Did you know two of the best mountain bike trails in the United States belong in Florida? That is according to the stats shared by IMBA.
Let’s find out which are these and some of the other exciting trails in Florida for 2023.
Top 10 Mountain Bike Trails in Florida
Santos Mountain Bike Trail
- Length: 80 miles
- Est. riding time: 5 hours 20 minutes
- Helpline numbers: 352-369-2693
- Restaurants: Available Nearby
- Hotels: Available Nearby
Rated #1 biking destination and sitting at #16 in world rankings, Santos is the most popular trail in Ocala, Florida. It’s spread 81,290 acres and offers a vast network of singletrack terrains to the bikers. The 80 miles radius is more than a rider could expect from Florida.
It’s going to welcome you with singletrack terrains containing rocks, bushes, roots, and other such hindrances. The trail also consists of sudden falls, descents, and steep climbs.
Do not confuse the name Greenway with Santos’s, as Greenway is the official trail designation. On the other hand, Santos is the town’s name where the trailhead begins.
Trails have marks with yellow (beginners), blue (intermediates), and red (elite riders) to help out the riders in the best possible manner.
All necessary amenities such as drinking water resources, restaurants, and hotels are available to make your ride much more fun and entertaining.
Last but not least, Santos is a beautiful place with scenic views. While you ride your mountain bike in here, you can enjoy the aesthetic natural views of the area and even save them in your cameras.
Alafia River State Park
- Length: 14 miles
- Est. riding time: 1 hour 24 minutes
- Helpline numbers: 813-672-5320
- Restaurants: Available Nearby
- Hotels: Available Nearby
On number 2, we have the trail system of Alafia River State Park, which is the 2nd most visited destination by MTB riders according to the International Mountain Biking Association.
Located in Brandon, Florida, the trail is for Intermediate bikers. However, beginners could also hit some low-key terrains while visiting the park.
The total distance of this trail system ranges about 14 miles, which is coverable in 1 hour and 24 minutes with a steady pace of 10mph.
Alafia River State Park is not only certified by IMBA, but it’s already a favorite destination of MTB riders who want to enjoy their weekends with some challenging rides.
The network configuration of the trail allows bikers to experience all sorts of challenges according to their skillset. Terrains are correctly marked, so novices, intermediates, and advanced bikers could choose their trail without any hassle.
As far as the nearby amenities are concerned, you can get drinking water. The place also provides camping locations on weekends, but the authority will charge $4.
Apart from that, you’ll also need to pay about $5 to get the parking space. That’s justified considering how challenging and peculiar the trail gets at Alafia River State Park.
Virginia Key Trail
- Length: 4 miles
- Est. riding time: 30 minutes
- Helpline numbers: 786-224-4777
- Restaurants: Available Nearby
- Hotels: Available Nearby
Located in Miami, the Virginia Key Trail is a short place that MTB riders could explore in their leisure time. Compared to Santos and Alafia River State Park, this trail is suitable for beginners as it does not contain many obstacles or hindrances.
Meanwhile, it has a loopy configuration, which means you can easily cover it in half an hour. The 6.6km long trail rounds about 4 miles that you can complete in like 20 to 30 minutes with a speed of 10 to 15mph.
As for the trail, it’s maintained well via volunteer work. The place welcomes people with moderate weather as the terrain goes deep inside the forest.
Not only that, but you could also get to the shore and enjoy the scenic views of Miami skyscrapers from a distance.
For an easy-to-complete trail, we’d recommend that you cover the area while maintaining low speed on your bike. Make sure that you wear your biking gear.
Balm Boyette Scrub Preserve
- Length: 20 miles
- Est. riding time: 2 hours
- Helpline numbers: (813) 272-5900
- Restaurants: Available Nearby
- Hotels: Available Nearby
The place that is unknown to many bikers and needs proper recognition, Balm Boyette Scrub Preserve is a must-visit. It’s pretty close to the Alafia Reserve State Park and perfect for anyone with an itch to explore something new.
For starters, this trail is an area that used to be a phosphate mine. Hence, the surface is mostly gravel with hindrances and obstacles spread around it.
