History

Still in development as a paved, multi-use recreational trail, the Palatka-Lake Butler State Trail is situated in one of the most picturesque areas of the state. The 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.