A seamless continuation westbound of the East Central Regional Rail Trail, the southern segment of the Spring to Spring Trail has two different faces.
That’s thanks to an outstanding stretch of natural habitats for casual riders to enjoy through Gemini Springs Park and the Gemini Addition, with no road crossings.
Experienced riders will appreciate being able to pile on additional miles, given the trail’s connectivity to the larger Florida Coast to Coast Trail and the loops evolving along it.
See our Connections section near the bottom of this page for a variety of extended rides and even a loop you can do on regional bike paths.
This part of the Spring to Spring Trail spends half its route making an arc around DeBary BayouResources
Our resources for exploring the area
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Overview
Location: Enterprise to St. Johns River crossing in DeBary
Length: 7.5 miles linear
Land manager: Volusia County Parks
Phone: 386-423-3300
Open daylight hours. Leashed dogs welcome. Please pick up after your pet.
Volusia County provides regular rest stops along the route, with benches and garbage cans spaced about two miles apart.
Flush toilets and running water can be found at Green Spring Park, Gemini Springs Park, and Lake Monroe Park.
Ride Details
From the parking area at Green Springs Park, follow the paved path through the woods for a quarter mile, passing the namesake spring of the park on the way.
Reaching the T intersection outside the back gate, make a left to start the Spring to Spring Trail. The ECRRT goes towards Osteen to the right.
Sign where the two trails merge behind Green Springs ParkThis portion of the trail has dappled shade and continues along the same railroad corridor as the ECRRT for almost a mile.
Crossing a long, low wooden bridge, it parallels a large condo complex tucked in the woods before crossing Providence Blvd, a major two-lane road in Enterprise.
Long bridge adjoining the condosAfter another all-too-brief forested corridor, the trail emerges at Jacob Brock Ave and crosses it, ending the old rail route.
Here, a mile into the ride, it becomes a sidepath on the south side of busy four-laned DeBary Avenue, passing in front of a small subdivision.
Emerging from the rail corridor to DeBary AvenueA large bayhead swamp adjoins the trail as it parallels the curve of the highway around to the community of Enterprise.
There are two more road crossings in this section, including a traffic light at Main Street, as well as residential driveways.
Approaching the traffic light at Main StreetReaching another marshy area, the trail is flanked by a metal fence before you come to the retention pond and pass under the traffic light at Enterprise Rd.
Another long curve follows, this one under the utility easement for the power lines coming out of the power plant in DeBary.
Heading towards the power linesAfter passing a retention pond, the trail crosses Lakefront Ct before the curve straightens out and you can see the Interstate 4 interchange up ahead.
There is a cluster of services around it, but they’re all on the opposite side of DeBary Avenue.
Services near I-4 at DeBaryThe bike path continues past a subdivision with some entrance roads and a bunch of driveways before it comes up behind the I-4 Park and Ride Lot.
Passing under Interstate 4, it remains a side path but edges right up to the road, which changes names to Dirksen Drive.
Underpass under Interstate 4Being this close to the road riding against traffic can be a little disconcerting. There is a condo complex to pass, and a community of homes on DeBary Bayou.
At 3.5 miles, right past the gated entrance to River Oaks Estates, you’ll see a crosswalk across Dirksen Drive leading to a bike path paralleling Mansion Blvd.
Side trail to DeBary HallThat’s the side trip to DeBary Hall, should a visit to the historic site and the park surrounding it interest you. We decided to check it out.
It’s a mile round-trip, and parallels a residential area on a nice ride under a tree canopy for a part of it. It climbs up a large hill as you enter the park.
The bike path climbs right past DeBary HallIn addition to the historic mansion established by the town founder, there are other interpreted buildings at the homesite, and a visitor center.
The official trailhead at the end of the side path has restrooms, water, and a covered picnic pavilion.
At the end of this wall the park beginsSoon after this junction, after the brick wall ends, the bike path finally separates itself from the side of Dirksen Drive.
Leading into a refreshing wooded corridor with lots of shade, it enters Gemini Springs Park.
The shaded corridor provides a nice change from roadside ridingIn a ribbon of old-growth hammock between DeBary Bayou and the road, the path has some surprising elevation changes.
There are two road crossings in the park, for one-way traffic looping through the road system. You cross the park exit first, adjoining a large field used for events.
Approaching the park exit roadAfter another stretch of forest, the trail comes to the busier park entrance. Take special care crossing here as cars enter from both directions.
If you’re in need of water or restrooms, or want to see the twin springs, the entrance is where you want to head in and follow the sidewalk.
Approaching the park entrance roadHang a right at the T to visit the west side of the park, where the springs and restrooms are located.
