Bicycle Touring On Car Free Paths

[jeff51]

http://bicycletouringoncarfreepaths.org/ is a non-commercial website written by touring cyclists for touring cyclists about the great long-disance, car-free bicycle paths in North America.

The site gives the information to plan a trip that could be across the state or across the continent -- where the paths are, narratives on their settings in nature and history, information on lodging and camping, restaurants and food, ice cream and beer, bike shops and shuttle services.

Paths covered in detail include the C&O Canal, Great Allegheny Passage, Greenbrier River Trail, Pine Creek-Grand Canyon of Pennsylvania, Mickelson Trail, and the P’tit Train du Nord.  Other paths are covered in somewhat less detail.

We hope other touring bicyclists will add content -- tips for doing the trips and pictures -- to keep it current and expand it out.  And as more touring bicyclists write us about their favorite car-free paths not now covered, the list of paths on the website will grow.  If more people are on the paths, we might get more and better paths.  

Jeff

[Tourista829]

Here are three trails in Central Florida that were either rail trails or part of the Greenway Trail network.
I used the Withlacoochee trail north of Dade city, to ride from Tampa to St. Augustine. It would be nice if others could post trails in there state. 

Withlacoochee State Trail
At 46 miles in length, the Withlacoochee State Trail is presently the longest paved rail trail in Florida. The trail corridor runs through small towns, ranches, and natural areas as it makes its way south from Citrus Springs to Trilby. The trail traverses a region that offers many other outstanding recreational opportunities. Among the recreational highlights nearby are the unpaved trails in the Croom area of the Withlacoochee State Forest, the Withlacoochee River (South) Canoe Trail, and Fort Cooper State Park. The Withlacoochee Trail will eventually join many other trails in the region, becoming part of the Central Florida Loop.

Fred Marquis Pinellas Trail: Florida
One of Florida's most popular and unique urban pathways, the Pinellas Trail spans the 34 miles from St. Pete north to Tarpon Springs, connecting several county parks, coastal areas, and communities. Its multiple access points, mile markers, and parking areas make the trail-and the communities it connects-very popular destinations among cyclists.
Over the first 15 miles from St. Pete, the trail crosses dozens of pedestrian bridges with sweeping views of the urban landscape. The most scenic of these is the quarter-mile Cross Bayou Bridge, which spans Boca Ciega Bay.
Farther north lie the towns of Largo, Clearwater, and Dunedin. Pay close attention as you pass through downtown Clearwater, as the trail merges with sidewalks and is not well marked. Dunedin offers a particularly pleasant scene, with shops, restaurants, public restrooms, and parking. The Gulf of Mexico is just two blocks away, worth the brief detour for lovely coastal scenery.
The final 10-mile stretch begins in the quiet township of Palm Harbor. Pause on the Bayshore Boulevard pedestrian bridge at Mile Marker 29 for more gulf scenery. The final few miles take you through Tarpon Springs' quaint business district. Trail's end is at Mile Marker 34 along US Highway 19; the trail extension just beyond the underpass to the east is not part of the Pinellas Trail.

Suncoast Trail:Florida
From Florida's Online Greenways & Trails Guide at www.floridagreenwaysandtrails.com: The Suncoast Trail is officially designated as part of Florida's Statewide Greenways and Trails System. Opened in 2001, this non-motorized paved trail was developed as part of the Suncoast Parkway. Paralleling the parkway, the trail begins in northern Hillsborough County and proceeds north through Pasco and Hernando counties, traversing suburban, agricultural and natural areas. Throughout the trail, rest/interpretive areas illustrate historical significance, emphasize transitions between ecological communities and identify native species. Among the trail's highlights is the segment adjacent to the Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Preserve. This section crosses various rivers and creeks, including the Anclote and Pithlachascotee, and provides views of beautiful natural communities. The Suncoast Trail will eventually serve as a key regional connector, linking to other projects such as the Good Neighbor Trail, the Upper Tampa Bay Trail and the Pinellas Trail.

[Westinghouse]

I was looking into crossing the US as car-free as possible. There's a greenway out of Wash. DC that goes into Maryland and PA where you can take tow paths across the southern tier of the state to Pttsburgh. In Ohio there are three so-called bike paths going south. After that it is road cyclng to the Katy trail that will let you out fairly close to the Trans-Am.

After that, hello side / head winds, Pueblo, Denver, and into the clouds.

[Awf Hand]

I biked across WI last September and in 350 travelled miles was only on public roadways for about 40 miles.

I'd recommend this crossing to anyone looking to start bike touring.  Facilites for camping are well distributed.

I will visit your recommended website immediately.

[dublavee]

This is the kind of site I have been looking for! Thank you for sharing it. I hope to be able to explore all the paths and contribute when I find others.