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Trail Town Program

Trail Town ski image courtesy of town of Winter Haven banner
A Trail Town is a vibrant destination where people come together. It is a place where trail users can venture off
a hiking, biking, equestrian or paddling trail to enjoy the amenities and unique heritage of the community,
benefiting the town economically and socially.

Does your community desire to become a recognized Trail Town? Start with contacting your Office of Greenways and Trails Regional Coordinator

 

In-House Graphics-OGT-Trail-Town-Logo-sm

Florida's Recognized Trail Towns

Dunedin

When you walk the streets of downtown Dunedin, you see a multitude of bike shops, bustling inns, busy cafes and humming businesses. The downtown area is also filled with joggers, bikers, inline skaters and leisurely walkers, all perusing local businesses and enjoying coastal scenery. Much of the excitement and vitality in Dunedin comes from the Pinellas Trail, which runs through town on an abandoned CSX railroad corridor. Thanks to the Pinellas Trail, downtown Dunedin’s business occupancy rate rose from 30% to 100%. 


Titusville

The city of Titusville along Florida's East Coast is at the confluence of three long-distance trails: Florida Coast-to-Coast Trail, East Coast Greenway and the St. Johns River-to-Sea Loop. The town's steps to becoming a Trail Town included forming a trails committee, spearheading efforts to build a bicycle/pedestrian bridge over Garden Street (State Road 406 - their busiest thoroughfare), revamping downtown streets to be more bicycle/pedestrian friendly, and opening a new visitors center in 2017.


Malabar

Malabar, a small town at the southern end of Brevard County along Florida's East Coast, was designated due to its vigorous efforts to establish walking, bicycling and paddling trails through its conservation areas. The town has an active Trails and Greenways Committee that works to connect their trail system to neighboring towns, and they came together to build an impressive trail shelter, an ideal spot for a rest break or picnic or to take refuge from a storm.


Vilano Beach

Located just north of St. Augustine along Highway A1A, Vilano Beach has developed a wide range of amenities for bicyclists on the East Coast Greenway and paddlers on the Florida Circumnavigational Saltwater Paddling Trail. The town has wide paved trails on both sides of its main boulevard along with directional signage on every block.


Clermont

Located at the halfway point of the Florida Coast-to-Coast Trail, the South Lake Trail in Clermont provides numerous amenities for trail users such as restrooms, shade, information kiosks, way-finding signs, free Wi-Fi, water fountains and showers. Plus, the Legacy Loop Trail safely brings trail users into downtown. 


Palatka

Palatka has become a major trail hub, situated along long-distance paved multiuse trails, the St. Johns River Blueway and historic Bartram Trail in Putnam County. The town's interactive St. Johns River Center provides trail information and maps, and trail events draw hundreds of participants each year.


Inverness

Inverness, located along the 46-mile Withlacoochee State Trail, has embraced bicycle tourism as an economic driver. With good signage, amenities, numerous events, and safe bicycle and pedestrian passage through downtown, Inverness has created a highly visual gateway to downtown from the trail.


Deltona

Deltona is a hub for several long-distance multiuse trails such as the Florida Coast-to-Coast Trail and the St. Johns River-to-Sea Loop. The town has also embarked on an ambitious program to link its many parks by trail.


Everglades City

Everglades City is a gateway to the Ten Thousand Islands and an important hub for several paddling trails, including the Florida Circumnavigational Saltwater Paddling Trail. The town is also bike-friendly as evidenced by bicycle racks throughout town and at the airport. 


Winter Garden

Listed on the National Registry of Historic Places, downtown Winter Garden is a favorite destination for those traveling on the award-winning West Orange Trail. The trail links cyclists, joggers and pedestrians to the center of downtown, which includes a revitalized business and arts district.


Gainesville

With a growing network of multiuse trails and a revitalized Depot Park, downtown Gainesville is a popular destination for all trail users.


