Palatka-Lake Butler State Trail, Florida, United States

5Frank R 5:00 PM Oct 29, 2016

Keystone Heights to Roberts Lane of the Palatka Lake Butler State Trail
My wife and biked the section of the Palatka to Lake Butler State Trail on Saturday for the first time. It will not be our last. The trail is 12 feet wide and parallels SR 100 W, which makes for easy access but doesn't provide for road related detractions. Most of the time you are unaware that there is a State Road close by. Recently had hurrican Matthews, the trail was already cleared and perfect for riding. There is the Tangled Oaks Vineyard and Wine shop in Grandin (loved it). The Florahome Station, historic structure with active retail business - neat collectibles. Also unique placees, parks and State Forest to emmerse yourself in all along the trail. Great scenery, some long grades to challenge you only a little. As you work your way west, get into the sand hills of Florida and a little more challenging but also very scenic. Not a lot of roads to cross but be careful, motorist are not always mindful of your exsistence. Limited restroom, water, parking and Trailheads but those that are available are well spaced so if you plan a little in advance, no problem. You can find plenty of restaurants and the like in Keystone Heights. The eastern terminous Trailhead is Roberts Lane and is a dirt parking area with immediate access to the trail. The stabilized parking is in Etoniah Creek State Forest a couple of miles on Holloway Road. The next stabilized area is at the Florahome Trail head about 6.5 miles west of Roberts Lane on the trail. Unless you are coming from the west or want to cut off over 6 miles of trail, use Roberts Lane. There is parking at the Putnam Hall Trailhead and the Twin Lakes Trailhead (near western terminous). Check the trail out on the internet. My wife and I do a lot of biking and prefer the trails. You can do anything from 8 miles to 40 miles round trip and this trail is enjoyable regardless of the distance. One of the best and best maintained. Can't wait until they get more of it paved. Another section , east has been approved and money secured. Should start construction in 12 to 18 months. Go and check it out yourself.

5George E 5:00 PM Mar 4, 2014

One Of Florida's Best Bike Trails
The Palatka-Lake Butler State Trail has been a long time coming, and it is far from complete, but what is available to ride now is great. It stretches from the North edge of Keystone Heights to a temporary point near Palatka. On the city limits of Palatka it picks up again, and a route is finished through town and over the big bridge across the St. Johns River. A good put-in point is Keystone Heights, which gives the rider more than 30 miles of paved trail to ride. An extension out to Gold Head Branch State Park provides added mileage, and the Park roads are fun to ride. The Trail has been well-engineered and constructed, and passes through some beautiful scenery along the Central Ridge of Florida. This trail is recommended to all bicyclists who want to avoid the busy highway, and to enjoy Nature.