Meanwhile, the 20 miles radius of the Preserve trail is coverable in more or less 2 hours. Balm Boyette has less crowd because it’s relatively unexplored. If you do not like the extra hassle of visiting Alafia State Park, make sure that you visit this place once while living in Florida.
Amenities are not in abundance compared to its nearby competitor. So we recommend visiting the area with a proper water supply and snacks, etc.
The place consists of a 12 miles Forested Loop trail between the oak and pine woods. You can wander around the area by exploring nearby singletracks as well.
Julington Durbin Creek Preserve
- Length: 5.71 miles
- Est. riding time: 1 hour
- Helpline numbers: (904) 630-2489
- Restaurants: Available Nearby
- Hotels: Available Nearby
The Yellow and White Loop trail in Julington Dublin Creek Preserve is heaven in disguise for fellow mountain bikers. Rated as one of the easiest trails, you will enjoy your time while riding on well-maintained flat paths of the area.
Starting with the obvious, the Creek Preserve is a 5.71 miles long network of two loopy trails that ensure a thrilling riding experience. The first trail, i.e., the Yellow and White loop, consists of a flat surface without challenging obstacles. However, it will take you considerable time to finally complete this paved trail.
On the contrary, we have the White Blaze Loop trail available for those who do not have much time to cover the Durbin Creek Preserve all on its own.
The estimated riding time is about 1 hour, but you can extend your stay, especially if you want to enjoy wandering in the woods. Local authorities in Florida also allow horseback riding, hiking, and walking in the area. Considering that, you’ll have to deal with the overcrowding issues on weekends.
We’d recommend that you take some time out during the weekdays and visit this beautiful trail accordingly.
Markham Park
- Length: 13 miles
- Est. riding time: 1 hour (for professional riders)
- Helpline numbers: (954) 357-8868
- Restaurants: Available Nearby
- Hotels: Available Nearby
Mountain biking in Markham Park is never easy. We strongly advise fellow riders to avoid visiting this area if they are not skilled enough.
Primarily located in Sunrise, Markham Park will test your bike controlling skills to the core. With one of the most dangerous singletrack terrain, the park will welcome you with an adrenaline rush that will stay with you forever. The 13 miles radius also contains muddy surfaces full of rocks, gravel, and sand.
Keep in mind that after getting dug for the lakes, the park becomes a dreadful place when it’s raining. The terrain could get extremely muddy after a rainstorm, so avoid it until and unless you are willing to wreck your mountain bike.
We recommend wearing a full-face helmet to ensure complete safety and protection. Check your bike and make sure it’s well-maintained before you hit the trails at Markham Park.
Little Big River Mountain Bike Trail
- Length: 9.1 miles
- Est. riding time:
- Helpline numbers: N/A
- Restaurants: Available Nearby
- Hotels: Available Nearby
Another trail meant for advanced and aggressive riders is the Little Big River. The course is in the Little Big Econ State Forest, Geneva, and it remains one of the favorite destinations for mountain bikers.
Not to forget, the trail has a loop which makes covering the 9.1 miles a tad tougher. The river near the track offers peace to the mind and allows the netizens to enjoy their time there.
Terrains are rough with sharp turns and bumpy surfaces. Moreover, the weather conditions are not too moderate all the time. That’s one of the reasons this place remains closed during the flooding season.
Make sure that you get yourself acknowledged about the availability of the trail before visiting it. Local authorities and volunteers are available to help you out in this regard.
Virginia Key North Point
- Length: 6 miles
- Est. riding time: 40 minutes
- Helpline numbers: N/A
- Restaurants: Available Nearby
- Hotels: Available Nearby
The Virginia Key North is another excellent trail that has started attracting many beginners and intermediate bikers. The North Point trail allows a thrilling and challenging experience for the bikers who want to test their skills with a loopy configuration.
The construction of the trails took place in collaboration with the city of Miami and some local business partners. Bernard Frenchy Riviere is the trail builder who has focused on making the surfaces quite challenging for the netizens.
As for the distance, Virginia Key North Point is 6 miles long and is a loop. Hence covering it would take no more than 35 to 40 minutes at a steady pace.
