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Published: January 24th 2013
FL 4 freedoms trail
Sunset over Madison, FloridaFour Freedoms Trail (Madison Florida)
Text and Photos last updated: 2013
Number of times I have biked this trail: 2
Location:
Madison, Florida Distance:
20 km (12.5 miles) Distance markers: no
Surface: asphalt
Width: 3 metres
Grade: Flat – rails to trails
Conditions of trail: good
Parking:
only in Pinetta Water: none on trail
Washrooms: none
Garbage containers: at covered picnic areas
Rest Areas: Four
Trail marking: Only one, just north of Pinetta
The Four Freedoms Trail runs from the north end of
Madison Florida to the Georgia border on the Withlacoochee River. Don't
expect to see a sign telling you that you are on this trail. On my ride I saw only one sign -- at a small park north of Pinetta.
The distance is about
20 km or 12. 5 miles one way.
About 80%!o(MISSING)f the trail is in shade. There are 4 covered rest areas with picnic tables. There is no water or
washroom on the trail.
If starting from Madison head for the intersection of
NE Rocky Road and NE Colin Kelly Highway (route 145.) The
trail head is about 100 metres past the intersection, at roughly 684 Colin Kelly highway (if using a gps.)
There is no actual trailhead here, just a sign pointing to the right of the highway where the trail begins.
I started to drive onto the tail thinking that it led to a parking lot. No such luck!!
There is no sign giving the name of the trail or parking, but on the shoulder there is room for about 3
vehicles. I did not like the shoulder parking on a curve so I parked in a church parking lot up on the hill just
before the trail.
This trail
parallels Colin Kelly Highway on the east side for qbout 5 km (3 miles) then switches to the west side
until it reaches the village of Pinetta. Just before Pinetta is a covered picnic bench.
The route through Pinetta is on the road, but Pinetta is a hamlet so there is little traffic and no chance of getting
lost. You can get food and drinks in Pinetta.
In Pinetta there is a large parking lot behind the firehall for trail users and two covered tables.
North from Pinetta the rail is more rural and does not parallel any roads. It is much more interesting.
The trail comes to an abrupt stop just before the
Withlacoochee River. There is no sign. The trail just
ends!!
If you go down the slope on the left and continue for about 75 metres you will see two covered tables and a
viewing area over the river.
The remains of a train trestle over the Withlacoochee river are also visible
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Tot: 0.175s; Tpl: 0.01s; cc: 10; qc: 25; dbt: 0.137s; 1; m:domysql w:travelblog (10.17.0.13); sld: 1;
; mem: 1mb
