Walsingham Park

The Pinellas Trail – Seminole City Park loop from Ridgecrest offers a delightful road cycling experience, blending urban convenience with unexpected pockets of nature. You'll glide along a smooth, paved surface, mostly 15 feet wide, passing through green spaces and suburban areas. The route is largely flat, but the approximately 10 overpasses add minor inclines, breaking up the terrain and providing safe passage over busy roads. Keep an eye out for the boardwalks and watchtower at Seminole City Park, offering great opportunities for wildlife viewing.

This moderate 33.7-mile (54.3 km) ride, with a gentle 230 feet (70 metres) of elevation gain, typically takes about 2 hours and 30 minutes. Parking is convenient at Seminole City Park, which also provides restrooms and water fountains. While accessible year-round, early mornings are ideal to beat the Florida heat, and carrying extra water is always a good idea.

This trail is a prime example of a successful rail-to-trail conversion, transforming an old railroad corridor into a vibrant multi-use pathway. It's part of the extensive 50-mile Pinellas Trail network, which connects numerous towns and is even a segment of the larger Florida Coast-to-Coast Trail. Its accessibility, well-maintained surface, and integration with local amenities make it a standout choice for cyclists of all levels.

This moderate 32.1-mile (51.6 km) road cycling loop, taking about 2 hours and 10 minutes, offers a diverse ride from the green tranquility of Seminole City Park to the refreshing coastal views of Belleair Beach. You'll enjoy smooth, paved surfaces, primarily along the Fred Marquis Pinellas Trail, which winds through shaded sections and parks. The journey transitions beautifully from inland greenery to scenic coastal roads, providing glimpses of the Gulf of Mexico and the Intracoastal Waterway with minimal elevation gain of just 272 feet (83 metres).

Starting from 113th Street & 102nd Avenue, the Seminole City Park provides excellent amenities for your ride, including shaded parking, restrooms, and water fountains. This makes it a convenient and comfortable spot to begin and end your adventure. Given Florida's climate, consider an early start to beat the heat, especially during summer months, ensuring a more pleasant experience on the mostly flat terrain.

This route is a fantastic way to experience the natural and urban landscapes of Pinellas County, connecting you to the extensive Pinellas Trail system. Keep an eye out for local wildlife in Seminole City Park, such as ducks and various birds, before you reach the expansive coastal vistas. It's a great option for those seeking a well-maintained, accessible ride with varied scenery without demanding significant physical exertion.