Meanwhile, the area is somewhat away from the crowd, and it offers a peaceful biking experience to residents of Miami. Restrooms and other amenities are also available for visitors.
The Riverbend Park Loop
- Length: 3 miles
- Est. riding time: 20 minutes
- Helpline numbers: 703-759-9018
- Restaurants: Available Nearby
- Hotels: Available Nearby
Short and flat, The Riverbend Park Loop is only 4.7kms or about 3 miles long. The place is not too overcrowded and is in Jupiter. Hence, you can arrive here without facing any inconvenience.
As for the course, it’s a loop with not-so-challenging surfaces. Beginners and intermediates can enjoy their stay and ride their bikes on the curvy tracks all day long.
The weather in the area is moderate, but it sometimes gets cold due to a nearby river. Meanwhile, the place is full of trees allowing you to enjoy some calm amidst the green.
Apart from mountain biking, canoeing or kayaking are also allowed. You can also visit The Riverbend Park loop with your entire family and enjoy your time over there.
San Felasco Hammock Preserve
- Length: 25 miles
- Est. riding time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Helpline numbers: (386) 462-7905
- Restaurants: Available Nearby
- Hotels: Available Nearby
One of the best cross country trails you’ll find in Florida, the San Felasco Hammock Preserve is home to peculiar wildlife that will surely remind you of old-school Florida.
With a network of trails ranging for beginners, intermediates, and professional riders, the Preserve is 25 miles long, and it will take you about 2 hours and 30 minutes to complete it.
Trailhead of the area starts with fire roads that lead to a steep climb. Different terrains are marked for the riders of different skillsets for ease and convenience at the same time.
In addition to that, the climate remains somewhat hot with the sun shining on your head all the time. We’d recommend putting on sunblock to avoid any sunburns.
With the availability of wildlife and gorgeous views, you will surely enjoy your time in San Felasco Hammock Preserve.
Top 5 Mountain Bike Parks in Florida
Dyer Park
Dyer Park lies right in the middle of Park Beach County. The park is suitable mainly for hikers and walkers, but unique trails allow mountain bikers to experience thrilling rides.
Apart from that, it’s family-friendly, plus you can also bring pets but make sure that you leash them to avoid any disturbance.
Halpatiokee Regional Park
Located in Martin County, the park is a mirror image of Nature at Its Best. You can visit it with your family or pets and enjoy your time over there.
Trail markers are somewhat confusing, but ask the people around, and they will guide you about the trail without any hassle.
Delray Beach Park
Delray Beach is yet another park located in Palm Beach County with a calm and soothing environment. The trails available for biking are suitable for beginners and intermediate riders.
If you reside in Palm Beach County and cannot afford to travel to a long-distance MTB trail, please visit this park, and you’ll thank us later.
Pinehurst Park
Located in Greenacres, Florida, Pinehurst Park offers residents a peaceful and aesthetic biking experience.
The atmosphere is calm with a gist of natural beauty that the park offers. And you’ll find markings on the road that allow you to pick a trail based on your riding experience.
Pinehurst Park consists of bathrooms, restrooms, a bike shop, and other amenities. Give this park a visit on weekends, and you’ll surely enjoy your time there.
Preservation Park
Last but not least, Preservation Park, located in Royal Palm Beach, consists of a wide variety of mountain bike trails that you can ride on depending upon your skillset.
The park is well-maintained, plus the trails are perfectly marked to help the locales complete it in due time.
Although the trail’s only 1 mile long, you will undoubtedly enjoy cruising on your mountain bike over there.
MTB Clubs and Groups to Join for a Ride in Florida
One of the most popular clubs about mountain biking in Florida is the FORCE (Florida Off-Road Cycling Enthusiasts). This club is affiliated with IMBA and insured by International Mountain Biking Association since 2006.
The non-profit organization works 24/7 to ensure that the trails in South Florida remain away from any damage.
You can join the club and become its member by going to the official website of FORCE
Final Takeaways
According to Single Tracks, about 283 mountain bike trails are available in Florida. 2 out of them are the most visited destinations, according to IMBA.
Pack your gear, choose the trail you want to visit from the list, and start your journey entwined with thrill adventure and challenges in Florida.
Good Luck!!
