Jan and I enjoy riding bicycles when we travel. We are always looking for new trails and especially enjoy paths converted from railroad right of way. The grades are usually reasonable and I enjoy exploring the history of the tracks that once ran there.
On our recent trip to Florida, we explored a number of rails to trails bike paths. One that was very interesting was the “Orange Belt Railroad” across central Florida.
If you wish, check it out.
Thanks for the link, Ric.
Interesting read. Glad you got to enjoy some warm temperatures 
Ralph
Good time of the year to visit the Sunshine State. Old RR bed are great for outdoor recreaction because of the history along these old lines. If you are ever in my neck of the woods we have a few great ones. The Paulinskill Valley and Sussex Branch. The Paulinskill passes by the old Lackawanna Cutoff and crosses over the Sussex Branch.
http://history.gsmrrclub.org/history5.html
http://www.state.nj.us/dep/parksandforests/parks/kittval.html
Shawn,
We get out your way quite often with some family living out there. So much to do in the area, hard to pick and choose. Also end up with quite a few family obligations when there. Looks like a great exploration. We have done some of the Lackawana around Jim Thorpe.
Those stations are something.
I Want Drawings For That Station. “Orange Belt # 1 at Sutherland, Fl. Note the ornate station based on Queen Anne designs of Peter Demens.” http://www.taplines.net/March/obstory2.htm
Forrest Scott Wood said:Heck, that looks like a Polo church with a different steeple.
Those stations are something. [b]I Want Drawings For That Station.[/b] "Orange Belt # 1 at Sutherland, Fl. Note the ornate station based on Queen Anne designs of Peter Demens." http://www.taplines.net/March/obstory2.htm
Ric Golding said:Next time your out this way let me know so we can set up a day or two. Ill give you a free tour.
Shawn, We get out your way quite often with some family living out there. So much to do in the area, hard to pick and choose. Also end up with quite a few family obligations when there. Looks like a great exploration. We have done some of the Lackawana around Jim Thorpe.
“Next time your out this way let me know so we can set up a day or two. Ill give you a free tour.”
I’ll let you know, sounds like fun.
Can I come?
David Russell said:Rooster you can come anytime. Let me know when you want to come up this way. Ill get my chicken coop cleaned up.
Can I come?
From the looks of that map and the route, I d say it crosses where the Florida Turnpike is now where there’s now an over pass marked the “Orange Blossom Trail”…
I pass through quite a few of those small towns down there and there are many old stations and depots still standing. If it wasn’t for the fact that it’s not all that easy to park an 18 wheeler, I could get a lot of neat pictures.
All of the trail is in the area of Orlando. Some right alongside Highway 4. It is officially called “the Seminole Wekiva Trail”. The beginning is not far from Altamonte Springs and the end is off of Markham Road, near the Wekiva River and traces of the railroad right of way can be seen at a junction.
My daughter goes to school and lives right in the area. I’ll do a little exploring next time I’m down.
Ralph