Van Fleet Trail - Green Pond Trailhead
About the Business
The Van Fleet Trail - Green Pond Trailhead is a picturesque park located at 4903 Green Pond Road in Polk City, Florida, United States. This institution is officially designated as part of Florida's statewide system of greenways and trails, offering visitors the opportunity to explore one of Florida's most rural, paved rail-trails.
As a National Recreation Trail®, the Van Fleet State Trail passes through the stunning Green Swamp, which serves as the headwaters for popular paddling destinations such as the Withlacoochee, Hillsborough, and Peace rivers. The diverse landscapes along the trail include river swamps, bottomland forests, pine flatwoods, former citrus lands, and cattle ranches.
With only one curve in its 29.2-mile length, visitors can choose to take a leisurely stroll to observe the wildlife or opt for a brisk pace. An equestrian trail runs parallel to the paved path, providing additional recreational opportunities. The trail offers excellent wildlife viewing opportunities, particularly between Green Pond Road and Bay Lake Road.
Hunting is permitted in the Green Swamp and Richloam wildlife management areas located on the western side of the northern half of the trail, but the trail remains open during hunting seasons. The 29.2-mile trail features a paved surface that is eight feet wide, making it accessible for walkers, cyclists, and horseback riders alike. Visit the Van Fleet Trail - Green Pond Trailhead to experience the beauty of Florida's natural landscapes and diverse wildlife.
Photos
Location & Phone number
4903 Green Pond Rd, Polk City, FL 33868, United States
Hours open
Monday:
8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Tuesday:
8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Wednesday:
8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Thursday:
8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Friday:
8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Saturday:
8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Sunday:
8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Reviews
"We walked from the trailhead to just past the third bridge and back. It was a very peaceful walk. We hope to cover more of the trail on our next visit."
"Stopped by the Van Fleet trail today and was pleasantly pleased. Last time I went by the grass was high and I didn't want to park there. This time it was beautifully done and trash free. I saw a beautiful juvinile red tailed hawk. And the beautyberries were in full bloom. We'll be back for sure!"
"This trailhead has parking, a covered picnic area, full facilities, and drinking water. The trail is nicely shaded if you ride early or late, since it's a north-south trail that runs through the forest. If you're riding south be aware the pavement gets rough near the end - from MM 0-2 there are a lot of dips and bumps from tree roots bulging through. Also a rough approach to a wooden bridge near the Polk City trailhead - they really need to fix this."
"Nice paved path to walk and bike. It's great to geocache, too. It has a bathroom and water fountain (also a pet one). Depending on the time of year, you can see turtles and snakes. Also, see the local cows and horses as you walk the trail."
"We biked 20 miles roundtrip on the Van Fleet Trail (from Green Pond to Bay Lake and back). We loved it. We saw 16 gators and 9 turtles (three of the gators we on the shoulder of the bike path). We only ran into a handful of other bikers. It was peaceful and beautiful. The restrooms at Green Pond are nicer than Bay Lake. We'd love to bike another part of the trail in the future."
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