Florida may be famous for its coastline, but pedaling through the moss-draped corridors of West Volusia County reveals a different, quieter side of the Sunshine State. Stretching just over 27 miles, the Spring to Spring Trail offers cyclists a sprawling, multipurpose pathway that links some of Central Florida’s most captivating natural wonders. As a vital segment of the St. Johns River to Sea Loop, and a key cog in the larger Coast to Coast and Heart of Florida trails, the route is almost entirely paved and separated from traffic. Save for one remaining gap, it makes for a serene journey through old-growth forests and historic enclaves.
You can begin your ride at either end, but starting at DeLeon Springs State Park comes with a distinct, undeniable perk: Pancakes!
Serving as the northernmost portion of the trail, DeLeon Springs is home to the legendary Old Sugar Mill Pancake House. Housed in a replica 1830s sugar mill, this beloved Old Florida relic invites diners to cook their own breakfast on built-in tabletop griddles! After fueling up, you can rent a kayak to glide under moss-draped oaks or simply take a refreshing plunge into the crystalline 72°F spring waters.
From the springs, a scenic 6-mile stretch winds south through quiet backroads before culminating at West Minnesota Avenue in DeLand. Along this peaceful corridor, you will skirt the edges of Lake Woodruff National Wildlife Refuge, a pristine sanctuary where you might spot the graceful dive of a swallowtail kite, before passing the rustic, deeply local Highland Park Fish Camp.
After a brief gap, the trail resumes at Lake Beresford. This breathtaking segment winds and is surprisingly hilly, meandering through the entrance of Blue Spring State Park, renowned as a winter sanctuary for hundreds of West Indian manatees seeking refuge in the warmer waters.
Pressing onward, toward DeBary, the landscape subtly shifts, pairing gentler hills with a juxtaposed 350 acre solar power plant.
The journey culminates with a spectacular final stretch hugging the shores of the commanding Lake Monroe. Here, Gemini Springs Park offers a lush 210-acre oasis named for its sparkling twin freshwater springs, perfect for an afternoon picnic or a quiet stroll along the water. Just around the bend, the historic hunting lodge, DeBary Hall, now serves as a trailhead inviting a step back in time with its immaculately preserved 19th-century architecture and guided tours.
As you pedal further east into Deltona and the quaint, unincorporated community of Enterprise, you are riding through living history. This area once housed the grand Brock House, a historic hotel that catered to American presidents and Gilded Age elites, a legacy preserved today at the local Enterprise Museum.
The journey culminates at Green Springs Park, where the vivid emerald waters offer a quiet place to rest and reflect on a day well spent. It is the perfect finish line for a trail that showcases the very best of West Volusia’s natural beauty.
Ready to hit the trails? More information about West Volusia County is available at 116 W. New York Avenue in Downtown DeLand, FL, or online. For further details, please call 386-734-0162.