Visit Ocala for your next mountain biking trip
Experience fast and flowy trails in an unexpected Florida location: the horse capital!
Ocala, Florida, near the Santos trail system, is known as the "Horse Capital of the World." This area blends equestrian culture with scenic rolling hills, forests, and springs. A key attraction is Silver Springs State Park, which features glass-bottom boat tours and kayaking.
Ocala has a humid subtropical climate with hot, humid summers and mild winters. The best time for mountain biking is generally spring and fall, when the weather is more comfortable. Summer can be hot and humid, and afternoon thunderstorms are common. Be prepared for sandy conditions on some trails and check trail conditions before riding.
The Santos Trail System, near Ocala, is a popular destination for mountain biking, offering 90 miles of a network of trails that wind through the forests and hills. The trails provide a mix of flowy singletrack, technical challenges, and scenic views. The area is known for its fast, flowy trails and its suitability for riders of various skill levels.
- IMBA Ride Center: Santos Trailhead and the connected Ocala Mountain Biking trails are recognized as an IMBA Bronze-Level Ride Center. This highlights the extensive and diverse trail network available.
- Santos Trailhead (Vortex, Ant Hill, Twister): This is the main hub of the Santos Trail System. It offers a wide variety of trails, from beginner-friendly loops to highly technical freeride areas with wooden features and dirt jumps (like the Vortex area). Trails like Ant Hill and Twister are popular for their flow and technical challenges.
- Land Bridge Trail / Marjorie Harris Carr Cross Florida Greenway: The Santos system is part of this larger greenway. The Land Bridge Trail offers miles of scenic singletrack with varying difficulty, known for its beautiful forest and unique Karst topography (sinkholes).
- Reddick Trail System (Santos): Features longer, more cross-country oriented trails with some technical sections and good flow, often less crowded than the main Santos trailhead.
- Nayl's Trail (Santos): A popular, fun, and flowy trail suitable for a range of skill levels.
- Bryar Patch / Spider Kingdom (Santos): Known for their tight, twisty, and often rooty technical sections, appealing to more experienced riders.
