Never Ending Cycling Chronicles

There was very little shade along the route. Depending on your tolerance for being out in the sun, you might want to consider sunscreen if doing this trail between 10AM to 2PM. The southern end of the course is rather wet and marshy and, if you decide to stop for any length of time, insect repellant is recommended.

As I always advise, a good pair of biking gloves, sunglasses and a helmet are encouraged.

Getting There:

Since a cold front had just moved through and there were strong Northeast winds, I chose to start at the southern end of the trail. I would highly recommend starting at the northern trailhead located just south of the intersection of Highway 776 with Highway 771. The trailhead is on the west side of Highway 771.

Simply take the Highway 771 exit off of Interstate 95 and head south on Highway 771. The trailhead will be on your right not far south of the intersection with Highway 776.

The Trail:

There is no designated trailhead for the southern end of the Cape Haze Pioneer Trail. Since I had also ridden the Boca Grande Bicycle Path the same morning, I decided to find a place along Gasparilla Road as jumping off point.

There is a whole complex of restaurant/shops just to the south and east of the Boca Grande Causeway. I left from what seems to be a gathering spot for local cyclists. I believe the name of the restaurant was the Waterside Bar & Grille.

Crossing to the north side of Gasparilla Road, there is a newly paved portion of trail that runs parallel to Gasparilla Road heading east. The trail doesn’t run very long and ends at the entrance to the Coral Creek Golf Club. The road leading past the entrance to the golf club turns into a gravel road for a short distance. You will see the actual southern end of the Cape Haze Trail to your right as it runs to the northeast.

The whole portion from the south end of the trail up to the newly finished bridge over Coral Creek has been recently paved and is in great shape.

The bridge itself offers great views of wading birds – herins, wood storks and pelicans were all fishing just off the bridge the morning I rode past.

Not too far north of the Coral Creek Bridge, you will come upon the first of the three major trailheads that serve the Cape Haze Pioneer Trail. The trailhead is on Briggs Road near the intersection with Harness Road. There is a portolet if you have the need. I should mention that there are no water facilities along the 7 miles of the trail.

This part of the trail passes just to the east of a large subdivision or area known as Rotonda. On a map, it looks like a large wheel with the roads radiating like the spokes of a wheel from the center.

It looks as though a large part of the southeastern part of this large subdivision never lived up to the vision with large tracts being undeveloped.

After 7 short miles, you will reach the Mercer Trailhead which, if you take my advice from the top of the post, will be your starting point for this ride. This is a full trailhead with restrooms and water and ample parking.

An interesting point of interest at the Mercer Trailhead is the Placida Bunk House. From reading the signage, it was moved from another location along the trail to this new location. A little piece of history preserved and moved rather than being razed – a rare thing in Florida.

Heading south from the Mercer Trailhead, you will cross Marathon Boulevard and, not too far from crossing Marathon, you will cross the only other bridge along the trail. It crosses an unnamed canal running east/west.

You cross Ingraham Boulevard continuing south. And, the only really busy road you cross will be Rotonda Boulevard. Be careful at this crossing, when you come up from the south, keep an eye on cars approaching around a curve from the south and west. Cars were going at a pretty fast clip through this area and didn’t seem to be concerned about cyclists trying to cross this busy road.

On the south side of Rotonda Boulevard is the Johnson Trailhead. The trailhead only has parking areas. No facilities are present at this trailhead.

It is a straight fast-track to the south and the trail end near Gasparilla Road and the Coral Creek Golf Club. If you have the time and enjoy scenery, it is worth the trek out to Gasparilla Road. There is a wide sidewalk that runs along both sides of the bridge over what I assume is Coral Creek. There is also a boardwalk out into the creek with fine views of the estuary.

All in all, it is a fast course out and back and, if you include the Gasparilla Road bridge, it ends up being a 15.25 mile loop.

Enjoy!! Happy Trails ~ John