Trail Length

20 miles

Trail Start and End Details

There are currently nine official trail access points, with more to come as the trail is expanded and new parking areas are set aside for bicyclists.

Description and Tips

This extremely popular smooth, paved trail runs right through Oscar Scherer State Park in Osprey, Florida, so you can camp while you enjoy the trail. The Legacy Trail runs along an old railroad grade, with some of the best scenery found in the stretch going north from the Venice Train Depot and through Oscar Scherer State Park. This stretch passes over waterways in several spots via bike bridges and through undeveloped woods and wetlands. Along with scenery, you’ll find interesting signage highlighting local history. The Legacy Trail directly connects to Venetian Waterways Park Trail, offering a continuous 20-mile ride. The waterfront scenery along the Waterways section is lovely and a great way to visit the beach, but be aware this section has very little shade. This trail offers rest areas and tire stations, and some of the trailheads have restrooms and water fountains. Enjoy nearby attractions like Nokomis Groves, Historic Downtown Venice, and Venice Beach.

In a few years, the Legacy Trail will be extended to go from North Port/Warm Mineral Springs to downtown Sarasota, for a total of 30 miles of continuous paved trail.

Submitted By

Bill Semion, David Stacy, Denise Semion, Ilene MacDonald