Bicyclists enjoy a ride along the Pinellas Trail, which runs through many Pinellas County communities from St. Petersburg to Tarpon Springs.
Photo courtesy of PINELLAS COUNTY COMMUNICATIONS
The 47-mile Fred Marquis Pinellas Trail is a favored destination for walkers, joggers, bikers and skaters.
Walking is a recommended activity for any good health and fitness program, and Pinellas County offers a number of opportunities to get moving in a variety of settings.
One of the most popular spots is the 47-mile Fred Marquis Pinellas Trail, which county officials describe as a “linear park and recreation trail,” that runs from St. Petersburg to Tarpon Springs. The trail runs along an abandoned railroad corridor and an average of 70,000 walkers, joggers, bikers and skaters use it each month.
Amenities include rest stops with restrooms and lavatories, beverages, bicycle racks, litter receptacles, lighting, telephones, trail maps and water fountains. Paved parking areas are available at certain access points. Nature trails loop around various scenic areas with access paths back to the asphalt trail.
Several shorter trails are located in parks throughout Pinellas.
Walsingham Park, 12615 102nd Ave., Largo, has a six-mile multi-purpose trail that winds past a 100-acre lake. Fitness enthusiasts enjoy the course and there are two playgrounds for children. Benches, picnic tables, pavilions and restrooms complete the facility. Access the park off 102nd Avenue or Walsingham Road.
Lake Seminole Park, 10015 Park Blvd., Seminole, sports a two-mile recreational trail used by joggers, hikers, bikers and for rollerblading. The park is a designated wildlife habitat and sanctuary. The trail passes through a scenic pine flatwoods area. It features a playground for children, a climbing rock and more.
John S. Taylor Park, 1100 Eight Ave. SW., Largo, features a tree-lined 1.8-mile recreation trail, plus a disc golf course – two excellent ways to get moving in a natural setting. Additional amenities include a freshwater lake for fishing, softball diamond, picnic facilities and two playgrounds for the children.
Boca Ciega Millennium Park, 12410 74th Ave. N., Seminole, is a haven for nature lovers. Enjoy a walk along the designated Great Florida Birding Trail with boardwalks and bird viewing area. A 35-foot observation tower offers a panoramic view of Boca Ciega Bay. Other attractions include fishing piers, canoe and kayak launch, picnic shelter and playgrounds for children and dogs.
Admission to all the parks and the Pinellas Trail is free. For a map or more information, visit www.pinellascounty.org/trailgd or call 549-6099.
This article appears in the 2012 edition of Welcome Back, a special publication of Tampa Bay Newspapers, inside newspapers Oct. 25 and also available in the e-Edition.
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