Top 10... Pinellas Trail

Pinellas Trail, paved Florida Bike Trail

An urban rail-trail with about 100,000 users each month, the popular 38 mile "Fred Marquis Pinellas Trail" links some of Pinellas County’s finest parks, scenic coastal areas, and residential neighborhoods. The Pinellas Trail is a member of the Rail-Trail Hall of Fame. This designation is based on merits such as scenic value, high use, trail and trailside amenities, historical significance, excellence in management and maintenance of facility, and geographic distribution. (More photos and map below.)

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End Points: St. Petersburg to Tarpon Springs
Mileage: 38 miles, includes eight overpasses at busy intersections.
Surface: Paved asphalt, 15'
Location: Pinellas County; the northern terminus for the trail is in Tarpon Springs at Keystone Road; the southern terminus is in St. Petersburg at Demens Landing. (See detailed map, left)
Nearby Points of Interest: Tarpon Springs, Dunedin, Honeymoon Island State Park, Clearwater Beaches, Salvador Dali Museum, St. Petersburg, FL.

THE BEST TRAIL SECTIONS TO RIDE... and additional comments by MUDFISH

I recommend the northern one-third of the trail, from the historic Dunedin train depot to the trail's end just north of Tarpon Springs, a distance of about 11.7 miles. Generally, this is a more peaceful section of the trail, but like much of the Pinellas Trail, a portion runs parallel to busy roads. There are two interesting trail spurs. One is 2.7 miles north of Dunedin, crossing a causeway to Honeymoon Island State Park. The other crosses the Anclote River just past Tarpon Springs near the northern terminus. An easy sidewalk ride from the trail are the historic Tarpon Springs sponge docks. This is a "pre-Disney" tourist spot, still popular with plenty of tourist shops, and some very good Greek restaurants.

The first 3 miles south of the Dunedin train depot is also a pleasant ride. The trail then narrows as it weaves through busy downtown Clearwater.

The south end of the trail begins at 1st Ave. S. and Bay Shore Dr. S.E. in old St Petersburg. The Salvador Dali museum is nearby. Cross Bay Shore Dr. and ride through Demens Landing Park for a nice view of Tampa Bay. About 1.3 miles west is Tropicana Field. However, the trail then enters an older industrial area that some people avoid. Much of the remainder of the trail is a backyard urban ride favored by families, or in some parts, a street-side ride.

BOBCAT'S PHOTO GALLERY along the Pinellas Trail (hover over photo for a larger view)

St. Petersburg

Southern terminus at Demens Landing	Downtown St. Pete	Tropicana Field
St. Petersburg to Clearwater

Dunedin

Honeymoon Island A side trail connects to Honeymoon Island State Park. Nice Gulf views.

Tarpon Springs Famous for its sponging industry and great Greek restaurants!

Anclote River Nature Park (spur)

		View of the trail bridge
Tarpon Spring to northern terminus

	People mistakenly think this is the end of the trail	The real end!