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Bike touring routes & trails

Starkey Park Trail Loop

Routes

Bike touring routes & trails

Starkey Park Trail Loop

Easy

3.4

(28)

riders

Starkey Park Trail Loop

Q: Where can I park to access the Starkey Park Trail Loop?

The Starkey Park Trail Loop is primarily accessed through J.B. Starkey Wilderness Park. You can find parking at the main park entrances, which provide convenient access to the paved Starkey Trail.

Q: Are there any entrance fees or permits required for J.B. Starkey Wilderness Park?

Generally, there are no entrance fees for day use of J.B. Starkey Wilderness Park. However, if you plan to camp, specific fees and permits will apply for the various camping options available within the park.

Q: What is the best time of year to cycle the Starkey Park Trail Loop?

The best time to cycle the Starkey Park Trail Loop is typically during the cooler, drier months from late fall through spring. Florida summers can be very hot and humid, with a higher chance of afternoon thunderstorms.

Q: Are dogs allowed on the Starkey Park Trail Loop?

Yes, dogs are generally allowed on the paved trails within J.B. Starkey Wilderness Park, including the Starkey Park Trail Loop. Please ensure your dog is kept on a leash at all times and that you clean up after them.

Q: How long does it typically take to complete the Starkey Park Trail Loop?

The full Starkey Park Trail Loop is about 27.5 km (17.1 miles) long. For touring cyclists, it typically takes around 1 hour and 34 minutes to complete, depending on your pace and stops.

Q: Is the Starkey Park Trail Loop suitable for beginner cyclists?

Yes, the paved Starkey Park Trail Loop is considered easy and is very suitable for beginner cyclists. It features mostly flat terrain with negligible elevation gain, making it accessible for any fitness level.

Q: What is the terrain like on the Starkey Park Trail Loop?

The primary cycling route, the Starkey Trail, is characterized by mostly well-paved surfaces, predominantly asphalt, and is described as perfectly flat. This makes it ideal for touring bicycles.

Q: What kind of scenery can I expect along the route?

You can expect to ride through diverse Florida ecosystems, including pine woods, wetlands, palmetto scrub, pine flatwoods, and cypress domes. The trail often winds through nicely forested and shaded areas, offering views of wildflowers.

Q: What kind of wildlife might I see along the trail?

J.B. Starkey Wilderness Park is an 8,500-acre natural area, so you have a good chance of spotting various wildlife. Keep an eye out for deer, gopher tortoises, various bird species, and other native Florida animals in their natural habitats.

Q: Are there any notable highlights or points of interest along the way?

Yes, along the route, you'll encounter several points of interest. These include the Suncoast Trail – Starkey Park East Entrance , the Starkey Park Bike Trail , and the Starkey Park Campground Cabin . You'll also find well-spaced shelters providing shade and often ice water, which are great for rest stops.

01:34

27.5km

30m

Cycling

Embark on an easy touring bicycle ride along the Starkey Park Trail Loop, a 17.1 miles (27.5 km) route that winds through diverse Florida ecosystems. You will experience nicely forested and shaded areas, offering glimpses of pine woods, wetlands, and palmetto scrub. With a minimal elevation gain of just 93 feet (28 metres), this trail is perfect for a relaxed outing, taking approximately 1 hour and 34 minutes to complete. Keep an eye out for wildflowers and local wildlife as you pedal through this scenic landscape.

Accessing the Starkey Park Trail Loop is straightforward, as it is a paved route within J.B. Starkey Wilderness Park. You will find well-spaced shelters along the way, many offering shade and ice water, making for convenient rest stops during your ride. Consider starting your tour in the morning to enjoy cooler temperatures and more active wildlife. The park is well-equipped for visitors, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable experience.

This trail is a highlight for touring cyclists seeking a peaceful journey through Florida's natural beauty. The route forms a significant part of the larger Starkey Park Bike Trail system, providing a consistent and enjoyable surface for your ride. Beyond the loop, J.B. Starkey Wilderness Park offers various camping options, including cabins and tent sites, some directly accessible from the bike trail, allowing you to extend your outdoor adventure.

