General James A. Van Fleet State Trail

General James A. Van Fleet State Trail

One of Florida's most rural, paved rail-trails

Hours

8 am until sunset every day of the year.

Fees

No fee Required

Location

7683 Berkley Road
Polk City FL 33968

Get directions

Contact Info

352-394-3969

Welcome to General James A. Van Fleet State Trail

Officially designated as part of Florida's Statewide System of Greenways and Trails and is one of Florida's most rural, paved rail-trails.

Also designated as a National Recreation Trail®, the Van Fleet State Trail runs through the Green Swamp, the headwaters for some of Florida's most popular paddling destinations including the Withlacoochee, Hillsborough and Peace rivers. Landscapes include the river swamp, bottomland forest, pine flatwoods, 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. An equestrian trail parallels the length of the paved path. The trail has excellent wildlife viewing opportunities, especially between Green Pond Road and Bay Lake Road.

Hunting is allowed in the Green Swamp and Richloam wildlife management areas, found on the western side of the northern half of the trail. The trail remains open during hunting seasons.

The trail is 29.2 miles long and has a paved surface 8 feet in width.

Plan Your Visit

General James A. Van Fleet State Trail
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Manager's Message

Although the Gen. James A. Van Fleet State Trail is a paved rail-trail, it is also considered the most rural, or remote trail in Florida. It runs through the Green Swamp, the headwaters for some of Florida’s most popular rivers including the Withlacoochee.
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Every Stamp Is A Story

We invite you to visit any one of our amazing state parks, and to save your adventures with the Special Edition Real Florida Passport. This travel-sized journal is the perfect place to collect your memories and discover new places to explore! Each Florida State Park has a unique stamp and story.
Annual Pass
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Florida State Parks Annual Pass

A Florida State Parks Annual Pass allows frequent visitors to enjoy parks for pennies a day! Annual Passes can be purchased a variety of ways and are available for individuals or families.

Experiences

Walking and Running
Walking and Running
Bicycling
Bicycling
Horseback Riding
Horseback Riding
Roller Blading
Roller Blading
Picnicking
Picnicking
Wildlife Viewing
Wildlife Viewing

Amenities

Equestrian Trail
Equestrian Trail
Pets
Pets
Picnic Pavilion
Picnic Pavilion
Accessible Amenities
Accessible Amenities
Wheelchair Accessible
Wheelchair Accessible
Restroom Facilities
Restroom Facilities
Parking
Parking
Big Lagoon State Park Trail
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Trails

Whether by bicycle, horse, wheelchair, kayak or on your own two feet, trails both within and outside our state parks can lead to a wide variety of adventure and opportunity throughout Florida.
The Gregory House at Torreya State Park
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History & Culture

Experience Florida as it was before interstates, high-rises and air conditioning. Florida State Parks preserve and share the story of the state and its people through many historic and cultural sites.

People Make the Parks

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Florida State Parks Foundation

The statewide nonprofit partner meeting critical funding needs for universal access, conservation, education and preservation.
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