Van Fleet State Trail

When I lived at my parents in Polk County, Florida I liked to go out, when it was weather permitting and do things outside, I never liked being a home body, I would go out and find things to do, I stumbled across the Van Fleet State Trail, This former railroad extends 29.2 miles from Polk City to Mabel and traverses three counties: Polk, Lake, and Sumter. Officially designated as part of Florida’s Statewide System of Greenways and Trails and is one of Florida’s most rural, paved rail-trails. Also designated as a National Recreation Trail®, the Van Fleet State Trail runs through the Green Swamp, the headwaters for some of Florida’s most popular paddling destinations, including the Withlacoochee, Hillsborough, and Peace rivers. The portion that I walked was about 5 miles, I went from downtown Polk City, to Deen Still Road in Polk City, and I got picked up by my parents because they dropped me off as well.

There is a lot of nature you can see, there are also swamps, bathrooms, and places to sit. You go through many subdivisions, and you walk alongside Commonwealth Avenue. If you get a chance look it up, or even better go for a walk there. It is a once in a lifetime opportunity.