Explore Florida during Greenways and Trails Month

Explore Florida during Greenways and Trails Month

Greenways and trails are affordable, fun and healthy avenues for exploring the outdoors

Highlighting more than 5,000 miles of land trails, 80,000 acres of state managed greenways and countless paddling trails, Governor Charlie Crist and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) encourage residents and visitors to explore natural Florida this October during Greenways and Trails Month.

This annual event encourages Florida residents and visitors to discover the many free recreational activities, alternative transportation options and health benefits provided by both greenways and trails.

"Florida Greenways and Trails Month is about celebrating our natural resources and setting aside a time for communities to come together around healthy activities," said Jena Brooks, Director of DEP’s Office of Greenways & Trails. "In addition to the obvious recreational and fitness benefits, greenways and trails help protect Florida’s natural resources, offer routes for alternative, energy-saving forms of transportation and even boost our economy."

Florida’s greenways and trails offer countless activities that cost little or no money and can be found close to home. But beyond the health and environmental benefits, outdoor recreation at both greenways and trails also pays off in economic benefits. According to a report by the Outdoor Industry Foundation, three out of every four Americans participate in active outdoor recreation each year. The study states that outdoor recreation contributes $730 billion annually to the U.S. economy, supports nearly 6.5 million jobs across the U.S. and provides sustainable growth in communities. To view the Foundation’s report, visit www.outdoorindustryfoundation.org.

Kicking off a month of activities, the 14th Annual Rails to Trails of the Withlacoochee Bike Ride will take place on Sunday at DEP’s Withlacoochee State Trail. The event, hosted by Rails to Trails of the Withlacoochee Citizen Support Organization, is the largest one-day bike ride in the Southeast United States. Riders can choose their own biking distances ranging from one to 100 miles and can begin riding any time between 7:00 – 9:00 a.m.; registration is $25.00. Registration and event information is available at www.railstotrailsonline.com.

Additional events will take place statewide throughout October to celebrate Florida Greenways and Trails Month. These events range from group bike rides and kayak trips, to community cleanups and trail tram rides for the disabled. For a complete list of events, visit www.dep.state.fl.us/gwt/news/gwtmonth_oct/default.htm.

DEP’s Office of Greenways & Trails manages eight state trails, in addition to the Marjorie Harris Carr Cross Florida Greenway, Florida’s longest green corridor stretching 110 miles from the St. Johns River near Palatka to the Gulf of Mexico near Inglis. Of the eight state trails, six are rail-trails, which are railroad corridors converted to recreational trails for hiking, biking, skating and equestrian activities. Through Florida Forever, the state’s premier land acquisition program, $4.5 million is allocated annually to purchase and preserve land for Florida’s greenways and trails.

For more information on Florida’s greenways and trails, visit www.floridagreenwaysandtrails.com.