Gar Pond Loop route

The old Gar Pond Trail was destroyed by logging in 2020. The landowner (Suwannee River Water Management District) gave the Suwannee Bicycle Association permission to use more of the property to create a longer trail. This 11 mile trail is the result. It follows some of the original trail, but adds more trail around Horse Pond, and trail south of Gar Pond.

Gar Pond has a variety of terrain inland and along the river, including ponds, sinkholes, mixed hardwood and pine forests. Wildlife is abundant with water birds, deer, turkeys, eagles
and tortoises

Gar Pond tract consists of three sections: the Pond section, the Back Achers section and the River section. Suggested route is to ride it clockwise. The Pond section includes three ponds. The first
pond is Horse Pond. Next is Gar Pond, a shallow lake (often dry). There is a big sinkhole before you reach Pit Pond. Pit Pond was created by the Hwy. 41 bridge excavation. After Pit Pond, continue
straight to ride the Back Achers section (4-miles) that loops back to the River section. Or bypass Back Achers and take a short cut to the River section by turning right at the sign. To access the River
section, ride across Jacob’s Bridge over a beautiful cypress swamp; follow the trail to the river. The River section is more technical with short descents and uphills, including riding by deep ravines
and sinkholes. Note: There are several bail out points on the Back Achers section, where a doubletrack natural surface road leads to the trailhead/parking. Make sure to only follow the signs, Exit to
Trailhead, as there are numerous natural surface roads and paths that intersect with this trail.

Trailhead directions: Turn left on Hwy. 41. After crossing the Hwy. 41 bridge, turn right to park behind the Agriculture Inspection Station (AG).