July 23rd, 2011 | 
Author: 
***UPDATE***
There seemed to be a problem getting this to Post properly over the weekend. Part of the post didn’t upload and I am amending the original post to include the missing material. It also appears that, in some instances, the map graphic is not including the information from the GPX file. I continue to work on that issue. If I find I cannot resolve the issue, I will discontinue the use of the plug-in until I can find an alternative method of posting the map with route information. Thank you for your patience!
With this post and going forward, I will be posting a link to MapMyRide giving details of the ride. In addition, I will start embedding a map of the ride within the post to give the user the ability to zoom in and out of the ride to gather details and so that any potential riders can get their bearings. I hope you enjoy these small improvements to my posts. My hope is to make the posts a little more interactive and informative. Enjoy and read on! 
http://www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/42273796
Before You Go:
Water is scarce along this trail. There is only a water station at the Mabel Trailhead. The trail is approximately 18.1 mile long (out and back). Depending on your tolerance for exhertion and doing without food, you might want to bring along a snack. In the early morning (before 10am), you can get by without a pair of sunglasses and sunscreen. Once the sun clears the tree canopy, the trail heats up quickly. Finally, this is a rural trail and, therefore, you might want to consider insect repellant; especially if you are, like me, prone to dismounting your bike and exploring your surroundings or taking pictures.
Getting There:
The easiest trailhead to reach is the Mable Trailhead. There is signage along State Highway 50 that will direct you to the Trailhead. Venture either east or west along Highway 50 toward Mabel, Florida.
If coming from the west along Hwy 50, make a right onto County Road 773. Make a left at the T-Intersection and head east. The trailhead is on your left.
If coming from the east, same directions except making a left onto County Road 773.
The Trail:
This is the third and final leg for the General James A. Van Fleet Trail. Like the other two sections I reviewed, the trail is relatively flat and fast. There is nice morning and late afternoon shade but, during the summer, the trail is very hot and very humid.
Traveling through some heavily forested areas, the cicada’s are almost deafening with their buzzing chorus. But, in breaks, you can hear quite a bit of birdsong. Cardinals abound as well as scrub jays, crows, mockingbirds and, in the wetter areas, egrets, great blue heron and wood storks. I did happen to chance upon a gaggle of turkey vultures (guessing their names – if anyone has a better idea of what bird appears in this picture, post a comment and I will correct). I’m not sure why they were gathered in this area. I did not see any dead animals near where they were congregated and, on my way back, they were gone from the area.
I did find the weight limit sign on the bridge humorous (this is the only bridge along the trail with a posted weight limit). That would be one seriously large biker! I think, however, it probably has something to do with the nearby proximity of the high tension power lines not far from the bridge. Perhaps the power company uses the trail to access the power lines.
The turnaround point was the Bay Lake Road Trailhead. It is no more than a parking area with a signboard. There is no water or restrooms at this trailhead.
While biking north, I noticed a curious feature as I plodded along. What started as a small rise turned into a climbable ridge approximately 12 feet high. Curious creature that I am, I decided to stop at a small pavilion and climb to the top. Reaching the top, I found myself atop a plateau running to the west of the trail.
This completes the General James A. Van Fleet Trail. Overall, it is a fine trail. Some reviews I have read speak about the monotous nature of the trail. I think, rather, that those individuals failed to see the richness and variety that exists along the trail. During my ride, which I did in a single ride rather than drive 3 times out from Pinellas Park, I saw cardinals, mockingbirds and scrub jays flitting between the trees. I saw a small alligator sunning itself on the blacktop not far from a bridge crossing. Tortoise burrows lined both sids of the trail in spots. Many types of trees lined both sides of the trail – Oak, Palm, Cypress just to name a few. I passed hardwood hammocks, pastures and swamps. All in all, the Van Fleet is a fine example of a Florida that is quickly vanishing. Rather than bent over the handlebars and pumping furiously along this arrow straight trail, sit up and take notice of the array that nature puts forth across and along both sides of this wonderful trail. Happy Trails!
Posted in James Van Fleet Trail, Lake County, Sumter County, Van Fleet | 
Tags: Bicycle Trail, Bicycling, Biking, Cycling, General James A Van Fleet Trail, Lake County, Trail, Trails
Thanks for every other wonderful article. Where else may just anyone get that kind of info in such an ideal approach of writing? I’ve a presentation subsequent week, and I am at the look for such info.
On my first trip to this trail in September 2011 I parked at Green Pond trailhead and rode towards Bay Lake trailhead. I believe I crossed three scenic bridges. I loved this trail section. Very serene and beautiful it was. It was worth my drive from Sarasota. Excellent photos and info. Thank you.
Fantastic article. I rode the trail from Polk to the end and back yesterday. Seems like the bridge in the picture is about to be replaced. Workers were preparing the site as I rode through Local riders at the northern trailhead expected that section to be closed for up to 4 months. Might be a website to check?
I like your description of this trail. I love the trail because of all the wildlife. Like you, I’ve seen many gopher tortoises and birds. (I think you must have seen blue jays, though, rather than scrub jays.) I’ve seen turkeys, sandhill cranes, coopers hawks, many red-shouldered hawks, and the woods are full of white-eyed vireos calling. Today I saw some really big alligators nuder the bridges. Riders need to be alert for snakes on the trail. Pygmy rattlesnakes and moccasins are common. They are not a danger, since the trail is broad and clear of debris.