WESTERN TRAILHEAD TO HIGHWAY 8 3
The western trailhead is located just off of Sea Pond Road in Blue Mountain Beach . There ’ s a restroom and a picnic pavilion on site , and usually plenty of parking . Once on the trail , you ’ ll see small orange-and-black markers posted on the pines that indicate the route . The sand trail is occasionally soft , requiring that you dismount and walk a few yards . Generally , however , it ’ s firm enough to ride — and wending your way through endless tight turns through the forest is utterly exhilarating .
Once you reach Highway 83 , you ’ re presented with the option to explore Blue Mountain Beach , just 0.6 miles south on the paved bike path . Start with dessert at Blue Mountain Creamery , where homemade ice cream , frozen yogurt , and sorbet are served . If in more of a shake , float , donut , or coffee mood , head next door to the Shake Shop . Blue Mable Smokehouse & Provisions is located just over the hill , offering outdoor dining with everything from smoked wings and juicy burgers to shrimp and grits . For the healthier crowd , stop by For the Health of It . It ’ s just across the street , serving juices , smoothies , and various organic produce — and right next door to Big Daddy ’ s , one of the finest bicycle shops in all of Florida .
HIGHWAY 83 TO HIGHWAY 28 3
The Longleaf Greenway Trail offers more winding paths through the pines . You ’ ll cross a firebreak road before returning to a single-track path that incorporates small wooden bridges arching over slow-moving creeks . The three-mile trek from Highway 83 to Highway 283 is the longest uninterrupted stretch of the trail , and the reward for completing it is awesome . Once you reach Highway 283 , you can take the paved bike path to Grayton Beach , where you ’ ll find a delectable tartine and lavender latte from Black Bear Bakery and the Grayton Brew Pub serving up cold ones . And this is just the beginning of a multitude of nearby dining options .
THE PATH LESS TRAVELED EXPERIENCES beachLIFE 33