Southeast - Looking for info on the Nature Coast State Trail

My daughter and I plan to ride The Nature Coast State Trail sometime during May. The trail runs from Chiefland, FL to Trenton FL and Cross City FL. I have viewed the web site and it provides good information. My question is have any of you ridden the trail, is it worth the trip to drive from Orlando? What did you like or dislike about this trail? Is there anything off the beaten path worth seeing? (unique places, history locations) Good places to eat in either of the three towns mentioned?

Thanks for you input...:)
Jim

I rode the whole trail twice, and it's my favorite of the Florida Greenway trails. I liked it because there is zero traffic, no crossroads, total peace and quiet. The trail is smooth and shady. Just bring your own supplies; you won't pass any 7-11's.

There is a good BBQ joint right on the trail in Old Town. I can't remember the name, but there is a big pig on the roof--you won't miss it.

I stayed at Otter Springs Campground(just off the trail, in the middle), which I would recommend strongly. They rent cabins or tent/rv sites cheap, allow pets. The Fanning Springs State Park is worth checking out; basically just a big swimming hole, though.

Don't expect any Orlando-style tourist attractions anywhere in the area, just relaxation, if that's what you want.

I rode the whole trail twice, and it's my favorite of the Florida Greenway trails. I liked it because there is zero traffic, no crossroads, total peace and quiet. The trail is smooth and shady. Just bring your own supplies; you won't pass any 7-11's.

There is a good BBQ joint right on the trail in Old Town. I can't remember the name, but there is a big pig on the roof--you won't miss it.

I stayed at Otter Springs Campground(just off the trail, in the middle), which I would recommend strongly. They rent cabins or tent/rv sites cheap, allow pets. The Fanning Springs State Park is worth checking out; basically just a big swimming hole, though.

Don't expect any Orlando-style tourist attractions anywhere in the area, just relaxation, if that's what you want.

This just what we are looking for, low traffic isolated quiet. Thanks

Another trail to add to my list of trails to ride. Was just checking out some of the info online and its about the same distance from me to this trail as it is from me to the Withlacoochee trail. Now I have 2 trails to look forward to.....

Thanks for info.......

Another trail to add to my list of trails to ride. Was just checking out some of the info online and its about the same distance from me to this trail as it is from me to the Withlacoochee trail. Now I have 2 trails to look forward to.....

Thanks for info.......


If you haven't ridden the Withlacoochee you are in for a treat. About mid way between Triliby and Floral City look for the camel. He loves trail mix by the way.

If you haven't ridden the Withlacoochee you are in for a treat. About mid way between Triliby and Floral City look for the camel. He loves trail mix by the way.

My sister used to live in Dunnellon years ago when I first started riding. And I never knew the trail existed until about 5 months before she moved. I did get to ride the first 7 or 8 miles of the trail from the trail head south of Dunnellon before she moved. After she moved I had no place to stay (for free) and ride the trail. About 2 years ago I had plans to ride the trail, stay over night someplace near the middle and ride north one day and south the next. But my plans kind of went down the drain do to some family problems. But I'm back on the bike again.... and thinking of new plans now :)

My sister used to live in Dunnellon years ago when I first started riding. And I never knew the trail existed until about 5 months before she moved. I did get to ride the first 7 or 8 miles of the trail from the trail head south of Dunnellon before she moved. After she moved I had no place to stay (for free) and ride the trail. About 2 years ago I had plans to ride the trail, stay over night someplace near the middle and ride north one day and south the next. But my plans kind of went down the drain do to some family problems. But I'm back on the bike again.... and thinking of new plans now :)

Have you ever road the West Orange Trail, if not you should add it to your list, it's a great ride and I think you could make the drive in about an hour and a half. If you ever do the WOT (West Orange Trail) let me know and I will give you some heads up info.