Van Fleet Trail - Bay Lake Trailhead

This trip to the area involved a 15 mile bike ride down the trail. It was a hot sunny day but the tree covered Trail was cool and somewhat comfortable. I found it interesting I saw 12 Turtles an otter, two snakes, a hawk and 10,000 squirrels. From what I read the trail is 28 miles with only one small Bend. Trail is also extremely flat. If you're looking for Hills or a interval high intensity workout this wasn't it. This was a good workout with a steady pace, no cars or cross traffic to worry about and very few other people.

Easy access to the 29.2 mile trail. About 9 miles to the next trail head north at Hwy 50 (Mabel Trailhead). This trail head has 1 restroom, picnic tables under a covered pavilion, and parking. All flat and easily accessible. Trail is nicely paved, very straight, and almost no vehicle crossings. Trees and swamp on both sides of the trail, and has covered benches with Bike Rx boxes every several miles. Trail was clean of debris even though area had heavy rains the night prior. Only passed a few cyclists between Mabel and Bay Lake trailheads (18mi), but did pass 12 turtles, 2000 squirrels, 3 cardinals, 2 snakes and an otter eating a fish (luckily no alligators!) Cell signal is intermittent.

Great bike trail through the Everglades

Nice trailhead for such an isolated area!

There is no water or power except a small solar panel so set your expectations accordingly. There is a picnic table with a sturdy roof, a bathroom with no water (yes toilet paper and hand sanitizer, unless it's gone), a parking lot, and a sign board with little info. If you want more go to the ends of the trail where the trailheads have running water and a big map signboard. But this trailhead is good for a picnic in the middle of your trip. Please don't trash it!