For Sarasota, Florida visitors and locals looking to spend a bit of time exercising in the outdoors, Sarasota County’s Legacy Trail is an excellent choice. The trail is 30 miles long and is straight, smooth, and level.
Additionally, there are only a few street crossings making it an excellent biking or walking trail for all age and ability levels. Traverse the old Seaboard Railroad corridor through beautiful sections of rural Florida and over bridges with water views.
Trailheads and Parking
The Legacy Trail begins in North Port and travels north to Venice and continues for approx. 22 miles through Sarasota, Florida.
There are 15 trailhead access points, all with free parking. The trail is open year-round from 6 a.m. to sunset and is dog friendly.
While much of the trail is exposed to the Florida sunshine, there are shaded benches and drinking fountains about every mile.
Residents and visitors with mobility challenges can still enjoy the trail thanks to the Surrey Program. Colorful six-passenger surreys leave from Laurel Park near Nokomis on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from January 14th through April 15th at 10 a.m., 11 a.m., and noon. During January, February, and March surrey rides are also offered on the first Friday and second Saturday of each month. Reservations are required via voicemail at (941) 486-2757, for more information visit the Sarasota County Government site here.
Bikers and walkers beginning at the trail start also have the opportunity to explore the beautiful Historic Venice Train Depot, built in 1927. The depot is open year-round on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and features an exhibit on the Seaboard Air Line Railroad. Make sure to look out for the statue of circus performer Gunther Gebel-Williams next to the depot. The Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus used to use the tracks to transport their show. While visiting the trail, keep your eyes peeled for old railroad mile markers, reminding you of its past.
Another trail highlight can be found midway at Oscar Scherer State Park. For an additional entrance fee, visitors can explore the large park through camping, hiking, fishing, swimming, kayaking, and more! With a total of 1,400 acres to explore and 15 miles of hiking and biking trails, the park is highlight for nature lovers. The section of the trail between the train depot and Oscar Scherer State Park makes for a pleasant 5.3-mile bike or walk and covers the most interesting landmarks on the Legacy Trail including three waterway crossings and two major bridges.