Destination trails: Cape Haze / Gasparilla Island
These trails in the Cape Haze, FL area are part of an ongoing series of “destination trails” across Florida.
Destination trails are like destination wedding venues - people want their family and friends to enjoy a special experience. The destination trails chosen by “The ibis Flyer” are those trails that rise to the level of being worth traveling to for the cycling experience. Most are in Florida; some in nearby states.
For more destination trails visit the “The ibis Flyer” blog site. We also post these destination trails on our website ibisrides.com. Click on “Routes | Trails” on ibisrides.com for hundreds of cycling routes throughout Florida.
Cape Haze Pioneer Trail
This is an 8.5 mile tree-lined, paved trail running parallel to County Road 771/Gasparilla Road on the Cape Haze peninsula east of Englewood.
At the northern trailhead park in the outer parking lot of Publix on the north end of the trail. Restrooms are available on either end of the trail.
While the trail is in an urban setting, most of the trail has a rural feel to it as you ride with flora on both sides of the trail. There is a nice photo op on a bridge over an intercoastal creek.
The trail intersects with a couple of roads, so be sure to slow up and look for traffic before crossing.
Click here for a link to more information and maps of the Cape Haze Pioneer Trail.
Here’s a bonus at the southern trailhead of the Cape Haze Pioneer Trail. You can easily cross over and connect with the Gasparilla Island bike trail.
Gasparilla Island / Boca Grande
Gasparilla is a barrier island that provides a step back in time to lovely, gracious coastal Florida. Stretching the length of the island is a 13-mile paved trail. This is Florida's first rail-to-trail. To get onto Gasparilla Island there is a $3 toll for bikes, $6 for cars to cross the bridge on the Boca Grande Causeway.
The Gasparilla Island Bridge offers inspiring views of the Gulf of Mexico and Gasparilla Island. A great entrance to the experience.
Once on Gasparilla Island the trail is flat. Visiting the island town of Boca Grande, FL lets you enjoy signature Florida architecture and quaint shops. Enjoy a meal or drink at one of the local restaurants to make this a more memorable ride.
If you want to only ride the Gasparilla trail, parking on the mainland is limited before getting onto the Boca Grande Causeway. Of course, you can drive onto the island and find parking on the north end. However, riding across the causeway is worth the price of admission.
Check Google Map for parking options near the entrance to the Boca Grande Causeway. There is a Publix grocery store nearby.
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Do you have a favorite trail or two? It can be paved, gravel or MTB. Please let us know. We would love to consider it for being a destination trail so your fellow Florida cyclists can discover it. Email me a brief description and a link where to find more information at Bruce@ibisrides.com. Thank you.
Ride often. Ride safe.
Bruce | Lead ibis
Wow, that’s beautiful and dreamy! 😍