You can reconnect with the bike path behind the dog park area after visiting, or ride back up the sidewalk.
Split in the trail just past the entrance roadOtherwise, continue straight ahead along more undulating terrain under the trees.
The trail pops out in the open in front of the Gemini Springs North trailhead at 4.8 miles.
Gemini Springs North trailheadHere it makes a sharp left curve in front of the parking area, and turns to roughly parallel US 17/92 south.
It becomes a downhill in a grassy power line corridor, where a hiking trail takes off to the right where the bike path makes a sharp left.
Curve along the bike pathA few moments later, the trail leaves the power line easement and enters the forest surrounding Gemini Springs.
The bike path is in a tunnel of trees. Where the trail turns sharply, a footpath on the left leads to the springs.
It’s worth a side trip to see the springsThe trail is built up on a grade to avoid flooding, as floodplain forest and palm hammocks flank the trail.
Water drains along the sides. We had to hop over it on a stop to visit the primitive campsite provided along the trail.
Entrance to camping areaThe camping area is set back in the woods under the big live oaks, a short walk from the trail where there is a line of posts.
While the campground it is often used by Scouting groups on weekends, on weekdays, cyclists may find it handy.
Grills and benches are providedRestrooms are within walking distance inside the park. Rates are $15 per night plus tax. Call ahead to reserve a spot, 386-736-5953 on weekdays.
Past the campground, the trail makes several more wiggles and bends, passing picnic tables tucked into canopied spots.
Following the gentle curves through the hammockAs the trail emerges from the shade of the oak hammock into full sun to rejoin the power lines, you’ll notice the first of several beaten paths to the left.
The first one leads to a large fallen oak tree, and on back into the main network of trails in Gemini Springs Park along DeBary Bayou.
Side trail to the fallen oakThe bike path curves through open grassy meadows with tall dog fennel and wildflowers. Mowed paths lead to oak hammocks along the bayou in the distance.
An apartment building now rises above the trees to the west, replacing the cattle ranch we saw here on our earlier rides.
Curve in the trail before the apartmentsAt 5.8 miles, the last of the mowed footpaths in Gemini Springs Park comes in from the left after its meander through wildflowers under the power lines.
A path to the right leads straight out to an access point on US 17/92, directly across from the SunRail station. A sign now marks the path.
Side trail to SunRail stationWe’ve been told it will be paved, but the connection is a rough road full of puddles. There is room for a car or two in the grass by the trailhead kiosk along the highway.
For regional residents or visitors, Sunrail provides a way to get from the Orlando metro out here to this system of bike trails. You can take your bike on it.
Winding through the oak hammockEntering the shade of an oak hammock with a bench, the trail makes a few jogs before it emerges back into the sun again.
In full sun, the trail remains under the power lines for a stretch, where marshes crowd both sides of the trail, showing off colorful blooms much of the year.
Another stretch of power line easementAt 6.1 miles, it passes a marked hiking trail to the left into the Gemini Addition while making a beeline through pines planted in a restoration area.
A second trail heads off towards a pond at a curve. Beyond the pines, the trail enters the next oak hammock, where picnic tables are tucked in niches.
Water often flows over this curve where the last hiking trail merges inAt a sharp right curve at 6.5 miles, the last of the hiking trails comes in from the left from Gemini Addition. That one tends to be a bit swampy.
Take these curves slow, as this shaded portion of the trail is popular with pedestrians walking in from Lake Monroe Park.
The turns are fluid but don’t allow much visibilityThe curves cut off any view you have of anyone coming your way, particularly if cyclists are passing.
Just before one of the sharp lefts, you pass a trail marker. The mileages on these markers start at 0 at Brevard County for the Coast to Coast Trail.
Trail marker just before the curveA broad boardwalk curves and winds through a cypress swamp, a floodplain forest off the St. Johns River. Benches provide places to rest.
As the trail exits the boardwalk through the cypress swamp, it does a short stretch on a narrow power line easement before making a sharp left.
Curve of the boardwalk into Lake Monroe ParkAt 7.3 miles, the trail continues through a pass-through in front of the Gemini Springs South trailhead behind Lake Monroe Park.
A popular county park for boaters to obtain easy access to the St. Johns River, Lake Monroe Park is the southern terminus of the Spring to Spring Trail.
Coming around to the trailhead at the back of Lake Monroe ParkWhile this is the end of a ride between trailheads, the paved bike path continues along the edge of Lake Monroe Park.
It parallels the edge of a tall brown fence which blocks a view of the campground at the park.
Fencing around the campgroundAfter the fence ends, the trail continues its slow turn towards the St. Johns River through a forested corridor in the park
You can see the DeBary water tower peeping out from above the trees just before the trail pops out to parallel US 17/92.
