The Lehigh Trail is a treasure for biking enthusiasts in Palm Coast, Florida. This 8-mile paved path offers a seamless biking experience for residents and visitors, showcasing the area's natural beauty and local history. Built on a former railroad corridor, it offers a peaceful and shaded ride through wooded areas, wetlands, and scenic vistas. Whether you're an avid cyclist or a casual rider, the Lehigh Trail provides an accessible and refreshing escape from the bustling city life while connecting you closer to Florida’s outdoors.
Adventure Guide to Biking the Lehigh Trail
Trail Comfort and Design
The Lehigh Trail is well-maintained and fully paved, making it a perfect choice for cyclists of all skill levels. Its flat surface and gentle curves ensure a smooth and comfortable ride. The wide path accommodates bikers, walkers, and joggers, allowing for multitasking recreational use. The trail is particularly popular for families thanks to its safe environment free from vehicular traffic.
Nature and Wildlife
The trail winds through Graham Swamp Preserve, a 3,000-acre ecological treasure. Expect breathtaking views of Florida's diverse habitats, including wetlands and hardwood forests. Birdwatchers often spot osprey, egrets, and red-shouldered hawks, while lucky visitors might even glimpse deer or armadillos. These natural surroundings make the trail a haven for connecting with wildlife as you pedal along.
Connectivity and Features
The trail connects multiple parks, including James F. Holland Memorial Park and the Indian Trails Sports Complex. These parks feature restrooms, picnic areas, and playgrounds, ideal for a mid-ride break or family outing. Visitors especially appreciate the shaded rest areas strategically placed along the route and the mile markers that help track progress.
Local Insights
The Lehigh Trail’s origins trace back to the early 20th century when it served as part of the Lehigh Portland Cement rail network. Repurposing the corridor allowed Palm Coast to preserve this slice of history while promoting outdoor recreation.
Visitor Tips
Best Times to Visit: Mornings and late afternoons for cooler temperatures.
What to Bring: Helmet, sunscreen, water, and bug spray.
Driving Directions: The Lehigh Trailhead is about 15 minutes from Palm Coast via Old Kings Road South.
Adventure Map
Reviews
Christian Clark4 months ago
I love this trail it is completely paved for serious cycling, and nature is wonderful. Also very close to my house.
David Korana year ago
This is the parking place for the Lehigh trail head. The trail is about 300 yards further south. There is a restroom here and plenty of parking. In the far corner of the parking lot is the bike maintenance stand which includes an air pump, and some tools if your have a flat. There is no picnic area here. There is also a dirt BMX bike trail to the north of this parking spot. On some Saturdays they hold events and the parking lot and side of the road are filled with parked cars. A word of caution when riding your bike on the Lehigh trail, look for spray paint marks on the pavement, these are bumps that could throw you from your bicycle.
Joseph Ya year ago
This trailhead has restrooms, paved parking, bike pump, and drinking water fountains. No picnic tables or benches though. The actual trail is about a third of a mile south, which you can access through a well signed connector. I rode the entire trail out and back plus the newly constructed Graham Swamp trail and bridge over SR100 that connects to the Lehigh trail and got a total of 17.6 miles!
John Trerice2 weeks ago
The trail and the new extension are great. There are some rough areas for bikes, but they can easily be overcome. The negative thing is the amount of dog poo people did not pick up. Such selfish people. We bike this every year, many times, so noticing the increase of poo is so obvious.
Fred Irvin11 months ago
Wonderful trail! Surface, scenery and the safety of an off the road paved surface. We came from PA to ride, locals are lucky to have it!
Only negative is it's a little short, plus the street crossings.