Volusia County’s Trail Systems Are Connecting Communities
In most cases, roads that are used by motor vehicles eventually connect to other roads. So, why shouldn’t paved trails designed for hiking and biking do the same?
Volusia County has taken a major step toward creating that sort of connectivity through the recent completion of several major trail systems within the county, most notably the St. Johns River-to-Sea Loop and the East Central Regional Rail Trail. Those two are part of a larger network of more than a dozen regional trails spread throughout the state, linking a total of 22 official Florida Trail Towns.
“A well-connected trail system attracts visitors and gives our residents easy access to green spaces,” says Shari Simmans Grant, director of economic development, communications and government affairs for the City of DeBary. “People want easily accessible places where they can walk, bike and enjoy nature. It helps build a stronger sense of community and creates a more balanced lifestyle.”
Simmans Grant knows firsthand the value of a connected trail system, because DeBary sits at the intersection of three such arteries: the St. Johns Loop, the East Central Rail Trail and the Heart of Florida Loop. DeBary officially was designated a Florida Trail Town in 2022, and the city is building off its hub location by formulating a true downtown space for the first time.
“We’ve incorporated all our ecotourism assets to help create a new downtown with apartments, townhomes, stores and small businesses,” Simmans Grant says. “Folks are coming in because we’re creating this walkable, bikeable community, and that’s driving our economic development. I have a list of 50 businesses that are now interested in leasing space in our downtown area.”
Ditto for Deltona
It is a similar story in the City of Deltona, another designated Florida Trail Town located approximately 6 miles from DeBary. The 16-mile-long Spring-to-Spring Trail cuts through Deltona, connecting parks throughout the region and providing a picturesque enhancement to the city’s green infrastructure. In addition, the East Central Regional Rail Trail runs along the southern edge of town, linking Audubon Park with Thornby Park.
On a local level, the nearly 1-mile-long Lakeshore Loop Trail along Lake Monroe’s north shore offers easy access to the larger St. Johns Loop and Spring-to-Spring Trail. The Lakeshore Loop is canopied by century-old oak trees, making it a popular location for bird-watchers.
“Part of the goal of these trails is to get that connectivity,” says John Cox, economic development director for the City of Deltona. “That way, people don’t have to come to Florida just to go to the beach or stay in one county. They can spend a day or more traveling this incredible series of trails. We are seeing more people coming here to get on our trails than we have ever had before.”
D Ranch Preserve
The presence of these trails is helping spur the creation of other natural areas for public use. One example is the 476-acre D Ranch Preserve, located between Lake Monroe and the community of Osteen along the southern border of the St. Johns Loop.
The preserve was permanently protected in 2019 by Conservation Florida, and then opened for public use in May 2025. Hikers on the St. John’s Loop can now easily reach the 3.5 miles of scenic trails within D Ranch.
The preserve has proven to be so popular that there already are plans to enhance it. The Volusia County Council recently approved a $600,000 Environmental, Cultural, Historical and Outdoor Recreation (ECHO) grant to help transform a 5,000-square-foot barn on the property into a nature center for visitor and student education. It is scheduled to open in 2027.
“I am seeing more of a passion from people for getting out and connecting with nature in the area, and having these trails and wild places makes it easier for people to enjoy the outdoors,” says Sarah Shepard, communications director for Conservation Florida. “It has truly been boots-on-the-ground support for how these things are happening. It’s all community driven.
“The goal is to create accessibility for everyone. Because whether you’re 5 years old or 95, nature is for everyone.”
Trails & Taps
Shortly after Central 28 Beer Co. opened in DeBary in 2015, a section of the 26-mile-long Spring-to-Spring Trail was completed less than a half mile away. Central 28 co-founder Kathy DeBisschop discusses how the proximity to the trail has helped boost business.
What inspired you to open Central 28 Beer Co.?
I grew up here but met my husband (Geoff) while going to school in Boston. We both worked for breweries there, then helped open one in Maryland. So, when we moved back to DeBary, we decided to open one here. Originally, it was going to be mainly distribution with just a small taproom, but it’s amazing the growth we’ve had because of the support from the DeBary community.
What’s it like being near the Spring-to-Spring Trail?
We’ve definitely had an increase in business because of it. People will bike, walk and skate on over. We have a run club that meets here on Monday nights, and members get 15% off their tab. And on Sundays, if you bike here, it’s buy-one-get-one free. Occasionally, we’ll open in the morning for a bike group or a run group that wants to leave from here, and we’ll offer coffee and doughnuts.
What are your most popular beers?
Two of our best-sellers are the Up River Pale Ale – because we’re right near the St. Johns River – and the Show Pigeon IPA.
Are there any beers that use local ingredients?
The Sunshine Greetings Ale is brewed with orange peel and hibiscus, and our Groveland Road IPA uses Blood Orange juice. We’ve also used local honey in some beers that we’ve brewed on a smaller scale.
What is your most refreshing beer after coming off the trail on a hot Florida day?
The Under Duck Lager is a very light, refreshing beer. We also do a hazy IPA called the Trail Rider that is brewed with apricots. We always have 12 beers on tap, so we can usually find something for everyone.