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Routes
Bike touring routes & trails
United States
Florida
Sarasota County
Sarasota

Legacy Trail – Oscar Scherer State Park loop from Southgate

Routes
Bike touring routes & trails
United States
Florida
Sarasota County
Sarasota

Legacy Trail – Oscar Scherer State Park loop from Southgate

Moderate

4.9

(4443)

19,661

riders

Legacy Trail – Oscar Scherer State Park loop from Southgate

02:15

40.0km

30m

Cycling

Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels. The starting point of the route is right next to a parking lot.

Last updated: May 8, 2026

Tips

Temporary access restrictions

Includes segments with temporary access restrictions.

After 140 m for 137 m

Customers only

Waypoints

A

Start point

Parking

Get Directions

1

7.38 km

Legacy Trail

Highlight (Segment) • Cycleway

The Legacy Trail is an 18.5-mile paved trail from Venice to Sarasota. The trail is not open to motorized traffic, so it is a great place for a relaxed ride.

Tip by

2

18.6 km

Oscar Scherer State Park

Highlight • Forest

Oscar Scherer State Park is filled with campgrounds, singletrack hiking trails, doubletrack biking trails, and the chance to immerse yourself in Florida's nature. The paved Legacy Trail passes through the …

Tip by

3

18.7 km

The Legacy Trail is a 23-mile paved path through the state of Florida. This particular section spans the Oscar Scherer State Park property. There are a couple of different trailheads …

Tip by

4

21.1 km

Oscar Scherer State Park is filled with campgrounds, singletrack hiking trails, doubletrack biking trails, and the chance to immerse yourself in Florida's nature. The paved Legacy Trail passes through the …

Tip by

5

21.1 km

This trail extends around 18.5 miles and connects the towns of Sarasota and Venice. It’s nicely paved and popular among hikers, runners, and bikers. This section takes you through the …

Tip by

B

40.0 km

End point

Parking

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Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types

30.2 km

5.04 km

4.83 km

< 100 m

Surfaces

35.1 km

4.18 km

753 m

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Elevation

Elevation

Nothing selected – click and drag below to see the stats for a specific part of the route.

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Weather

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Today

Thursday 25 June

33°C

25°C

71 %

Additional weather tips

Max wind speed: 6.0 km/h

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Description

If you're looking for a relaxed touring cycling route that offers a mix of Florida's natural beauty and accessible paths, the Legacy Trail – Oscar Scherer State Park loop from Southgate is definitely worth your time. This moderate 24.9 miles (40.0 km) ride features a minimal 87 feet (27 metres) of elevation gain, making it a smooth journey that most cyclists can complete in about 2 hours and 14 minutes. It's an excellent choice for a leisurely day out, perfect for families or anyone wanting to enjoy the outdoors without a strenuous climb.

What to expect on Legacy Trail – Oscar Scherer State Park loop from Southgate

This route offers a delightful journey through varied landscapes, primarily on paved, multi-use paths. You'll cycle through coastal areas, open fields, and suburban stretches, but the real highlight is the section within Oscar Scherer State Park. Here, you'll find yourself immersed in rare scrubby flatwoods and mesic pine flatwoods, with glimpses of South Creek, a tidal blackwater stream. Keep an eye out for local wildlife like gopher tortoises and various birds, including the endangered Florida scrub jay. The ride is mostly flat, making it suitable for a wide range of fitness levels, though some sandy off-road trails exist within the park if you wish to explore further.

Planning your visit

The Legacy Trail is well-equipped for cyclists, featuring shaded benches with drinking fountains approximately every mile, and restrooms at most trailheads. The route follows a historic Seaboard Air Line Railroad corridor, with interpretive signs and an original 1911 train trestle over South Creek adding historical context to your ride. While the trail is generally accessible, be aware that Lake Osprey within Oscar Scherer State Park is known to have alligators. Parking is available at various points along the Legacy Trail, including access from Southgate, making it easy to start your adventure.

Trail details

  • Distance: 24.9 miles (40.0 km)
  • Elevation gain: 87 feet (27 metres)
  • Difficulty: moderate
  • Estimated time: 2 hours and 14 minutes

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