Palatka-to-Lake Butler State Trail

Palatka-to-Lake Butler State Trail

Miles of multi-use trails wind through picturesque Florida countryside

Hours

8 a.m. to sundown, 365 days a year

Fees

No fee required

Location

6065 Twin Lakes Road
Keystone Heights FL 32656

Get directions

Contact Info

352-473-4701

Welcome to Palatka-to-Lake Butler State Trail

Still in development, this paved, multi-use recreational trail is situated in one of the most picturesque areas of the state.

This state trail is warmly welcomed by this Northeast Florida region for the enhanced quality of life and economic benefits it offers many small towns and communities.

The trail corridor stretches nearly 47 miles from west of U.S. 17 in Palatka to State Road 238 in Lake Butler, as it runs along the former Norfolk-Southern Railroad right-of-way through Putnam, Clay, Bradford and Union counties.

Purchased with Preservation 2000 funds through the Florida Greenways and Trails Acquisition Program, the Rails to Trails Conservancy played a key role in preserving the corridor for conversion to a rail-trail. It was designated as part of the Florida Greenways and Trails System in 2007 and is being constructed by the Florida Department of Transportation in segments as funding becomes available.

GPS coordinates for Twin Lakes Park: N29.7643 / -81.9927

GPS coordinates for Lake Butler trailhead: N30.0222 / -82.3424

Plan Your Visit

a man in protective gear stand sin front of a prescribed fire with a drip torch
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Manager's Message

Palatka to Lake Butler trail has two sections that are currently paved. The largest of these extends from Roberts Lane 10 miles west of Palatka on State Road 100 to 2 miles west of Keystone Heights.
Annual Pass displayed over water and sky.
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Florida State Parks Annual Pass

Annual entrance passes can be purchased at all park ranger stations and museums. If you require immediate use of your pass, this is the best option. Passes can be purchased during regular business hours 365 days a year.
a paved path winds past trees in a small town
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Bike the Palatka-to-Lake Butler State Trail

One of the newer trails in the state park system, the Palatka-to-Lake Butler State Trail consists of 47 planned miles of paved path. Walkers, runners, cyclists, pets and inline skaters are welcome on this trail that will eventually stretch to the town of Palatka (and possibly farther) along the old Norfolk Southern Railroad track.

Experiences

Bicycling
Bicycling
Hiking
Hiking
Horseback Riding
Horseback Riding
Roller Blading
Roller Blading
Walking and Running
Walking and Running

Amenities

Accessible Amenities
Accessible Amenities
Equestrian Trail
Equestrian Trail
Parking
Parking
Pets
Pets
Playground
Playground
Restroom Facilities
Restroom Facilities
Water Fountain
Water Fountain

Palatka-to-Lake Butler State Trail

a paved trail extends through a thick canopy of trees and undergrowth
two bikes lean against a red wood storefront
Palatka-to-Lake Butler
a wet paved path next to palm trees
Palatka-to-Lake Butler
a small store sits on the intersection of a road and a paved bike path
Palatka-to-Lake Butler Pavillion
Palatka-to-Lake Butler Playground
Big Lagoon State Park Trail
Learn

Trails at Florida State Parks

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.
a paved trail extends through a thick canopy of trees and undergrowth
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Wild Places of the Palatka-to-Lake Butler State Trail

Traversing the Palatka-to-Lake Butler State Trail is a foray into natural Florida, providing a secret glimpse of the ecosystems and species that make this state special.

People Make the Parks

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Staff Spotlight

Byron has never liked being cooped up indoors and his ideal day involves being in the sun with a fishing pole in his hand.
Volunteer

Volunteer with us!

Help fulfill the Florida State Parks' mission. Assist park employees to preserve, interpret and restore ...the Real Florida.
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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