The property was acquired from CSX Transportation, Inc. in 1996 by the Office of Greenways and Trails Acquisition Program, a component of Florida Forever. The Florida Board of Trustees of the Internal Improvement Trust Fund (Trustees) holds fee simple title to the property. The property is leased to the park service through April 29, 2048. Development for the paving of the trail was funded by the Florida Department of Transportation.
Occupying a former CSX railroad right-of-way, most of the trail parallels US 19 and State Road 26 and is embedded in an agricultural landscape. Trailheads are located within the five linked rural communities, making the trail easily accessible for local use, in addition to being close to accommodations, restaurants and other recreational opportunities. The Nature Coast State Trail provides a scenic experience for runners, walkers, bikers and skaters. Equestrian riders can enjoy trails that parallel some portions of the paved trail. Currently, parking for equestrians can be found at the Fanning Springs and Old Town trailheads.
Several significant land and water resources exist in the vicinity of the Nature Coast State Trail. They include: Suwannee River, Fanning Springs, Big Bend Seagrasses Aquatic Preserve, Manatee Springs State Park, "City of Hawkinsville" Underwater Archaeological Preserve, Andrews Wildlife Management Area, Cedar Key Scrub State Reserve, Waccasassa Bay State Preserve, Cedar Keys National Wildlife Refuge, Lower Suwannee National Wildlife Refuge, Jena Wildlife Management Area, Gulf Hammock Wildlife Management Area, and Goethe State Forest. Other public lands are found to the west and south of the Nature Coast State Trail including the Fanning Springs State Recreation Area, Manatee Springs State Park and Andrews Wildlife Management Area. Between Trenton and Cross City, to the north of Fanning Springs, the trail crosses the Suwannee River Wilderness Trail.
