UPDATE: Central Florida's Top 10 Mountain Biking Trail

View Trail Locations in a larger map

I have added a map to update my earlier blog: Central Florida's Top 10 Mountain Biking Trail.
Enjoy the Ride!

TOP TEN TIPS FOR MOUNTAIN BIKING

Any day out on the trail can be one of the funniest of your life but you must always be prepared. Our bodies and equipment can take a beating and can end up in need of repair, so I have compiled a list of 10 tips to help make any ride a great one.

1. Wear proper and comfortable clothing and shoes.

2. Check your bike before you hit the trails. Proper tire pressure is a must.

3. Bring a properly fitted backpack or a hydration pack that has room to pack essentials.

4. Pack these for a quick fix on the trail: a bike specific tool kit, tire patches and tubes and a small air pump.

5. Bring plenty of snacks and water for refueling. Apples and bananas, nuts, and energy bars are great
choices.

6. Pack a cell phone and always let someone know where you’ll be riding.

7. Don’t forget the sun block and bug spray, nature is unforgiving.

8. Pack a small first-aid kit.

9. Only hit trails rated for your experience level.

10. Have Fun!

SANTOS TRAILHEAD

The Santos Trailhead is a former limestone quarry that has been transformed into one of Central Florida’s best mountain biking trails. It is comprised 15 miles of single and double-track trails that are rated from beginner(yellow) to intermediate(blue) to expert(red). The trails consist of many loops and elevation changes and even some crazy high jumps on the expert trails. If you are looking for a great ride with some challenges this trail is a great option. I would suggest taking a map with you and laying out a course before you leave. Watch out for other riders on this trail, I have found that a lot of riders here do not like to share the trails. The entrance to the trail-head is located next to a campground so you can even make a weekend of riding out of the trip. There is also pavilions and restrooms available adjacent to the parking area. The trail is part of the Cross Florida Greenway and is maintained by the Ocala Mountain Bike Association. For a trail map CLICK HERE.

MOUNT DORA BIKE TRAIL

The newly constructed bike trail in Mount Dora is one not to be overlooked based on its short length. The single-track 3 mile loop has a lot to offer with changes in elevation, which can sometimes be hard to find in Florida, to lots of turns and short loops off the main track for more experienced riders. All loops are named and marked well, loops labeled in blue are more difficult and ones labeled in red are most difficult. The trail is very well maintained, just be cautious of the loose sand in almost all of the turns as of Thanksgiving morning. This would make a great trail for beginning riders to learn and build their stamina on the short track. It is also challenging enough for the more advanced rider and has a few challenging obstacles such as the ramp and a big jump on the pure adrenaline loop, which should be used with extreme caution if you are a new or inexperienced rider. The trail is surrounded by forest and beautiful lush vegetation, so if you need a place to unwind and free your mind this trail is a good choice. In all this track is a great addition to Central Florida and is definitely in the areas top 10. The trail is maintained by the Ocala Mountain Bike Association, for a trail map click here.　

 

Central Florida’s Top 10 Mountain Biking Trails

Central Florida has an abundance of bike trails, on and off-road, paved and un-paved but for those looking more for a thrill ride than a Sunday afternoon stroll I have compiled a list of my top 10 off-road, mountain biking trails.

1. Santos Trailhead*
3080 SE 80th St, Ocala, FL

2. Paisley Woods Bicycle Trail
This trail has two different access points:
24511 County Road 42, Paisley, FL or
49525 County Road 445, Altoona, FL

3. Alafia River State Park Trail
14326 South County Road 39, Lithia, Florida

4. Vortex Trailhead*
9150 SE 25th Ave, Ocala, FL

5. Mount Dora Trail
Far east end of 11th Ave, Mount Dora, FL

6. 49th Avenue Trailhead*
12555 SW 49th Ave, Ocala, FL

7. Croom Trails
Withlacoochee State Forest
315 North Apopka Avenue, Inverness, FL

8. Soldiers Creek Park Mountain Trail
2400 State Road 419, Longwood, FL

9. Balm Boyette Scrub Preserve Trail
13998 Balm Boyette Rd
Riverview, FL

10. Hontoon Island State Park
2309 River Ridge Road, DeLand, FL

*Part of the Cross Florida Greenway