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Legacy Trail
4.7 ★★★★★ 258 Google reviews · Running trail in Sarasota, Florida · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Paved
- Distance
- 12.5 mi
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Legacy Trail's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Popular with bicyclists & walkers, this 12.5-mile, paved route sits on an abandoned rail corridor.
What runners say about Legacy Trail
“12 miles of a well maintained even bike trail with three overpass bridge crossings when some more intense pedaling is needed.”
“The most scenic stretch of the trail runs from the historic Venice depot to Oscar Scherer park, a distance of about 8 miles.”
“They are very quiet and can approach from behind quickly.”
Love this Trail for cycling!! You can head north to Webber st or South to Venice Train Station. There's plenty of parking. There's facilities, picnic tables, benches throughout the trail. All crossing intersections have the button to change traffic lights and are reasonably quick. There's parking at Bay St.
This was the best trail I have done in a long time. So well maintained and full of fun, active people! I started in Sarasota on the McIntosh Road trail head, went south about 14 miles to the venitian waterway turn around and then all the way up to Sarasota, near the fair grounds.
The Legacy trail is a paved multi use path that currently extends from the old Venice train station almost to the north intersection of Macintosh and Palmer. What a delight to ride safely ( except for road intersections which require caution!) for 11 miles.
Really nice bike trail. Better than one home. Easy riding as it's flat. Some crossing roads but also has overpasses so you are not being frogger. Has both water and rest stops AND bike stations. Really well thought out. Made the mistake of doing 30 miles. A little sore but will do it again.
Trail conditions & character
“I started in Sarasota on the McIntosh Road trail head, went south about 14 miles to the venitian waterway turn around and then all the way up to Sarasota, near the fair grounds.”
“I often ride from my home, but there are easy places to park and ride: Culverhouse Nature park has a parking lot next to the trail.”
“They are very quiet and can approach from behind quickly.”
“The most scenic stretch of the trail runs from the historic Venice depot to Oscar Scherer park, a distance of about 8 miles.”
“All crossing intersections have the button to change traffic lights and are reasonably quick.”
“There are many parks along the trail, great for taking a break, finding a restroom or refilling water.”
“The Legacy trail is a paved multi use path that currently extends from the old Venice train station almost to the north intersection of Macintosh and Palmer.”
“The prediction I heard is that by next spring ( 2022) the flat part of the path will be completed, along with cross walks, but overpasses for the busiest roads will take longer.”
“Lots of water stations and a couple of handy bike tool stations along the way.”
Plan your run at Legacy Trail
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- SurfacePaved — asphalt or concrete. Fast and predictable, runnable year-round, and fine with a stroller
- Distance12.5 mi as reported — check whether that is one way or a round trip before you commit. Long enough for a real long run.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- LightingRunners report lights on the path — useful for pre-dawn and after-work miles. Lighting and opening hours are separate things, so check both.
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms, water — reported by runners
- Websitefriendsofthelegacytrail.org
Hours
| Monday | 6 am–7 pm |
| Tuesday | 6 am–7 pm |
| Wednesday | 6 am–7 pm |
| Thursday | 6 am–7 pm |
| Friday | 6 am–7 pm |
| Saturday | 6 am–7 pm |
| Sunday | 6 am–7 pm |
Running trails near Sarasota
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Culverhouse Nature Park
4.4 ★★★★☆ 96 reviews
Public park with picnic tables, a community garden, and access to the Legacy Trail.
Osprey Junction Trailhead
4.7 ★★★★★ 163 reviews
Trailhead on the Legacy Trail featuring paved paths and picnic tables.
Red Bug Slough Preserve
4.7 ★★★★★ 979 reviews
72-acre, wooded preserve offering trails, a butterfly garden & a small lake with a fishing dock.
Urfer Family Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 1,608 reviews
Multi-use spot with trails & picnic areas, fishing, wildlife viewing & outdoor fitness equipment.
Sarasota Springs Trailhead
4.6 ★★★★★ 87 reviews
Clean, shady park with a jungle gym and a merry-go-round.