The DeBary SunRail Station, located at 630 S. Charles Richard Beall Blvd., is the gateway to biking trails within Volusia County and beyond. In fact, the DeBary SunRail Station is conveniently located approximately 1.2 miles from Central Florida's Trail Hub where 3 major central Florida trails converge - accessing over 600 miles of paved biking trails!
This Trail Hub is located at the Gemini Springs Trail Head just north of the SunRail Station. Once bikers access this spot along the trails, they can bike to Gemini Springs, DeBary Hall Historic Site, Lake Monroe Park, Downtown Sanford, Blue Springs State Park, and Green Springs Park - all within 10 miles along the trails!
DeBary is home to an array of natural parks and trails to visit so it is an excellent option for any eco-tourism enthusiast who wants to explore the wilderness of Central Florida.
I just got off the SunRail with my bike... Now what?
Put on your helmet and let's get riding!
From the SunRail Station, you will want to make your way north to the Gemini Springs Trail Hub. This is the closest trail opening and will give you access to many attractions along the trails! Once at the trail hub, you will need to choose which way you would like to travel:
Heading East (Toward Deltona)
(Blue trail in the above map)
Gemini Springs Park (0.2 miles from the trailhead) - Gemini Springs is a 212-acre park with paved and hiking trails, a playground, a fishing dock, and campsites. It's a great spot to stop, set up a picnic, and enjoy nature!
DeBary Hall Historic Site (1.3 miles from the trailhead) - DeBary Hall Historic Site is a great stop along the trails, offering restrooms, snacks, a bike repair station, and even a historic tour of Frederick deBary's old hunting lodge. During their operating hours, they also have a lobby open to bicyclists with maps and other resources to assist you along your journey.
Green Springs Park (4.8 miles from the trailhead) - Green Springs Park is a Volusia County Park located in Deltona, FL. The park's main focal point is the vibrant green water of the spring with lookout points, paved & dirt trails, picnic pavilions, restrooms, and a playground.
(Gemini Springs Park) (Bikers along the Spring-to-Spring Trail)
Heading South (Toward Sanford)
(Yellow trail in the above map)
Lake Monroe Park (0.6 miles from the trailhead) - The trail portion toward Lake Monroe Park from the Gemini Spring Trail Head is a scenic path with overhanging oak trees and even a wooden boardwalk over a wetland. Lake Monroe Park is home to restrooms, a boat launch, a playground, campsites ad even kayak rentals!
Central Florida Zoo and Botanical Garden (5.1 miles from the trailhead) - If you wish to continue your bike journey past Lake Monroe Park and into Sanford, bikers will need to periodically join alongside HWY 17/92 heading over the St. John's River Bridge and under I-4. Ticket prices for the zoo range from $23.95-$19.95 for adults and $17.95-$13.95 for children. Tickets are less expensive when purchased online vs. at the ticket booth.
Downtown Sanford (8.3 miles from the trailhead) - Past the Central Florida Botanical Garden, cyclists will bike alongside the Riverwalk, overlooking Lake Monroe on one side and Seminole Blvd. on the other. Downtown Sanford features restaurants, craft breweries, gastropubs, and events.
(Lake Monroe Park in DeBary)
Heading Northwest (Into DeBary & Beyond)
(Orange trail in the above map)
Central 28 Beer & Brewing Company (2.5 miles from the trailhead) - Central 28 is a family-owned brewery along the trail system in DeBary. Central 28 is open Mon-Thurs 4-9 pm, Friday 3-10 pm, Saturday 12 pm-10 pm, and 12 pm-6 pm on Sundays. Although SunRail doesn't currently operate on Sundays, it is good to note that Central 28 offers buy-one-get-the-second-free beer on Sundays only for those who visit by bicycle!
Rob Sullivan Park (3.9 miles from the trailhead) - Rob Sullivan Park is a City Park with ballfields, restrooms, and a playground. Most importantly, along the trail in front of Rob Sullivan Park is a self-service bike repair station equipped with wrenches, screwdrivers, and a tire pump. In case of any difficulties or doubts, cyclists can use the QR code, which automatically redirects the user to a webpage containing detailed instructions.
Blue Spring State Park (8.3 miles from the trailhead) - There is a reason that Blue Springs State Park is one of the most popular Spring destinations in all of Florida! Not only can you see HUNDREDS of manatees during the winter months, but also catch a glimpse of fireflies in the spring, and go swimming in the summer. There is a $2 park entry fee for bikers who visit by trail.
A train-to-trails bicycle trip to DeBary is a fantastic carbon-neutral activity that allows riders to escape the hustle and bustle of Orlando and enjoy nature first-hand. Where will you be riding to?!
Comments