HOLIDAY, Fla. — Frank and Vicki are using the new Coastal Anclote Trail for the first time.
“We are both impressed. It’s nice," they said.
The Anclote Trail connects three parks in southeast Pasco County to the Pinellas Trail in Tarpon Springs.
It gives those walking and biking a safe scenic alternative to the busy streets they had to use before.
Some parts have pine trees and some have small hills, others are flat with oaks.
“There is a lot of variation. But almost all of the route is wooded and shaded," said Pasco County project manager Sam Beneck
Beneck is in charge of the trail project and plans on using it to bike to work.
“All of the different parts of the trail have their own character. I recently rode it for the first time. It’s a really enjoyable trail," he said.
Pasco officials have been marketing the county for its outdoor parks and waterways. And those have been even more in demand since the pandemic.
There’s another new trail coming to Dade City and plans for one that will run across the county from Trinity to Trilby.
The Anclote Trail is still a week or two from officially opening, but it’s already getting use from enthusiastic people ready to get outdoors.
“It’s great to see folks who now have this in their backyard right out of their neighborhood. They can hop on their bikes and start to enjoy it," said Beneck.
The project cost about $ 3 million, it was paid for with the Penny for Pasco program.
