Explore the best rated trails in Lake City, FL, whether you're looking for an easy walking trail or a bike trail like the 6th Street Rail Trail and UF Campus Greenway . With more than 12 trails covering 169 miles you're bound to find a perfect trail for you. Click on any trail below to find trail descriptions, trail maps, photos, and reviews.
After the two big storms this year, there are trees that are down all over both sides , directly blocking the trail. Small branches and leaves cover 50% of it. A couple teams with chainsaw and a brush cleaner machine could take care of this in less than a couple days. I sure hope it’s soon as this trail is fantastic.
I rode this a couple of weeks ago, starting at the Florahome Trailhead, approximately 10.5 miles east of the Keystone Heights Trailhead. This segment is in real good condition, although there are quite a few tree limbs hanging down that need to be trimmed back. Even with an early start, most of the trail was under the Sun. It is approximately 12 miles from Florahome to the end of the paved trail, a few miles west of Palatka. I've now ridden the entire paved section from Hampton to Palatka, approximately 31.5 miles. Surprised at how lightly traveled this trail is compared to the Jacksonville-Baldwin Rail Trail which is only 14.5 miles in length.
Drove to south entrance of Ichetucknee State park and it was not clear where the trail began, so we went to the north entrance, which is NOT the right place. Drove to O’Leno State Park and noticed a paved trail along the high meat again.
Did the entire trail and came in with 64 miles overall on roller skates. Started Trenton. The Trenton asphalt isn’t too great quality but it is doable. The Suwannee River Bridge is beautiful but usually where the traffic of the trail is. Skated to the end in Cross City. It’s very open in this section which can be difficult with wind. I will say the surface is better in this leg. Skated back from Cross City and took the Wilcox Junction to Chiefland. The Chiefland leg is shaded and has a good quality surface for most of it. All three of the depots are cute. I think Chiefland’d depot is the prettiest….but also getting to it sucks since you must cross a busy road. Overall, this trail is quiet and a beautiful tel. Saw a garter snake and lots of rabbits
We went last week and the Imeson lot was under construction. Had to go to the one near Camp Milton. Too bad this isn't listed on any site. Otherwise the trail is in great shape. Nice smooth asphalt.
Rode this trail from Keystone Heights east for about 12 miles (6 out and back) years ago not long after it opened. Today, I rode west from the trail head in Keystone Heights (located on SR 100 one block west of SR 21 between the CVS and Wendy's). The trail went 9 miles west toward Lake Butler before it ended at Navarre St in Hampton. There is a decent sized green space area off the road for parking if wanting to begin the ride at this end. The first three miles from K.H. had quite a few road crossings and then the next six miles had a few more. Most of this section was shaded (I started at 8:30). There were a handful of cyclists, one runner, and one walker with a baby stroller. Going east from K.H., the first couple of miles had many road crossings. Afterward, most were dirt roads leading to people's property. Three miles from the trail head is the Keystone Soccer Club and six miles is a Sunoco Store for those who might need bathroom facilities. After that, there was nothing until the Florahome Trailhead at 11 miles. This is where I turned around and headed back for a 40 mile ride. This section of the ride was barely shaded (after 10:00 by this time) and I didn't pass any cyclists and only a few walkers/runners. This was surprising. However, I did come across at the Florahome trail head a small group of cyclists that I rode back with. That was nice. Overall, the pavement that I rode was in excellent condition. Next time I ride this trail, I'll probably start at Florahome and ride to Palatka and back.
Wonderful trail. Lots of shade over 2/3 of the trail.
For several years the paved surface has been in disrepair, but it is being reapaved. The section from the north end to the intersection of U.S. 129 is nearing completion and it appears the project will include a bridge over the Ichetucknee River.
Hi everyone, My great niece, her friend and myself parked at the most westward trail head. We had a nice ride, visited Camp Milton, saw a beautiful Blue bird, continued on to the Imeson Rd. Trail Head. Turned around and on the way back we had the pleasure of seeing a deer on the edge of the trail.
I had to add my 2 cents, don’t be discouraged by a previous review talking about steep hills and bumpy pavement in the 5 miles near Gainesville. I rode it in the pre dawn hours and took it really slow so as not to out run my light. Yes there are bumps - I had no issues and my tires are 23s. As far as hills, this path is what we call in the Midwest flat. Maybe some steep hills for Florida, but again not a real issue. Enjoy it - I look forward to riding it again someday!
The west end towards Gainesville is quite a bit different than the east end at Hawthorne. The Hawthorne end offers good cycling with a road bike. The Gainesville end not so much. It has a lot of severe tree root damage, sharp curves, and suprisingly steep hills. Once you get thru that in the first 5 miles the trail straightens out and runs parallel to a busy and noisy road. Great.
We rode it 3 times and finally agreed it wasn't worth the effort. With the 2 overlooks onto Paynes Prairie and the Al Lucha trail within the first 3 miles, this end of the trail lends itself to walking or riding an ebike. The ebike negates the hills and would have larger tires that would absorb all the bumpiness.
The east end was rural with fewer people and was more suitable for someone wanting to actually bike.
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