Conveniently located between
Orlando and Daytona Beach!
Orlando and Daytona Beach!
Events for Jun. 2013
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Biking & Hiking Trails and More…  Ahhh! Feel the wind in your face and the warmth of the sun on your body as you hike, bike, skate and paddle our many miles of award winning multi-use trails. It's not often that you have the opportunity to enjoy the charm of rural landscapes, small town ambiance, unspoiled natural surroundings and plentiful wildlife, but you will here! And, complimented with an eclectic array of traditional and ethnic dining choices, as well as some of the finest beer and wine bars in Central Florida, your adventures here will truly be memorable. You'll discover a different side of Florida on our trails that wind through small friendly communities, along side the magnificent St. Johns River and our local, county, state and national parks. Be sure to make plans to stop and have a picnic or a refreshing swim along the way. Come stay with us and experience what makes the West Volusia region so special and why people really do discover their happiness here. Our abundant and varied cycling opportunities offer something for bikers of all ages and abilities. Call us and we will be happy to tell you more.  The West Volusia County region has two multi-use trail systems; the Spring-to-Spring Trail and the East Central Regional Rail Trail. Neither are completed but they still offer miles of recreational enjoyment as they traverse through shaded tree canopies, open prairie, cypress swamp and magnificent vistas of pristine lakes and the St. Johns River. When complete, the Spring-to-Spring Trail will stretch 26 miles from Gemini Springs Park in DeBary to DeLeon Springs State Park located in DeLeon Springs. To date, Volusia County has completed several segments of the trail totaling nearly 15 miles. In addition, five trailheads have been built for your convenience at DeBary Hall Historic Site, Gemini Springs Park, Lake Monroe Park, Lake Beresford Park, Blue Spring State Park and along Grand Avenue in Glenwood. Segment 1 is 4.1 miles that meanders through the grounds of the beautiful DeBary Hall Historic Site, and continues under ancient live oak canopies to Gemini Springs Park and then on to Lake Monroe Park with its breathtaking views and abundant wildlife. Segment 2 is currently 1.3 miles that borders the DeBary Golf & Country Club. Segment 3 at 5.3 miles connects historic Blue Spring State Park and the Lake Beresford Park Loop. Segment 4 is 4.25 miles and winds along Grand Avenue, part of a designated Florida Scenic Highway. The East Central Regional Rail Trail is being constructed along the longest abandoned rail line ever purchased in Florida. When complete, the rail trail will cover 50 miles, stretching from Enterprise to Edgewater with a 10-mile leg through Brevard County to Titusville. The first completed 5.7 mile trail segment winds through green canopies of trees and unspoiled rural areas from a trail head at Green Springs Park in Deltona to State Road 415 in Osteen. The rest of the trail can be traveled by off road bicycles. On Road Bicycling Routes One of the best places from which to appreciate our regions spectacular natural landscapes, historic sites, abundant wildlife, welcoming communities and bountiful recreational resources is, without a doubt, the seat of a bicycle. Take your time exploring our many parks, the St. Johns River, charming historic towns and also enjoy a full slate of festivals. Bicycling opportunities abound here from mountain biking trails to leisurely pedaling along a country lane. The Volusia County Bicycling Map for the Experienced Cyclist, created by the Volusia County Transportation Planning Organization with help from the Florida Freewheelers, shows numerous suggested riding routes and bicycle facilities.  Equestrian Trails All of the conservation lands located in Volusia County have trails that are perfect for hiking, biking and equestrian rides. These trails lead through a variety of natural habitats providing ever changing opportunities to observe and experience the character of each. Not only do these trails showcase Florida's natural diversity, but you are sure to encounter its abundant wildlife as well including bald eagle, sandhill crane, river otter, bobcat, blue heron, coyote, fox, black bear, deer, alligator, osprey, gopher tortoise, turkey, barred owl, wood stork, raccoons, migratory songbirds and a variety of snakes and lizards. Our two State Forest's, Tiger Bay and Lake George, are part of an extensive wildlife corridor and home to a multitude of species. Each forest has trails for hiking, horseback riding and off-road bicycling. Lake George State Forest is listed on The Great Florida Birding Trail, indicative of the varied wildlife you can encounter. Our three State Parks, Blue Spring, Hontoon Island, and DeLeon Springs offer amenities including exceptional wildlife viewing, boat tours, canoeing and kayaking, camping, swimming, picnicking, fishing and interpretive exhibits. They all have unique hiking trails that meander past ancient Indian shell mounds, through shady hardwood hammocks and cypress wetlands. These state parks are all listed on The Great Florida Birding Trail. Lake Woodruff National Wildlife Refuge is a bird lovers paradise and of course, is listed on The Great Florida Birding Trail. Throughout the year, it provides refuge for hundreds of species of migrating and nesting birds. Lake Woodruff is host to the second largest pre-migration roosting colony of swallow-tailed kites in July and August. The Southern bald eagle is plentiful throughout the winter months and sandhill cranes regularly nest and raise their young at the refuge. A variety of nature trails with varying lengths are perfect for hiking and bicycling. Take time to explore the Lyonia Preserve and Environmental Center. Three trails of varying lengths wind through authentic Florida scrub habitat where there's a good chance you may encounter their most precious resident, the Florida scrub jay. Curious and friendly, these outgoing birds are know to land on your head or shoulder to get a closer look at you! Lyonia Preserve is also listed on The Great Florida Birding Trail.  Get on the water and explore our Blueway Trails by canoe or kayak and experience the abundant wildlife and nature that's so prevalent on the St. Johns River. Around every bend is a sight so beautiful it takes your breath away and fills you with awe. That's why we love and treasure our river! Did you know that the St. Johns was designated an American Heritage River, just one of 14 in the nation? There are four paddling trails on the St. Johns to choose from. Useful links: The Florida Bicycle Association headquartered in DeLand, is an advocate for a bicycle friendly state. Their website has a Florida Touring Calendar and information on cycling education. Bike Florida is primarily a touring organization and offers tours that link small towns with natural and historic landmarks. Each year in the Spring, Bike Florida sponsors a week long tour with riding destinations that vary from year to year. Bike Florida also conducts safety programs. |
