Rail To Trail - The Legacy Trail, Venice FL

Rail To Trail - The Legacy Trail, Venice FL

The Legacy Trail is the largest public recreation project, also one of the most popular recreation areas in Sarasota county Florida. Thousands of cyclists, walkers, joggers, and roller blade enthusiasts use this trail every day to exercise and relax.

 History of the Rail to Trail

In 1911, the Seaboard Airline Railway was extended to Venice, opened to serve the citizens in 1927 by transporting lumber, members of the Kentucky Military Institute in 1932, members of the Venice Army Air Base in 1942, and members of the Ringling Bros & Barnum & Bailey Circus in 1946. Due to deterioration, the train tracks were no longer usable in 1992.  After years of planning, finally a county partnership with the Trust for Public Land spent $11.75 million to purchase the more than 12.5 miles of scenic railroad corridor in 2005.

Legacy Trail is

Along more than 10 miles length of Legacy Trail, is a place to see wildlife,  enjoy  nature – trees, bushes, bays, sunsets,  discover local history, and  have fun doing outdoor activities . It is one of the best ways to experience what makes Sarasota County the jewel of the gulf coast.

 Trailheads along the Legacy Trail

 only part of the original railroad & the new legacy trail at Oscar Scherer State Park    

There is parking at 7901 McIntosh Road, Sarasota.

Bay Street Park at 300 Bay Street, Osprey

Oscar Scherer State Park at 1843 South Tamiami Trail, Osprey

Laurel Park at 509 Collins Road, Laurel

Nokomis Park at 234 Nippino Trail East, Nokomis

Patriots Park at 800 Venetia Bay Blvd., Venice

Venice Train Depot at 303 East Venice Ave. Venice

You may continue the trail to Venetian Waterway Park, along both sides of the Intracoastal Waterway to:

VABI (Venice Area Beautification Inc) at 257 North Tamiami Trail, Venice

Caspersen Beach at 4100 Harbor Drive, Venice

Shamrock Park at 3900 Shamrock Drive, Venice                                                                         

Trail Rules

The rules are designed to ensure everyone can enjoy all the features of the trails in safety.

Courtesy – stay to the right, and let others pass on your left.

Consideration – when the trail is crowded, slow down and pull off the trail to chat

Control – cyclists and skaters should be in control and obey the 15 mph speed limit at all times.

Open – from sunrise to sunset

Motorized vehicles are prohibited

Pets allowed on a maximum six foot leash

No littering

Cyclists under 16 years old must wear a helmet

Complete list of rules can be found at all the trailheads. 

Enjoy, have fun and discover your Rail to Trail – The Legacy Trail, Venice FL