General James A. Van Fleet State Trail facts for kids
Quick facts for kids General James A. Van Fleet State Trail |
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Mabel Trailhead's picnic shelter, also known as Mabel Station.
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| Length | 29.2 mi (47.0 km) |
| Location | Polk, Lake and Sumter counties, USA |
| Trailheads |
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| General James A. Van Fleet State Trail | |
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IUCN Category V (Protected Landscape/Seascape)
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| Governing body | Florida Department of Environmental Protection |
The General James A. Van Fleet State Trail is a special path in Florida. It's named after General James A. Van Fleet, a brave soldier who fought in World War I, World War II, and the Korean War.
This trail is part of the Florida State Park system. It follows an old train track that is no longer used. This track used to be part of the Seaboard Air Line Railroad. The trail goes through the Green Swamp area in Central Florida.
It stretches for about 29.2 miles (47 kilometers). You can start in Polk City in the south and go all the way to Mabel in the north. The trail also passes through Bay Lake and crosses parts of Lake, Polk, and Sumter counties.
The entire trail is paved and is about 12 feet (3.7 meters) wide. It's mostly a straight path, which makes it easy to enjoy. There's only one small curve near the southern end, just north of the Polk City starting point.
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What Animals Can You See?
The General James A. Van Fleet State Trail is a great place to spot wildlife. Many different animals live here.
- You might see beautiful egrets and herons.
- Look up for various raptors flying overhead.
- On the ground, you could spot white-tailed deer and Florida gopher tortoises.
- Keep an eye out for American alligators near water.
- Other animals like raccoons and nine-banded armadillos also live along the trail.
Fun Things to Do
The trail offers many activities for everyone to enjoy. It's a perfect spot for outdoor fun!
- You can go for a walk or a run.
- It's also great for inline skating and hiking.
- If you like horses, you can go horseback riding.
- Many people enjoy biking along the smooth, flat path.
- And of course, it's a wonderful place for viewing wildlife.
When Can You Visit?
Florida state parks, including this trail, are open every day of the year. This includes holidays!
- The park opens at 8 a.m.
- It closes at sundown.
- The best part is, there is no fee to enter or use the trail!
Where to Start Your Adventure
The trail has four main starting points, called trailheads. Each trailhead has a parking area just for visitors. They are spaced about 9.6 miles (15.4 kilometers) apart.
- Polk City: You can find this trailhead where State Road 33 meets County Road 665.
- Green Pond: This trailhead is located where Green Pond Road crosses the trail.
- Bay Lake: You'll find this spot where Bay Lake Road (County Road 565) meets the trail.
- Mabel: The northernmost trailhead is in Mabel, where the trail crosses State Road 50.
What's Available on the Trail?
The trail offers several helpful amenities to make your visit comfortable.
- There is a picnic pavilion where you can relax.
- You'll also find several picnic tables for your meals.
- Restrooms are available at all four trailheads.
- Drinking fountains are also at all four trailheads, so you can stay hydrated.
- Parking is available at every trailhead.
Gallery
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Green Pond Trailhead
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Green Pond Trailhead
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Green Pond Trailhead
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Polk City Trailhead
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Polk City Trailhead
