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Nature Coast State Trail
Adventure awaits you on the Trail! Don't miss the Suwannee River
bridge near Fanning Springs. Winter time provides perfect weather for
hiking, biking and other strenuous exercise.
In the early 1900’s the railroad was replacing the steamship as the
freight and passenger carrier of the Nature Coast. Trains hauled crops
and timber throughout the Suwannee Valley, making passenger stops in
small towns such as Chiefland, Cross City and Trenton. Today you can
travel in the shadow of these early trains by retracing their historic
route in the Nature Coast State Trail. The 31.7 miles of the Nature
Coast Trail connects three counties and five communities.
Hours of Operation
The trail is open from 8 a.m. until sundown, 365 days a year.
Driving Directions and Access
The southern boundary of the Nature Coast Trail is located in the
city of Chiefland. Travel north into Chiefland on US 19. Just before you
enter the downtown area, on your right, you will see the old train
depot, behind the Greenway Sub shop, and gazebos at the trailhead.
The eastern boundary of the Nature Coast Trail is located in the city of
Trenton. Out of Gainesville, travel west on State Road 26. Turn north
onto State Road 129. Two (2) blocks north of the intersection of SR 129
and SR 26 will be the Trenton Train Depot located at the trailhead. Park
in the grassy area on the north side of the Depot. A parking area is in
future development plans. This parking area will be located on the east
side of the depot and will be accessible on the south side from several
streets.
The western boundary of the Nature Coast Trail is located in the city of
Cross City. Travel north into Cross City on US 19. There will be an old
train depot on the right side of US 19 in the city of Cross City. Turn
right at the last intersection before the train depot and then take an
immediate left. Park near the train depot on the grass.
The hub or middle of the Nature Coast Trail is located just inside of
the city of Fanning Springs. Take US 19 north; the trailhead crosses US
19 just after the Agriculture Inspection Station. After crossing the
trail, take the next right. A grass parking area is available.
An additional trailhead can be found just to the West of the Suwannee
River in Old Town. Traveling north on US 19, turn right in downtown Old
Town on SR 349. The trail crosses the road 1 block after the
intersection.
Fees
There is no fee to use the Nature Coast State Trail.
Contact Information
Nature Coast State Trail
18020 N.W. Highway 19
Fanning Springs, Florida 32693
Phone: 352-535-5181
Tallahassee Headquarters: 850-245-2052
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