Keystone Heights to Gold Head Branch
Deanne and I took a drive over to Keystone Heights this morning to have a look at the "new spur" we had been hearing had just opened. It was said to connect Gold Head Branch State Park to the recently finished section of rail trail that runs through Keystone Heights along State Road 100.
We began our exploratory ride from the intersection of State Roads 21 and 100 and went west (well northwest) and found the trail's end at about one mile. About face and proceed east and the other end is about six miles away. On the way, we passed Twin Lakes Park where we found unlocked, well maintained restrooms just a few feet off the trail. The terrain was not completely flat, but the inclines were long, subtle grades that didn't detract from enjoying the rural scenery. There were lots of friendly folks out on this fine Sunday morning, some walking, several cycling, and even one other recumbent was sighted. When we returned to the intersection, we had racked up almost 12 miles.
Now, the spur didn't exactly stick out but we did manage to find it lurking just over the top of the second hill north of the traffic light. To get there, just follow the sidewalk on the east side of SR 21. As the trail proceeds north it is mostly straight and maintains a consistent distance (10-12') from the highway. All of the crossings were very nicely finished with warning cross pads and copious signage and you could still smell the asphalt curing on the spur and see where sod had been installed. Very smooth riding, indeed!
I've added this one to the Feet First Trails Guide and put the photos up in the Gallery. Please enjoy.
24 miles & smiles
O\vo~
2 Submit your Comments:
A couple of hints for those intending to ride: If you enter Goldhead Branch State Park, the road in the park is a little over 3 miles long, part of which, from the picnic area, makes a loop. The road has gentle hills and many curves and is fun to ride; there is virtually no traffic, a nice picnic area, and restrooms. It costs $1 for a bike to enter. If you add this 6 mile round trip to the rest of the trail's mileage (I haven't clocked it yet) you would probably have a pretty respectable ride up in the mid (or more) 20 mile range.
Coming from Gainesville (& Melrose) on SR 21, a good place to park (free) is at Keystone Beach town park. This is about 1/4 mile from the intersection with SR 100 where the trail goes either east, west, or north (to the state park). The bathrooms there are not the best, but they work OK. There are many picnic benches and a lake beach. The park is free.
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