Finding the doggone northern terminus is what vexed us - yes, it was mostly our fault for not paying more attention. But . . . Mary Louise's iPhone DID NOT HELP!! I guess we needed to ask Siri, but ML is stuck with just an iPhone 4. If you go, get off I-75 on Exit 205 (Rt. 72), go west on Clark Ave (Rt. 72), take a left on McIntosh Road, and follow the signs to the parking area on the left. Simple, if you've done it once.
The trail is nice because it traverses some reasonably "traditional" Florida scrub and then comes back out to see some salt water channels. It's quiet and stays away from any parallel busy roads.
Florida scrub - the way that much of inland Florida used to look.
The information boards along the side of the trail are a nice feature. Some tell about flora and fauna, and some are historical.
The trail builders left an original trestle bridge with the tracks still in place. You can see the trail bridge off to the rights. Toot toot!
Further south, we started to cross rivers and inlets with mangroves and evidence of salt water.
At the end of the trail is the original Venice, FL train station that is now used as a bus transfer station. There is a canal, boat ramp, and park off to the left also where people were sitting and eating their picnic lunches. Very nice.
And finally, a picture of the trail, with a gazebo alongside to shade bikers who need a bit of a rest.
All in all, The a very pleasant trail to see some scenery and get some exercise.
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