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A man and woman wear helmets while riding bicycles on a long paved trail shaded by grass and foliage on either side.

Cycling Florida’s Adventure Coast: Explore the Coast-to-Coast Trail, Brooksville & Beyond

One of the best ways to explore Florida’s Adventure Coast, Brooksville – Weeki Wachee – Hernando Beach is on two wheels. Across the destination, miles of paved trails and forest paths offer scenic views, peaceful pedaling and a great opportunity to spot wildlife on the go.

Hop on a bike and discover trails that ride through historic Brooksville and connect with some of Florida’s longest paved paths. If you’re looking for a challenge, long-distance hills and mountain biking trails offer an exhilarating cycling experience. The Brooksville Good Neighbor Trail is also a part of Florida’s Coast-to-Coast Trail, connecting trails from the Atlantic Coast to the Gulf. This growing network of trails makes it the perfect spot for a Florida cycling getaway.

 

Ride the Coast-to-Coast Trail through Brooksville

For long distance cycling in Florida, look no further than the Coast-to-Coast Trail. This developing route covers over 200 miles from Florida’s east coast to the west, traversing towns and cities and incorporating many trails across the state. Cyclists from beginner to advanced can enjoy this flat, paved trail for whichever distance you prefer. As an official Trail Town, Brooksville offers a historic downtown with local shops, restaurants and historic sites to explore while you stop.

From October to April, enjoy cooler temperatures as you traverse this scenic trail, perfect for multi-day cycling excursions.

Discover Your Perfect Trail

From paved to mountain biking, cyclists have several trails to choose from offering miles of scenic pedaling on Florida’s Adventure Coast. Three paved trails include the Suncoast Trail, the Good Neighbor Trail and the Withlacoochee State Trail. Within the Withlacoochee State Forest, miles of twisting single track and jumps designed by the SWAMP Mountain Bike Club make for a thrilling off-road adventure. Within the Weekiwachee Preserve, packed dirt paths offer breathtaking off-road cycling with views of the freshwater lakes and forest.

 

Trail Best for Surface Conditions Part of Florida’s Coast-to-Coast Trail
Good Neighbor Trail – 10-mile Leisure rides, access to downtown Brooksville Paved Yes
Suncoast Trail – 54.1-mile Fitness and longer rides with rolling hills Paved Yes
Withlacoochee State Trail – 47-mile All levels, distance riding, natural scenery Paved Yes
Withlacoochee State Forest Croom Tract Mountain biking, steep climbs and drops Off-road singletrack No
Weekiwachee Preserve Natural Florida scenery Unpaved No

 

A row of bicycles (e-bikes) stationed inside of a building. The adjacent wall has a shelf with bike helmets, and a tool box and bike tires can be seen in the back of the room.

Bike Rentals, Repairs and Local Cycling Shops

Whether you bring your bike or choose to rent, local bike shops and rentals are here to help make your cycling trip safe and enjoyable.

  • Crank Works Bicycles: Located in Brooksville, this shop offers bicycle sales, service and repairs. Learn more about local group rides and special cycling events, like the annual Hilly Hundred.
  • Crank Works E-Bike Rentals: A new way to explore downtown Brooksville and the Good Neighbor Trail! Crank Works Bicycles has opened a new location at 8 Natelle Ave. in downtown Brooksville, with e-bike rentals that include a helmet, phone holder, water bottle cage, rear rack and bag, and bike lock.
  • Trek Spring Hill: Offering a wide array of bikes and accessories, as well as expert maintenance, this bike shop in Spring Hill is just a few miles from the Suncoast Trailhead on State Road 50.
  • E Cycle Adventures: This shop located near the Suncoast Trail offers both traditional and electric bicycles for sale, along with rentals, repairs and cycling gear.
  • Brooksville Bicycle Center: A full-service bicycle shop with a wide bike selection and repair services located in historic Brooksville.

A group of BMX riders on a dirt trail in a pine forest

Join a Group Ride or a Challenging Cycling Event

What better way to explore a new area by bicycle, than with a group of locals who know it best? The cycling community in Brooksville and Spring Hill offers regular rides for all types or riders. Check with bike shops like Crank Works and Trek Spring Hill for upcoming cycling events, including both paved and off-road bike riding opportunities.

For an invigorating challenge, take part in annual cycling events and festivals on Florida’s Adventure Coast throughout the year. The annual Hilly Hundred, organized by Crank Works, features a challenging ride in the rolling countryside of Brooksville, offering multiple-distance options including a 68-mile ride and a full 1-mile Century ride. Cyclists enjoy scenic views along Brooksville’s signature hills while riding in a large group setting.

In early February, the annual Croomfest offers even more thrilling action for cyclists, taking place on the paved trails and forest routes in the Withlacoochee State Forest Croom Tract. This multi-day festival offers plenty of outdoor adventures, from 35 or 50-mile mountain bike rides and gravel routes, to smooth pavement rides and paddling the peaceful Withlacoochee River.

With so many options, from paved trails and forest singletrack to Florida’s developing Coast-to-Coast Trail, cycling can easily become the centerpiece of a day trip or a longer getaway on Florida’s Adventure Coast. Discover more of the area’s outdoor adventures and visit local restaurants and historic attractions in between rides.

Be sure to bring plenty of water, sun protection, and check current trail conditions/rules for the trail or public land you plan to visit.

 

Frequently Asked Questions About Cycling on Florida’s Adventure Coast

Does the Florida Coast-to-Coast Trail go through Brooksville?

Yes. The Good Neighbor Trail through Brooksville is part of Florida’s developing Coast-to-Coast Trail network. The statewide Coast-to-Coast Trail is planned to extend approximately 250 miles between St. Petersburg and Titusville and is currently about 88 percent complete.

What bike trail runs through downtown Brooksville?

The paved Good Neighbor Trail runs through downtown Brooksville and connects with the Withlacoochee State Trail east of the city. It also gives cyclists convenient access to restaurants, shops, parks, historic sites and other downtown attractions.

Is Brooksville a Florida Trail Town?

Yes. Brooksville is a designated Florida Trail Town and provides easy access to The Good Neighbor Trail, which is a part of the Coast-to-Coast Trail that traverses across the state from the east to the west coast of Florida. In downtown Brooksville, cyclists can enjoy visiting local historic sites, restaurants, shops and murals.

What is the best paved bike trail in Hernando County?

It depends on the type of ride you want. The Good Neighbor Trail is a convenient choice for combining cycling with exploring downtown Brooksville, while the 47-mile Withlacoochee State Trail is ideal for riders looking to cover longer distances. The Suncoast Trail is another option for cyclists seeking a longer paved ride.

Where can I go mountain biking in Hernando County?

The Croom Tract of the Withlacoochee State Forest is home to one of the area’s top mountain biking destinations, managed by the SWAMP Mountain Bike Club, with approximately 50 miles of single track and routes offering varying distances and elevation.

Can I rent a bicycle in Brooksville?

Yes. Bicycle and e-bike rental options are available in the Brooksville area, including E-Cycle Adventures and the newly opened Crank Works E-Bike Rentals located near the Good Neighbor Trail. Contact the businesses directly for current availability and reservation information.

Are there organized cycling events in Brooksville?

Yes. Local cycling shops organize regular group rides and special events throughout the year. The Hilly Hundred is one of the area’s signature road cycling events, traditionally featuring several distance options including a 68-mile route and a 100-mile Century ride. Check out our Calendar of Events before planning your next visit.

 

 

 

 

 

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