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Gen. James A. Van Fleet State Trail
The Gen. James A. Van Fleet State Trail is officially designated as part of Florida’s Statewide System of Greenways and Trails. This rail-trail is one of Florida’s most rural. It runs through the Green Swamp, the headwaters for some of Florida’s most canoed rivers, the Withlacoochee (South), Hillsborough, and Peace. Landscapes include the natural environments associated with the Green Swamp, former citrus lands and cattle ranches. With only one curve in its 29.2 miles, you can choose to go slow and view the wildlife or enjoy it at a brisk pace. The trail has excellent wildlife viewing opportunities between Green Pond Road and Bay Lake Road.

A Northern Segment of Van Fleet State Trail Temporarily Closed For Repairs

For a distance of approximately 100 feet on each end of Bridge #9 (the northernmost bridge on the Trail), public access is currently restricted in order to make repairs to the bridge. There may also be occasional interference with trail use in the section of trail between the Mabel Trailhead and the Bridge as equipment and supplies are being transported. Trail users are asked to use caution in this area. It is anticipated the Trail will completely reopen no later than June 2012.



Van Fleet Brochure
Click here for the trail brochure (PDF 366 kb).
Locator
Major Activities
HikingWalkingBikingMountain BikingInline Skating
EquestrianWheelchair

Trail Length/Surface: 29.2 miles, paved

Fee: None

County: Lake, Polk, Sumter

Nearby Towns: Clermont, Polk City, Lakeland

Notes:
Some areas of the trail are quite remote and isolated. Be sure to bring plenty of water.

—description continued below—

Access/Directions:

Mabel Trailhead
From Clermont, take SR 50 west to the trailhead approximately 5 miles west of the intersection with CR 565/Bay Lake Road.

Bay Lake Trailhead
From Clermont, take SR 50 west to CR 565/Bay Lake Road. Turn left (heading south) and follow the road until you reach the trailhead on the left at the intersection with the trail.

Green Pond Road Trailhead
From Clermont, take SR 50 west to SR 33. Turn left (heading south) and follow SR 33 until you reach Green Pond Road. Take a right (heading west) and continue until you reach the trailhead.

From Lakeland, take Interstate 4 East to Exit 20 (new Exit 38) for SR 33. Follow SR 33 through Polk City and north to the intersection with Green Pond Rd. Turn left (heading west) and continue until you reach the trailhead.

Polk City Trailhead
From Lakeland, take Interstate 4 East to Exit 20 (new Exit 38) for SR 33. Follow SR 33 into Polk City and look for trailhead at intersection with CR 665.

Contact Information:
General James A. Van Fleet State Trail
c/o Lake Louisa State Park
7305 U.S. Highway 27
Clermont, Florida 34714
 (352) 394-3969
http://www.FloridaGreenwaysAndTrails.com