[natjos]

There is a walking pat close to part of Chula Vista golf course. Start at the Chula Vista pool. Another goes through Mira Masa course.

[jjombrello]

The golf cart paths are NOT for pedestrian walking. If you look, there is a sign at each golf cart path entrance that reminds one that the path is for golf traffic, only. Not only is it dangerous, it is trespassing. From Hacienda North you should easily find a good walking avenue to Spanish Springs.

[Danube]

Originally Posted by VApeople

Because it is true.

Wrong again. The OP will be moving to Hacienda North.

You wrote "No he wasn't. He was asking for a place to walk closest to his home. The path starting in Bradford is the closest one to his home.

Bradford is not closer to Hacienda North than the Lake Miona walking trail. Get a map.

[jimjamuser]

Originally Posted by Tlcav

Moving into Hacienda North in Spanish Springs. I am an avid walker and am wondering about walking paths. I walk to my mail box and would love to walk to the square. Are the golf cart paths for walkers too? I always walk facing traffic. Carts and cars come so fast so I have to be hyper aware.
Also, what would be the closest dedicated just for walkers path? Don’t want to drive to Edna’s in Fenney every day!

When I walk on the golf cart paths, I walk facing traffic and I step off of the path when a golf carts comes along. I notice some people don't step off because for one reason in the wetter season - that they don't want to get their shoes wet. I wear walking shoes and use wool socks.

[Runway48]

Originally Posted by OrangeBlossomBaby

My suggestion of course is to cross the golf cart bridge, and just walk anywhere you want on the Historic Side. There's only one MMP and it's very short, from the park to the Veterinary clinic. Other than Paradise Ave, West Boone, Tarrson. and the Lester hill, the streets don't get heavy traffic and it's a nice area to walk in. Plenty of shade to hide under when the sun is high, interesting landscaping choices and colors to look at, and super-friendly people to say "hi" to as you walk. We also have HILLS, something most parts of the Villages can't boast about. If you want to exercise and stretch your hamstrings and glutes, the Historic side is the place to be.

I agree. Last winter we rented in the Silverlakes region of the Historic Side. I am also an avid walker and found the roads there had low traffic volume and rolling hills and trees that help to make the walks interesting. Very easy to put together a route of any desired length. However, I prefer to walk (hike) on something other than asphalt and The Villages seem to be lacking true nature trails. Does anyone have experience with Lake Weir and the Carney Island Rec area, it says hiking trails on Google Maps. It looks like it is short drive north from the Spanish Springs area. Thanks.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

I think everyone is confusing each other and themselves by interchanging the term "golf cart path" with "MMP."

To the OP: these are two different things with different meanings, in The Villages. A "golf cart path" is a paved path designated exclusively for the use of golf carts, or golfers who are golfing on the golf course. Pedestrians who aren't golfing on the golf course are not allowed to be on them at all, nor are bicycle riders, joggers, dogs, scooters, rollerblades, Segways, or anything else.

An "MMP" is a "multi-modal path" - and all of the above are allowed on them.

There is also a thing called a "walking trail" or "walking path" or "pedestrian path" which is designated exclusively for people using their own two feet or a medical mobility device (such as a wheelchair or knee-scooter) only. Bicycles are not allowed on them, nor are golf carts.

There are also a VERY few golf cart paths that aren't on golf courses, with signs specifying "golf carts only." In theory, that'd mean pedestrians and bicycles aren't allowed on them, but this doesn't seem to be enforced. I think the assumption is that whoever made those signs, intended to simply forbid any other kind of motor vehicles (such as cars, trucks, motorcycles). No idea if that's true or not but it seems a practical assumption.

[jimjamuser]

Originally Posted by opinionist

I walk around Paradise Lake almost daily, and the roadways' traffic is very light. Defensive walking is essential, especially on multimodal paths. I used to walk rails-to-trails up north, and the connection with nature was better. My goal is daily exercise, and the Paradise Park exercise equipment helps.

I use the Paradise Park outdoor exercise machines often. And I will walk or jog around the small circle track that they have there. The only thing to watch out for is sometimes people walking there have dogs that are out of control. In about 7 years of going there I saw one guy get bitten by a lady's dog that she let control her.

[sallyg]

Originally Posted by VApeople

The closest decent walking path to you is in the village of Bradford.

You can park at their pool and find the walking path just behind it. Then you can walk around Bradford, take a little foot bridge over to St. Catherine, walk around the lakes and come down to Meggison Road, and then turn left on the walking/biking path and go thru Citrus Grove, Newell, Lake Denham, and Dabney. Then rest at their rec center and follow the same path back to your car.

In this walk, you will never have to deal with a car or a golf cart.

After this, you will be tired.

Is this walkers only or are bicycles allowed?

[VApeople]

Originally Posted by Danube

Wrong again. You wrote "No he wasn't. He was asking for a place to walk closest to his home. The path starting in Bradford is the closest one to his home.

Bradford is not closer to Hacienda North than the Lake Miona walking trail. Get a map.

I agree that the walking trail behind the Lake Miona rec center is closer for the OP than the beautiful train starting in Bradford, but it is very short, not what I think a real walker would find fulfilling.

We took our grand-daughters (ages 16 and 13) on that trail because we knew golf carts, bikes, and dogs are forbidden, and they loved it.

[VApeople]

Originally Posted by sallyg

Is this walkers only or are bicycles allowed?

Yes, bikes are allowed.

[tophcfa]

Originally Posted by jjombrello

The golf cart paths are NOT for pedestrian walking. If you look, there is a sign at each golf cart path entrance that reminds one that the path is for golf traffic, only. Not only is it dangerous, it is trespassing. From Hacienda North you should easily find a good walking avenue to Spanish Springs.

Wrong, many golf cart paths are not for walking, but some are. One can walk along the golf cart paths going through holes 8, 7, and 6 on the Lakes course of Hacienda Hills and then cross Del Mar and walk along the Chula Vista course and then go through the tunnel going under Rio Grand and walk along the first few holes of Mira Mesa. It’s a beautiful area and would be a wonderful walk.

[Canada friends]

Walk at the polo grounds… no cars

[rayschic]

Originally Posted by Canada friends

Walk at the polo grounds… no cars

I agree. The polo fields are the best place to walk. Beautiful scenery and very little traffic. Many times the horses are out in the paddocks too. Every once in a while you get to see people flying their kites or remote control airplanes. They are on the grass, not the path. The polo grounds are right next to the Saddlebrook softball fields so many times you can also watch some softball. Enjoy !

[sallyg]

Thanks!

[HappyTraveler]

To those new here, you'll appreciate knowing something I was alerted to so you don't stray onto an inappropriate path when walking.

Notice the surfaces......the golf cart paths are always a typical concrete surface and color while the MMPs are blacktop surface.