A Destination Trail: The Pinellas Trail
A blend of green space, urban amenities and gulf coast scenery.
By Kevin Shutt, guest contributor (when he’s not out riding)
The Fred Marquis Pinellas Trail in the Tampa/St. Pete, Pinellas County region might not be a destination ride for every cyclist. However, if you enjoy exploring, being around an eclectic citizenry, culture, and scenery...this point-to-point route might be worth considering for a day, weekend or longer trip.
So, who was Fred Marquis? After a distinguished Army career, retiring as a 2 star general, he became the Pinellas County Administrator for 21 years. During those years he helped spearhead the vision and initial construction of the Pinellas Trail. He passed away in early 2026 at age 86.
Known simply as the Pinellas Trail, it now spans approximately 45 miles one-way from downtown St. Petersburg north to Tarpon Springs. Future plans are to create an 80-mile loop. Including its terminal communities, Pinellas Trail passes through Clearwater, Dunedin and Palm Harbor, with jumping off points to various other interests such as the Sponge Docks in the north, Dunedin Blue Jays stadium midway and The Dalí Museum at the southern end.
Numerous breweries, restaurants, shops, and galleries dot the trail.
The epicenter for food, drink and merriment seems to be Dunedin. Lodging can be readily found along the trail from private B&Bs to chain hotels. Several are “right on trail” and most aren’t too far away to safely navigate on your bike.
The Trail winds its way around parks and playgrounds. It snakes between storied warehouses turned industrial-tourism ventures and craft breweries. It hovers over small bays and the busiest roadways. It’s safe enough for families, fun enough for friends and fast enough for roadies.
This multiuse, urban, paved trail attracts cyclists (road bikes, cruisers, hybrids, e-bikes) runners, walkers, and skateboarders who use it to exercise, commute and relax in the out-of-doors. Safety is maintained by community policing which helps monitor the 20-mph speed limit.
I’m drawn to the flurry of activity on Pinellas Trail.
It’s a teaming pedestrian artery coursing through thriving communities. It’s simultaneously chaotic and orchestrated. Yet, it’s always pleasantly interrupted by quiet calm at just the right times as the trail ebbs and flows between urban, semi-rural and gulf coastline.
More often than not I show up on my road bike with “aero everything” wishing I had instead brought my old mountain bike klunker with platform pedals. Then, I could dismiss the temptation of an epic 80-mile roundtrip ride. Instead choosing to:
Focus my time and attention on a 20-mile smaller area to explore
Take the off-shoot paths to see where they go
Spend time at a local café, bakery, or brewery
Visit a museum or a glass blowing demonstration
Browse a gallery
Go indoor rock climbing!
These are all options along the Pinellas Trail.
Don’t get me wrong. Riding from The Pier in downtown St. Pete to the Sponge Docks District in Tarpon Springs and then working your way back for a 70-mile RT ride is totally rewarding, pedestrian traffic and all. But doing so risks missing out on experiences that amplify what makes the trail special.
There is so much to see. So much to do. One could easily break up the ride into two or more days by packing a change of clothes, arranging to park your vehicle in a safe location and riding one way to a hotel then riding back the next day.
It’s all up to you for how long you have.
Exploring the Pinellas Trail is to experience a masterful example of transforming an abandoned rail corridor into a beloved community amenity for generations to come.
As one who is a Navy veteran, and as we celebrate Memorial Day this weekend, I thank you General Fred Marquis for your service to our country and to the people of Florida. May you rest in peace. Well done.
Kevin Shutt
Editor’s Notes:
You can follow Kevin’s cycling adventures on his YouTube Channel.
Here are other Florida Cycling Newsletter issues about designated Destination Trails.
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