Dunnellon Area Multi-Use Trail and Trailheads

As part of the Florida Rails-to-Trails project, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s Office of Greenways and Trails wanted to convert a vacated scenic railroad to a multi-use trail for the Dunnellon area. The new trail will need trailheads with sufficient parking spaces and amenities.

DRMP is responsible for the construction of 2.2-miles of a 12-foot paved multi-use trail on the Majorie Harris Carr Central Florida Greenway. The project also included design of two trailheads with paved parking, restrooms facilities, miscellaneous boardwalk, scenic overlook structures and a trail spur.  The trail was constructed as a portion of the Marjorie Harris Carr Cross Florida Greenway and uses the abandoned railroad to connect across the Withlacoochee River near the confluence with the Rainbow River. Design activities included planning, public involvement, topographic and boundary survey, environmental permitting, trail components, architecture, trailhead site development, drainage, parking, entrance roadways and signage and pavement markings. DRMP was responsible for all facets of work from construction plans, federal, state and local permitting, bid services and construction services.  The project also required coordination with bridge designers for the pedestrian bridge over Withlacootchee River.

The trail provides Dunnellon, Florida’s residents with a scenic multi-use trail that promotes activity. The two trailheads make great use of a vacant railroad and provide a safe paved parking area with needed amenities such as restrooms. DRMP’s ecological services team worked to ensure the area’s wildlife and natural resources would be minimally affected by the trail while still providing a naturally scenic view.