Last updated: April 23, 2026

Waypoints

Start point

Parking

Get Directions

11.3 km

Suncoast Trail – Starkey Park East Entrance

Highlight • Trail

This particular entrance is only accessible by bike, from the Suncoast Parkway Trail. If you plan on driving you will need to go to an entrance at the west side of the park. It's beautiful, and filled with deer and wildlife. Usually there is water available along the trail, but currently, due to the pandemic there is not.

Tip by

16.9 km

Starkey Park Bike Trail

Highlight (Segment) • Cycleway

The Starkey Park Bike Trail is a paved, well-maintained path stretching 13.1 miles (21.08 kilometers) across the park. It is popular for cycling, running, and walking with well-spaced shelters for resting and scenic views. The Starkey Park Wilderness MTB Trail connects to this pathway if you're feeling adventurous and want to explore more of the park.

Tip by

22.3 km

Starkey Park Campground Cabin

Highlight • Rest Area

If you keep running on the side road instead of hopping on the bike path, you'll come up on the Starkey Park Campground. There are a number of campsites that you can reserve throughout the year, giving you immediate access to the trails in the park. There are some better parking areas when driving in on Wilderness Road than driving all the way here unless you are hopping on the singletrack trails.

Tip by

27.5 km

End point

Parking

Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types

16.4 km

9.58 km

1.46 km

< 100 m

Surfaces

14.5 km

12.6 km

430 m

Elevation

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

Weather

Today

Monday 11 May

31°C

22°C

36 %

Additional weather tips

Max wind speed: 13.0 km/h

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This route was planned by komoot.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I park to access the Starkey Park Trail Loop?

The Starkey Park Trail Loop is primarily accessed through J.B. Starkey Wilderness Park. You can find parking at the main park entrances, which provide convenient access to the paved Starkey Trail.

Are there any entrance fees or permits required for J.B. Starkey Wilderness Park?

Generally, there are no entrance fees for day use of J.B. Starkey Wilderness Park. However, if you plan to camp, specific fees and permits will apply for the various camping options available within the park.

What is the best time of year to cycle the Starkey Park Trail Loop?

The best time to cycle the Starkey Park Trail Loop is typically during the cooler, drier months from late fall through spring. Florida summers can be very hot and humid, with a higher chance of afternoon thunderstorms.

Are dogs allowed on the Starkey Park Trail Loop?

Yes, dogs are generally allowed on the paved trails within J.B. Starkey Wilderness Park, including the Starkey Park Trail Loop. Please ensure your dog is kept on a leash at all times and that you clean up after them.

How long does it typically take to complete the Starkey Park Trail Loop?

The full Starkey Park Trail Loop is about 27.5 km (17.1 miles) long. For touring cyclists, it typically takes around 1 hour and 34 minutes to complete, depending on your pace and stops.

Is the Starkey Park Trail Loop suitable for beginner cyclists?

Yes, the paved Starkey Park Trail Loop is considered easy and is very suitable for beginner cyclists. It features mostly flat terrain with negligible elevation gain, making it accessible for any fitness level.

What is the terrain like on the Starkey Park Trail Loop?

The primary cycling route, the Starkey Trail, is characterized by mostly well-paved surfaces, predominantly asphalt, and is described as perfectly flat. This makes it ideal for touring bicycles.

What kind of scenery can I expect along the route?

You can expect to ride through diverse Florida ecosystems, including pine woods, wetlands, palmetto scrub, pine flatwoods, and cypress domes. The trail often winds through nicely forested and shaded areas, offering views of wildflowers.

What kind of wildlife might I see along the trail?

J.B. Starkey Wilderness Park is an 8,500-acre natural area, so you have a good chance of spotting various wildlife. Keep an eye out for deer, gopher tortoises, various bird species, and other native Florida animals in their natural habitats.

Are there any notable highlights or points of interest along the way?

Yes, along the route, you'll encounter several points of interest. These include the Suncoast Trail – Starkey Park East Entrance, the Starkey Park Bike Trail, and the Starkey Park Campground Cabin. You'll also find well-spaced shelters providing shade and often ice water, which are great for rest stops.

Does the trail connect to other well-known paths?

Yes, a significant feature of this route is its direct connection to the 42-mile Suncoast Trail. This integration means it's part of the broader Florida Coast-to-Coast Trail, allowing for extended rides. The route also passes through sections of the Florida Coast-to-Coast Trail, Starkey Park Bike Trail, and Suncoast Trail.