Chiefland, Florida

Contact Information
(Suwannee Basin GEOpark) 11650 N.W. 115th St.
Chiefland, 32626
(352) 493-6072

Driving Directions
The southern terminus is in Chiefland. Traveling north on US 19, look for the depot and gazebos at the trailhead just before downtown.

The eastern terminus is in Trenton. Traveling west on State Route 26 out of Gainesville, turn north on US 149. Look for the Trenton Depot about 2 blocks north of the intersection.

The western terminus is in Cross City. Traveling north on US 19 you will see the trail parallel the road for several miles. Travel through Cross City, past the high school, turn a right on County Road 351A and the road will cross the trail. Park at the ballpark and enjoy.

The hub of the trail is just outside of Fanning Springs. So Fanning Springs is the natural place to "start in the middle." Following US 19 north, look for the trailhead on the right side of the highway. You will see a bike shop there and a grass parking area.

Another trailhead can be found just to the West of the Suwannee River in Old Town. Traveling north on US 19, turn right in downtown Old Town on SR 349. The trail crosses the road 1 block after the intersection.

Hours of Operation
Florida state parks are open from 8 a.m. until sundown 365 days a year.

In the early 1900’s the railroad was replacing the steamships as the freight and passenger carriers of the Nature Coast.

The trains quickly hauled crops and timber throughout he Suwannee Valley. Trains made passenger stops in small towns like Chiefland, Cross City and Trenton.

Park Activities

Bicycling, Horse Trails, and Nature Trails

Bicycling
Bicycling is permitted along the trail. Please see information under "Nature Trails."

Nature Trails
A multi-use trail, the Nature Coast Trail is still under construction. Currently it is paved from Cross City, through Fanning Springs south to just a few miles north of Chiefland. There is also a three-mile section paved from Trenton towards the west. These sections are open and regularly used by bicyclists, joggers, walkers and bladers.

The remaining portions of the trail are nearing completion, with expectations having the paving completed in March of 2002. These new sections will complete the entire 31.7 miles of paved trail. The next stage of development will include continued construction of the equestrian trail and trailheads.

Horse Trails
A 4.5 mile equestrian trail runs adjacent to the paved trail in the Fanning Springs to Old Town Section just outside Fanning Springs State Park. Eventually the equestrian trail will run the entire length of the park. Currently, parking can be found at the Fanning Springs trailhead off of US 19 in Fanning Springs and the Old Town trailhead off of County Road 349. Equine trail users will be required to bring all necessary supplies, as the trailheads are not developed yet.