The Clearwater East-West Trail, Florida

The 13-mile trail within the City of Clearwater connects Tampa Bay to Clearwater Beach.

Photos by City of Clearwater Parks and Recreation

The Clearwater East-West Trail uses innovative design techniques, serves as an important regional connection, and offers a wealth of recreational opportunities. It serves as the critical east-west link within the City of Clearwater connecting Tampa Bay to Clearwater Beach (approximately 13 miles). In addition, the trail offers a connection between the two primary north-south trails in Pinellas County: the Pinellas Trail and the future Progress Energy Trail.

	Biking and skating are favorite activities on the Clearwater Trail

The trail is also special in that it connects many land uses serving a broad diverse population. Presently, within the open 4.4 miles, the trail connects nine park facilities including the new Philadelphia/Clearwater Phillies Stadium, Moccasin Lake Nature Park (an environmental and energy education center), an elementary school, the Upper Pinellas Association of Retarded Citizens (located at the Long Center) and many residential areas of economic diversity.

The Clearwater East-West Trail includes innovative trail design in a number of features. The 15 foot asphalt trail has 6" concrete ribbons on either side. This treatment not only finishes the appearance of the trail, but has been extremely instrumental in keeping maintenance costs low. Due to this addition of the concrete ribbons, we have experienced very little grass intrusion or asphaltic erosion.

Memorial Causeway Bridge, will have a separate 12-foot path for non-motorized users

Other outstanding design features include the two major bridges. The first, Memorial Causeway Bridge, will have a separate 12 foot path for non-motorized users. This path is a separate elevation than the motor vehicle lane and will have vistas/rest areas. The second bridge (across Mandalay Channel) is a cable-stayed bridge similar to the design of the famous Skyway Bridge south of St. Petersburg, Florida.

Many opportunities exist for nature walks, photography, picnicing, fishing, or just plain relaxing along the 4.4 miles of trail that are currently open for use from Safety Harbor (Bayshore Drive) westward to the Long Center.

There is also an abundance of amenities along the trail such as parking, restrooms, benches, and water fountains. Some of the other recreational opportunities include disc golf, picnicking, a fitness course, softball, baseball, volleyball, handball, kayaking, environmental education, swimming, tennis, fishing, and basketball.

	Trees shade the Clearwater East-West Trail

The trail is open during daylight hours for use by walkers, joggers, runners, skaters, and cyclists. There are no motorized vehicles allowed on the trail.

Trail Patrol Volunteer Program provides the public with information, directions, and guidance. Volunteers also patrol Clearwater's trails and assist with regular trail inspection.

For more information:

For more Trail Patrol information, contact (727) 562-4167. For more information regarding the Clearwater East-West Trail and the City of Clearwater's Parks and Recreation programs, please call (727) 562-4800. For trail maps visit the website.

See more National Recreation Trails in Florida and NRTs in all 50 states.

The National Recreation Trails Program
American Trails, P.O. Box 491797, Redding, CA 96049-1797 • (530) 547-2060 • Fax: (530) 547-2035 • nrt@americantrails.org • www.AmericanTrails.org

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Great Allegheny Passage (photo by Mary Shaw)

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