Boulevard | Tampa | 4.5-mile continuous waterfront sidewalk; flat, scenic urban ride with great views. |
| 38 | Fort DeSoto Park | Tierra Verde | 7-mile park trail; peaceful, paved ride through beaches and historic fort areas. |
| 39 | John D. MacArthur Beach SP | North Palm Beach | Mangrove boardwalk trail leading to pristine beach; ideal for nature cyclists. |
| 40 | Tierra Verde Boulevard | Tierra Verde | Smooth low-traffic coastal road; scenic, leisurely ride connecting to Fort DeSoto. |
| 41 | Riverwalk & Downtown Jacksonville Paths | Jacksonville | Scenic urban trail along St. Johns River; great for casual exploration and commuting. |
| 42 | Brickell Key & South Miami Riverwalk | Miami | Smooth loop with skyline views; perfect urban ride connecting key waterfront areas. |
| 43 | Lake Baldwin Loop | Orlando | 3.5-mile lake loop; calm ride within larger Cady Way Trail system. |
| 44 | Doris Leeper Spruce Creek Trail | New Smyrna Beach | 4.5-mile coastal canopy path; peaceful ride through scenic natural areas. |
| 45 | Crosstown Greenway (Lake Trail) | Palm Beach | Flat, historic paved trail; luxury estates and scenic lake views along route. |
| 46 | Lake Apopka Loop Trail | Apopka | 20-mile trail; great for bird and alligator watching along north shore. |
| 47 | Tampa Riverwalk | Tampa | Vibrant 2.6-mile urban waterfront; museums, parks, and restaurants along smooth path. |
| 48 | Cross Seminole Trail | Seminole County | 23-mile trail connecting multiple greenways; ideal for long suburban or nature rides. |
| 49 | Spring to Spring Trail | Volusia County | 25+ mile scenic trail connecting natural springs; perfect for long, relaxed rides. |
| 50 | Oleta River SP Blueway Trails | North Miami Beach | Paved trails through mangroves; casual scenic ride in urban wilderness setting. |
Closing
No other state offers such diverse biking experiences in one place. In Florida, every trail tells a story—through cypress swamps, over coastal bridges, across historic rail beds, and beneath canopies of moss-draped oaks. Whether you’re a weekend cruiser or a mountain bike adrenaline junkie, there’s a path that feels like your own. So gear up, stay hydrated, and hit the trail—because cycling Florida isn’t just recreation; it’s pure freedom under the sun.