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Van Fleet Trail - Bay Lake Trailhead
4.7 ★★★★★ 139 Google reviews · Running trail in Groveland, Florida · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Paved
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Van Fleet Trail - Bay Lake Trailhead'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.
State park featuring a paved trail for walking, jogging, and horseback riding, plus picnic tables.
What runners say about Van Fleet Trail - Bay Lake Trailhead
“I was out there early Dawn in the morning and was just peace and quiet beautiful place to be to ride your bike”
We had a great time experiencing this trail from Bay Lake to Mabel Trailhead and saw so many cool things! Tortoises literally line the trail and snakes sightings were over a dozen this day! Trail side attractions and great views. Clean restrooms and plenty of parking.
Nice trail. Paved. Abundant wildlife. It was a great place to take our Scouts for one of the hiking merit badge requirement 10-mile hikes
This trail is kind of hidden and it also is located next to a dirt road that literally you don’t want to get on that dirt road because you will get stuck it rains a lot. The trail is for people that can use a bike and people who like to walk Relatively.
Since I started to go to different Bike Trails in Central Florida, this part of the Van Fleet trail is the best. We saw 3 Alligators, over 10 turtles, several different birds, cattles, and other wildlife. Highly recommended for biking, but please, remebe to bring enough water, maybe protein bars, or some fruits.
Trail conditions & character
“Great trail depends on what trailhead you use as to how peoply it is we finished the entire trail it took us a few times”
“I was out there early Dawn in the morning and was just peace and quiet beautiful place to be to ride your bike”
“Best for nature wildlife viewing, great for flat ground level bicycling, relaxing outdoor experience.”
Plan your run at Van Fleet Trail - Bay Lake Trailhead
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
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms — reported by runners
- Websitefloridastateparks.org
- Phone+1 352-394-3969
Hours
| Monday | 8 am–8 pm |
| Tuesday | 8 am–8 pm |
| Wednesday | 8 am–8 pm |
| Thursday | 8 am–8 pm |
| Friday | 8 am–8 pm |
| Saturday | 8 am–8 pm |
| Sunday | 8 am–8 pm |
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Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
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