Living in Florida, we get to enjoy outdoor activities like bike-riding all year. Of course you may want to go early morning or late evening during the summer, so that it’s a bit cooler. DeLand is great for taking bike rides, and there are some nice paved trails that you can use. The good thing is that you don’t have to live near the paved trails in order to get the family out on them, because there are plenty to choose from. Just invest in a bike carrier for your vehicle, load up the bikes, and head to the trail.
There is a lot to offer families who casually ride and for those who take to cycling more seriously. A few popular local trails are below.
Lake Beresford Park. Located in DeLand, this park offers a great bike trail that leads all the way to Blue Spring State Park. It’s challenging on the way to Blue Spring State Park, but the way back is mostly downhill and lots of fun to glide as far as it will take you. There is also a shorter paved trail within the park itself that is great for smaller children.
Trail near Blue Spring State Park. This trail is accessible off of Lake Beresford Trail, outside of Blue Spring State Park, or from the parking lot off of W. Blue Springs Ave. It is apart of the Lake Beresford trail and the greater Spring-to-Spring Trail. If biking in the winter, don’t forget to gander at the manatees that call Blue Spring State Park home during the cooler months.
Grand Avenue Trail. Eventually this will be part of the Spring-to-Spring Trail, this section along Glenwood Road is a great path for families. Glenwood’s rolling hills make it a little challenging for younger riders, but they are sure to enjoy the downside of the hills. Glenwood Avenue is also popular for more serious riders due to the sprawling live oak trees and beautiful scenery.
Chuck Lennon Park Trail. If off road biking is more your style, check out Chuck Lennon Park in Deleon Springs. Constructed from old clay excavations, the trail is very unique to Central Florida with great features that make it an excellent riding experience. This clay-based trail is a multi-skill level, single track for biking that will test all your riding skills. It contains steep hills and hair-pin turns. There are four separate trails you can ride that total about 6 miles. This is not a good trail for beginning mountain bikers and helmets are recommended for all riders.
For the best equipment in town, DeLand has two cycle shops, JB’s and DeLand Cyclery. Get fitted for the bike that fits your style and budget and pick up that carrier for your car.
See you on the trail!