Curving out towards the highwayIt crosses the front entrance to Lake Monroe Park at x.x miles. Just past that is a warning that the path narrows.
As we discovered, DOT took the bike lane on the east side of the US 17/92 bridge over the St. Johns River and made it safer for cyclists.
Entrance to Lake Monroe Park with bridge aheadThey placed a permanent high Jersey barrier along its length. This lane provides two-way traffic for the Coast to Coast Trail.
It is narrow, however, if you meet someone. The views from the bridge up the river and down to the original bridge are excellent.
Bike path over the St. Johns RiverAt the county line, this trail links up with the Cross Seminole Trail over the the St. Johns River Bridge at 7.5 miles.
The trailhead on the Seminole County side of the bridge at Lake Monroe Wayside Park provides parking, picnic tables, and views, but no restrooms.
Where the bike path crosses over the St. Johns RiverTrailheads
East to west along the bike route. Click on any icon above for directions.
Green Springs Park
Green Springs Park is your starting point for the east end of the Spring to Spring Trail. It has restrooms, potable water, and a picnic area.
A network of less than a mile of hiking trails winds through lush habitats nourished by the spring waters as they flow towards Lake Monroe.
Green SpringsThornby Park
Thornby Park is a small community park along Providence Blvd a quarter mile south of the trail crossing in Enterprise.
It provides an alternate parking location should the trailhead at Green Springs Park fill up, which happens often on weekends.
DeBary Park and Ride
We hadn’t assumed it was okay to park at the DeBary Park and Ride and head out on the trail, but it looks like it would be fine to do on weekends or after rush hour.
A large trail sign and map at the west end of the parking lot adjoins an access point to the trail.
DeBary Park and Ride near Interstate 4DeBary Hall
A historic site, DeBary Hall provides the next trailhead westbound, with a picnic area, restrooms, and potable water.
It is across Dirksen Drive from the bike path and up a steep hill at the end of its own side trail. The home is open for tours. Check ahead for hours.
Trailhead at DeBary HallGemini Springs Park
Gemini Springs North trailhead is the pivot point for the Spring to Spring Trail where it heads south and will eventually continue north.
Because it is right off US 17/92 and Dirksen, it tends to be the busiest of the trailheads but has no facilities.
Sign at the Gemini Springs North trailheadIt is also easy to access the Spring to Spring Trail from the main parking area in Gemini Springs Park on the west side of the spring.
Park near the dog park and follow the unpaved path around the gate to the right past the big elephant ears to meet the paved path near the camping area.
The path on the right beyond the gate goes to the camping areaLake Monroe Park
At the end of Old DeLand Rd, the Gemini Springs South trailhead is just outside the fence of Lake Monroe Park. There are restrooms and a small amount of parking here.
Lake Monroe Park has a larger parking area but is busy on weekends with boaters coming and going and campers settling in for the weekend.
Its entrance is off northbound US 17/92 just north of the St. Johns River. Restrooms and waterfront picnic tables are provided.
The Gemini Springs South trailhead at Lake Monroe ParkLake Monroe Wayside
While this park is in Seminole County, it’s easy to get to from Interstate 4 and can be used as an alternate start or end to the ride.
There are picnic tables and a nice view of the river as well as a boat ramp, but no restrooms.
Using this trailhead means crossing the St. Johns River bridge to get to the Spring to Spring Trail.
Picnic area at Lake Monroe WaysideMileage
| Mile | Location |
|---|---|
| 0.0 | Green Springs Park |
| 0.2 | Spring to Spring / ECRRT junction |
| 0.7 | Providence Blvd |
| 0.9 | Jacob Brock Ave / DeBary Ave sidepath |
| 1.6 | Main St |
| 2.3 | Lakefront Court |
| 2.7 | Interstate 4 Park and Ride Lot |
| 3.4 | Mansion Blvd / DeBary Hall connector |
| 3.5 | Gemini Springs Park |
| 4.2 | Gemini Springs Park exit road |
| 4.5 | Gemini Springs Park entrance road |
| 4.7 | Gemini Springs North trailhead |
| 5.1 | Gemini Springs primitive campground |
| 5.3 | North junction Gemini Springs trails |
| 5.7 | Side path to DeBary Sunrail Station |
| 6.0 | North junction Gemini Addition Trails |
| 6.5 | South junction Gemini Addition Trails |
| 7.2 | Gemini Springs South trailhead |
| 7.5 | Lake Monroe Park entrance road |
| 7.7 | St. Johns River |
| 8.0 | Lake Monroe Wayside / Cross Seminole Trail |
Connections
One of the more fascinating aspects of this trail for veteran cyclists is that you can make it part of a much longer ride.
