Orange Belt Trail: a 37-mile walking and biking path that would connect Trinity to Dade City

Pasco County is embarking on an exciting journey with the initiation of a Project Development & Environment (PD&E) Study and Trail Segmentation Plan for the Orange Belt Trail (OBT). Picture this: a visionary regional multiuse trail stretching across approximately 37 miles through the picturesque landscapes of Pasco County.

This ambitious OBT isn’t just about trails; it’s about weaving a tapestry of connectivity, seamlessly linking communities like Trinity, Odessa, Land O’Lakes, Wesley Chapel, and Dade City. As it winds its way through the heart of the county, the OBT promises to be a “catalyst for economic transformation, creating a pathway to prosperity,” according to its website. Envisioned as a 12- to 14-foot-wide paved multi-use trail, the OBT will cleverly follow the footsteps of the Orange Belt Railway, offering a scenic escape for pedestrians and cyclists alike.

Creating a bike-friendly alternative in Pasco County

In certain stretches, it may even extend a warm welcome to equestrian enthusiasts. Get ready to embark on a transformative journey along the Orange Belt Trail, where nature and connectivity converge in Pasco County’s backyard.

The proposed Orange Belt Trail will cost more than $40 million dollars, to be funded from the Penny for Pasco sales tax. The original Penny was passed by the Pasco County voters on March 9, 2004, and again on November 6, 2012. The original Penny was in effect from January 1, 2005, to December 31, 2014. The renewal of the Penny is in effect from January 1, 2015, through December 31, 2024.

“That (Orange Belt) rail line is what the Pinellas Trail is on and what the Coast-to-Coast is on,” Tina Russo, a transportation planner for the Pasco MPO, said. “That line has been on Pasco mapper for quite a few years and, now, we’re finally getting to study it.”

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