This was my initial visit to Gayle's Trails Trailhead. Fortunately, I had a GPS to find the parking lot there as it is something of a meandering ride but it worked out perfectly.
The trailhead actually leads into Conservation Park. The initial trails are paved and very clean. It was a pleasant experience. There were a couple of detours along the way and the signs were somewhat helpful to avoid getting lost but I did find my way. There is water right beside the trail in many spots. In some places, the water was actually out on to the trail. It was not a problem but paying attention is a good idea.
From there, I connected with Conservation Park. It was much larger than I had anticipated. The trails are largely dirt or gravel but it was easy to ride the bike on the trails.
Having a GPS guide is helpful. This was my first trip and the trail guides are confusing and it would be easy to get lost.
Do I take the Cypress Pond trail to get back to where I wanted to go? Does that arrow mean I should take this side trail? Did I pass Buck Pond on the way in? Am I headed in the right direction to get back?
I went about 15 miles through some of the trails. It was an enjoyable experience. I took photos of the trail pictures and also used Google Maps to ensure I was not eaten by an alligator or attacked by a wild boar and carried out into the water before anyone knew I was missing.
The trails were all well maintained. I enjoyed the ride and the relative isolation. Early on a Sunday morning, there were very few people in my entire ride. I enjoyed the palmettos and scrub pines and did look for wildlife on the ride--for the for the experience and also for my own safety.
For those interested in taking an enjoyable bike ride in a conservation area, this is a great experience. I intend to go back and go around the entire outside area on a ride to gain a better feel for the entire park.
RalphFLA
Rating:
5
Guest Reviews
Great place to ride bikes , skate , blade, walk , run
Watch out for snakes and gulf carts not supported on trail . The parking lot is tricky but easy turn at the Harley shop, go past city water treatment facility it's at the end of the road. Jump on trail stay straight to the t in the road
.left takes you to first road which brings you out to pier park road. If not stay straight it will take you to the back of frank brown park. If not it will take you all the way to conservation park. That's where the nice new payment stops. Turns into gravel . Bikes are a plus. If you go right it will take you Nautilus drive and busybee gas station back onto 98. Bring lots of water nothing but mother earth out here.
Steven Robinson
Rating:
5
Guest Reviews
Frist time there today went with my friend took our e-bike went around the hole park was great very nice trails
Louis Albano
Rating:
5
Guest Reviews
We were looking to go for a hike with our dog. It is not a hiking trail. It is more of a paved bike trail.
Dan S
Rating:
4
Guest Reviews
This is nothing more than an asphalt access road. Actually checked both ends and both were equally disappointing. This should not be advertised as a trail