Although the St. Johns River to Sea Loop and the Heart of Florida Loop are shown on signs, both are still in the process of being created.
Similarly, the Sanford Riverwalk is being extended so it will eventually offer a ride around Lake Monroe.
For now, you can head either east on the East Central Regional Rail Trail or south along the Cross Seminole Trail to add more miles.
Cross Seminole Trail
Crossing the US 17/92 bridge in its own dedicated bike lanes, the Florida Coast to Coast Trail route continues south over the St. Johns River as part of the Cross Seminole Trail.
Formerly signposted as the Rinehart Trail, the northernmost part of this bike trail is primarily side path along busy roads in shopping and residential districts in Sanford.
Cross Seminole Trail North
Connected to a vast network of bike paths across Central Florida, this 21 mile corridor between Oviedo and Sanford hosts portions of the Florida National Scenic Trail and the Florida Coast to Coast Trail
East Central Regional Rail Trail
Eastbound from Green Springs Park, the East Central Regional Rail Trail provides the Florida Coast to Coast route to its terminus in Titusville.
It also leads northbound into Edgewater and New Smyrna Beach as part of the East Coast Greenway.
East Central Regional Rail Trail
Spanning 36.2 linear miles across southern Volusia County, the East Central Regional Rail Trail offers a long ride that also makes up a portion of several major Florida bike trails
North Seminole-South Volusia Loop
While the northern portion of the Cross Seminole Trail (formerly the Rinehart Trail) is an urban side path, it provides the connection for a large loop.
Take it south 7.7 miles to Lake Mary Blvd. Instead of crossing the bridge, follow the Lake Mary Blvd side path eastbound on the north side of the highway.
It’s a very urban ride with a lot of driveway and road crossings, including some major ones at lights. It also crosses the SunRail tracks near the Lake Mary Station.
What’s even more annoying is parts of the path exist, and other parts narrow to a sidewalk. West of US 17/92, it’s necessary to cross Lake Mary Blvd to the south side. Do so at Sanford Ave.
Once the sidewalk reaches the edge of the airport, it becomes a broad side path. Follow it around the Orlando-Sanford Airport and up to SR 415 to join the SR 415 side path northbound at SR 46, 17.8 miles in.
It has its own dedicated portion of the bridge over the St. Johns River, and leads right up to Osteen, where you can connect with the East Central Regional Rail Trail at 23.4 miles.
Follow the ECRRT west to return to Green Springs Park to seal this 36.4 mile loop.
Returning to the back gate of Green Springs ParkTrail Map
Red: the Spring to Spring Trail. Blue: connecting and side trailsExplore More!
Learn more about the Florida Coast to Coast Trail
Florida Coast to Coast Trail
With a corridor spanning more than 220 miles across nine Florida counties, the Florida Coast to Coast Trail (C2C) is Central Florida’s long distance bike path
Along the Route
Visit these parks and trails along this ride
Green Springs Park
An unearthly glowing bowl in shades of green, the centerpiece of an ancient forest at Green Springs is surrounded by gurgling streams and the trails that follow them
Gemini Springs Park
With nearly 5 miles of gentle woodland paths and paved trails, playgrounds, picnic area, paddling trail and a dog park, Gemini Springs Park is a popular, well-connected getaway
Gemini Springs Addition
Protecting nearly 950 acres of lush oak hammocks, palm hammocks, and wetlands along the rim of Lake Monroe, Gemini Springs Addition has many options for hikers
Lake Monroe Park
Centered on a deeply shaded campground with direct access to the St. Johns River for boaters, Lake Monroe Park is a gateway to outdoor adventure
Slideshow
See our photos from biking this segment of the Spring to Spring Trail
Articles
Articles from our rides and explorations along this trail
Riding the C2C St. Johns River to Osteen
John explores the C2C between Osteen and the St. Johns River by starting at Lake Monroe Park and ending at Osteen, using the Spring-to-Spring and ECRRT trails through southern Volusia County
Exploring the Gemini Springs Addition
It took a serendipitous turn one morning for us to stumble across a new-to-us hiking trail not fifteen minutes from home, the Gemini Springs Addition. Here’s how we found it.
Riding Spring-to-Spring and the Seminole-Wekiva Trail
Pile on the mileage with two bike trails within easy reach of each other – the Spring-to-Spring in Volusia and the Seminole-Wekiva in Lake Mary and Longwood
Focused on Gemini Springs
Gemini Springs Park is known for its interplay of open, sunlit spaces and deeply shaded oak hammocks. It made an ideal testing ground for our photography.