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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, 365 days

Fees

No fee Required

Location

7683 Berkley Road
Polk City FL 33968

Get directions

Contact Info

352-394-3969

Park Menu

  • Experiences & Amenities
  • History
Download Park Map

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 eight feet wide.

Plan Your Visit

Rachel Nunlist, Lake Louisa Park Manager smiling at the camera
Learn

Manager's Message

The General James A. Van Fleet State Trail, a paved rail-trail, is 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.
Van Fleet Trail
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Cycling on the Van Fleet State Trail

Cycling is very popular at the General James A. Van Fleet State Trail, which is noted for being one of Florida’s most rural trails. Along this state trail are many beautiful vistas, including open cattle land, protected forests and wetlands. 
Swallow-Tailed Kite in flight
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Wildlife Viewing on the Van Fleet State Trail

Whether you are cycling, skating or walking, you are bound to see something interesting along the trail. As you wander along, you will travel through cattle land, Richloam Wildlife Management Area and the Withlacoochee State Forest.

Experiences

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

Amenities

Accessible Amenities
Accessible Amenities
Equestrian Trail
Equestrian Trail
Parking
Parking
Pets
Pets
Picnic Pavilion
Picnic Pavilion
Restroom Facilities
Restroom Facilities
Wheelchair Accessible
Wheelchair Accessible
Silver Meteor led by E-7 Unit number 3047 departing from Miami in 1966
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History of a Railroad and a War Hero

The state trail is named after General James Alward Van Fleet and used to be the site of a railroad.
Gopher Tortoise at Van Fleet
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Gopher Tortoises on the Van Fleet State Trail

On the General James A Van Fleet State Trail you are very likely to have the chance to see a gopher tortoise.

People Make the Parks

Van Fleet staff Amanda Nappier holding a snake

Staff Spotlight

Amanda, a lifelong Floridian, began her career with the Florida Park Service at Lake Louisa State Park in 2013.
Volunteer Spotlight Bob Wagner smiling at the camera

Volunteer Spotlight

One day when he was cycling on the trail he met one of the rangers who then asked him to become a volunteer and Bob has been a volunteer ever since. Now Bob makes sure that the trail is clean, clear and safe for cyclists.
Florida State Parks Foundation

Florida State Parks Foundation

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

Park Map

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Florida State Parks

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