DeBary

The city of DeBary uses an intentional trail-first mindset in everything it does. As the only location in Florida where three major state bike trails connect just steps from the only SunRail station in Volusia County, the city offers access to a myriad of ecotourism activities including biking, hiking, kayaking, camping and more.


Winter Haven

Winter Haven's trail network spans more than 14 miles and includes an interconnected system of parks, neighborhoods, shops, restaurants, theaters, and downtown, which serves as the core of the trail system. Winter Haven also has 50 lakes within or bordering its city limits, offering numerous opportunities for paddlesports.


Brooksville

The city of Brooksville has been the Hernando County seat for more than 100 years. It is a thriving residential-commercial community that has experienced continuous growth while preserving its original charm. The Good Neighbor Trail, part of the Coast-to-Coast Regional Trail, goes through three city parks and downtown Brooksville. Visitors can enjoy multiuse trails, sports facilities, local food and drink, library boxes and local art.


Mount Dora

Against the backdrop of Central Florida hills and old oaks, Mount Dora offers a mountain bike trail, parks, and lakefront amenities such as the Palm Island Boardwalk, boat rentals, a boat launch and a well-known lighthouse. Mount Dora is also planning for a high-quality trail network and regional trail connectivity. Mount Dora, voted a favorite small town by Southern Living Magazine, proudly boasts the slogan "Someplace Special."


Tallahassee Cascades Corridor

The first designated Trail Town in Florida’s Big Bend region, the Tallahassee Cascades Corridor is the beginning of a paved multiuse path that will extend to the Gulf of Mexico and beyond. The trail also provides access to several neighborhoods, both Florida A&M and Florida State universities, as well as the Railroad Square Art District. Cascades Park, a state-of-the-art stormwater management system, is a fitting trailhead since it boasts a restaurant, splash pad, amphitheater and playground.


Milton

Milton, the first designated trail town in the Florida Panhandle, is conveniently situated on the 9-mile Blackwater Heritage State Trail. A full-service bike shop, multiple restaurants and a grocery store are right on the trail. Milton also boasts a 5-mile brick trail that was once part of the original Old Spanish Highway built in the 1920s. Several boat ramps provide access to the scenic Blackwater River.


Sopchoppy

Surrounded by conservation land in all directions, this is the perfect destination for those searching for an idyllic outdoor adventure! From Sopchoppy, you can hike the Florida National Scenic Trail, bike the Capital City-to-Sea Trail, or paddle the Sopchoppy River. A variety of restaurants and lodging options are located directly off the trail!  


White Springs

The small town of White Springs is known for its rich history, natural beauty and cultural significance. It was once a popular destination for tourists and health-seekers for the healing power of local mineral springs, which were believed to have therapeutic properties. Now, White Springs is a model trail town. Residents and visitors can hike the Florida National Scenic Trail, or paddle the Suwanee River Wilderness Trail, and tour Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center State Park or Big Shoals State Park which provides opportunities for cycling, horseback riding, fishing, camping and more. 


Trail Town Photo Gallery

Walkers on Clermont's South Lake Trail, by Doug Alderson, OGT

Don Gooding, Kraig McLane and Donald Morgan at Palatka's St. Johns River Center

Titusville Welcome Center with bike shop inside, by Doug Alderson, OGT

Vilano Beach public pier by Doug Alderson, OGT

manatee on turkey creek near Malabar with Katie Bernier of OGT by Doug Alderson, OGT

Everglades City bike rack by Katie Bernier, OGT


downtown Inverness by Doug Alderson, OGT

dining along trail in Dunedin

East Coast Greenway rider in Titusville, by Doug Alderson, OGT

Bicycle repair station in Deltona by Donald Morgan, OGT
jan 2019 trail town photo with Palatka and Deltona
West Orange Trail in downtown Winter Garden
 FL Greenways and Trails council
  
Trail Town ski image courtesy of town of Winter Haven
 
 
Discovering a Trail Town
Last Modified:
March 18, 2024 - 12:26pm

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