General James A. Van Fleet State Trail, Rail trail and state park in central Florida, United States.
The General James A. Van Fleet State Trail is a paved long-distance path cutting through central Florida, passing wetlands, pine forests, and open ranch lands. Several access points are spaced along the route, each offering parking, restrooms, and drinking water.
The route follows the former track of the Seaboard Air Line Railroad, which ran its Silver Meteor passenger train along this corridor until 1988. When service ended, the corridor was converted into a public trail open to walkers, cyclists, and riders.
The trail is named after General James A. Van Fleet, a Florida-born military officer known for his role in World War II and the Korean War. Signs along the route recall his connection to this part of the state, keeping his name part of everyday life in the area.
The path is flat and paved its entire length, making it easy to cover by foot, bicycle, or horseback. Shade is scarce along most of the route, so carrying enough water and sun protection is especially important on warm days.
The entire path runs on old railroad embankments, which means it sits slightly above the surrounding wetlands and gives open views across the flat landscape. On a clear day, you can see far along the corridor in both directions, something rarely possible on ordinary trails.
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