This ride bridges the gap between southern rock music and department stores. Starting and ending in Green Cove Springs, a small town south of Jacksonsville. Along the first half of this ride you'll pass the Ronnie Van Zant Memorial Park, a tribute to the Lynyrd Skynyrd founder. The last part of the ride takes you through Penney Farms, a town that was founded as an experimental farm by J.C. Penney, of the department store fame. Today it's a retirement community.
Road Name - Direction - Miles
Start in Green Cove Springs at US 17 and Leonard C Taylor Pkwy
US 17/N Orange Ave - North - 4.0 Miles
CR 209/Russell Rd - Left - 0.6 Miles
CR 209/Russell Rd - Right - 2.7 Miles
CR 739B/Sandridge Rd - Left - 3.7 Miles
(Ronnie Van Zant park will be on your right along this road)
There are quicker ways to get from Tampa to Lake Wales, but we believe scenic is always better. This route will give you some curvy roads, some country roads and a few stretches of highway. The destination, Bok Tower Gardens, is just as scenic as the ride with colorful gardens and a reflection pool surrounding a majestic 205-foot tall carillon tower with 60 bells. It's been a Florida landmark since 1929.
Road Name- Direction - Miles
Start at the Intersection of SR 60 and McMullen Booth Rd
Florida has more than 11,00 miles of coastline. Much of it is covered with condos and hotels but there are still stretches where manatees, bald eagles, and even black bears can be found. Some of the best costal roads are found in an area known as the Nature Coast which stretches from Pasco to Wakulla counties along the Gulf Coast.
We've selected four coastal byways which run westward from US 19/98. The Ozello Trail is the curviest of the group while you can swim with the manatees at the end of CR 44. Yankeetown was founded in 1923 by a policeman from Indiana and Cedar Key, which was once a small fishing village, is now a tourist getaway desination.
Road Name - Direction - Miles
Start in Crystal River at intersection of US 19/98 and Ozello Trail
CR 494/W Ozello Trail - West - 9.2 Miles
Ride to bridge at Peck's and return to US 19 - 9.2 Miles
US 19/98 - Left (north) - 1.9 Miles
CR 44 - Left (west) - 9.2 Miles
Ride to boat launch and return to US 19 - 9.2 Miles
US 19/98 - Left (north) - 13.2 Miles
CR 40 - Left (West) - 7.3 Miles
Ride to Yankeetown and return to US 19 - 7.3 Miles
US 19/98 - Left (north) - 22.5 Miles
SR 24 - Left (west) - 21.4 Miles
Now that you're in Cedar Key, relax and enjoy yourself
Leesburg is located in one of the most scenic areas of the state. This loop circles a couple of the lakes south of town and includes a ride across Sugarloaf Mountain, the 2nd highest natural elevation in Florida.
Road Name - Direction - Miles
Start at the corner of Canal and Main Street in Leesburg
Want to get away from the crowds? This ride through the Ocala National Forest will have you rolling down the backroads where the only things you need to look out for are the forest creatures. Be especially wary if riding through here at night. This ride has a bit of everything: tight curves, long straight runs, and even a couple of hills. Enjoy.
Road Name Direction Miles
Start east of Silver Springs at SR40 & Hwy 315 intersection
This ride begins and ends at the famous Cabbage Patch in Samsula. It's a relaxing ride with some unique stopping off points such as Cassadaga, the town known as the "Physic Capital of the World". Don't worry they know you're coming. Reaching the coast you can add a side trip south about 20 miles to visit the Kennedy Space Center.
The Ormond Loop, a National Scenic Byway, takes you on a tranquil ride through the Tomoka Basin. We start beachside before winding through the marshlands and canopied covered two-lane roadways. We've extended our ride north to Bunnell. The scenery continues though with less traffic.
Road Name - Direction - Miles
Start in Ormond Beach at the Intersection of A1A and E Granada Blvd
A 1A/Ocean Shore Blvd - North - 8.8 Miles
High Bridge Road - Left (West) - 2.0 Miles
Walter Boardman Lane - Left - 1.2 Miles
Old Dixie Hwy - Right - 3.6 Miles
A left tum here keeps you on the official Loop route back to Ormond Beach
You don't have to be a Gator fan to enjoy this ride which circles through the woodlands and prairies surrounding Alachua county's largest city. The route includes a portion of the Old Florida Heritage highway as you roll across Paynes Prairie Reserve. Time seems to have stood still in Micanopy, a small town with stately mansions and historic homesteads. You'll find some history, nature, and culture all in one ride.
Road Name - Direction - Miles
Start at intersection of 1-75 (Exit 382) and SW Williston Rd
The Goethe State Forest in Levy County was established in 1992. Tree-lined roadways meander through one of the largest tracts of contiguous, old-growth longleaf pine flatwoods in the state and is home to black bears, fox squirrels, and bald eagles. The forest is open during daylight hours for hiking, fishing, picnics, and horseback riding. Gas up before leaving Dunnellon.
Central Florida has a lot to offer when it comes to riding. There are still many areas that have yet to be developed where you can cruise for miles enjoying the rural views. This route was designed as a scenic ride to the Webster Flea Market and then a slightly longer route through the Green Swamp to return. Pick any section of the route and you're sure to enjoy it.
Road Name - Direction - Miles
Start on SR 52 just east of I-75, near the Flying!
Finding scenic rides near Orlando is a challenge with all of the tourist sprawl. We did find a few good backroads in the area near Mt Dora and Zellwood. The ride itself will only take you an hour but that gives you time to detour to Wekiwa Springs State Park or sample the sweet tastings at the Zellwood Sweet Corn Festival in May of each year. And, no matter what time of year you make the ride, the shops and restaurants in Mt Dora are open for business.
Road Name - Direction - Miles
Start east of Mt Dora at US 441 & SR 46 Intersection
Summers are HOT in Florida but you can find some relief at two of Florida's cool natural springs. Rainbow Springs is the starting point on a tour past farms and forests on this route to lchetucknee State Park. Both parks offer swimming, tubing, nature trails, and more. You can even camp at Rainbow Springs. Don't forget to pack those swimsuits!
There are few places in Florida that can match the historical legacy of the northeastern corner of the state. Eight different flags, including those of Mexico, Spain, France, and England have laid claim to Amelia Island and the surrounding territory in a timeline that stretches back more than 400 years. This month's ride runs through the coastal marshlands, down the coastline, and along the St. Johns River. Along the way, you can turn back the pages of time in historic Fernandina Beach or hit the beach on Little Talbot Island, one of the few undeveloped barrier islands left on the Florida coastline.
Road Name - Direction - Miles
Start in North Jacksonville at Main St (US 17) and Hecksher Drive
If you followed US41 as far as it goes, you'd be in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. This ride gives you a small taste of this historic roadway with a ride through some quaint towns and scenic countryside.
