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Top 10... Van Fleet State Trail

The General James A. Van Fleet State Trail is a totally rural, 29 mile trail with one curve and no hills. The trail runs through the Green Swamp, the headwater of Florida's aquifer. While crossing three bridges over the headwaters of the Withlacoochee River, check for alligators. Gopher tortoises ("gophers"), bobcats, deer, raccoons, armadillos, and other wildlife can also be seen. Be sure to bring plenty of liquids and food. There are restrooms at the Polk City, Green Pond Road, and Mabel trailheads, but no other facilities. (More photos below.)

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End Points: Polk City to Mabel; trailheads at Polk City, Green Pond, Bay Lake, and Mabel (each about 10 miles apart).
Mileage: 29 miles
Surface: Asphalt, 12'
Location: Polk, Lake, Sumter Counties
Nearby Points of Interest: Fantasy of Flight, Withlacoochee State Forest

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

This is the most rural trail in Florida, isolated and quiet. Some won't like it because there's nothing here but forest, pasture, and swamp. Yet for a relaxing nature ride, there's no other trail like it in Florida. From a little north of Green Pond Rd. to Mabel (19 miles), the trail forms or runs just inside the eastern boundary of the Withlacoochee State Forest. There are no paved crossings for 19 miles, just a few forest access roads.

I recommend parking at the Green Pond Trailhead and riding north about 5 miles. Within this section, you cross 3 bridges spanning the start of the Withlacoochee River. Riding 5 miles south of Green Pond takes you to the ONLY bend in the trail. Aside from the tiny hamlet of Poyner (1 mi. south of Green Pond Rd.), this 10 mile section is mostly tree-lined, offering plenty of shade during the mornings and afternoons/eves. I also recommend parking at the Mabel Trailhead (Rt. 50) and riding south to Bay Lake Rd (9 mi.). This is a another tree-lined section of the trail, entirely within the Withlacoochee State Forest.

The only sections of the trail with little shade are the first 5 miles north of Polk City Trailhead and the first 5 miles south of the Bay Lake Trailhead. Note: the Bay Lake Trailhead is isolated and seldom used, so for security reasons, I recommend not parking there. (I've never heard of any break-ins, but yours could be the only vehicle parked there all day.)

BOBCAT'S PHOTO GALLERY along the Van Fleet State Trail (hover over photo for larger view)

2-3 mi. north of Green Pond Trailhead - 3 bridges cross start of the Withlacoochee River, (a recommended section of the Trail). A big gator ("Billie") rules the waterhole at the middle bridge.

At the Green Pond Trailhead

Green Pond Rd. to Polk City

At The Curve (only bend on the trail) + Bobcat and Mudfish take a break

At (southern-most) Polk City Trailhead and Trail Heading North

Babies of the Van Fleet Trail

		For comparison, baby tortoise vs. adult tortoise
At Polk City, the Van Fleet Trail connects with the 6 mile Auburndale-TECO Trail. This trail runs parallel to a road, with one short shady section (just south of trailhead), but open vistas and fewer people make this a nice extension for faster road bikes.