MTB TRAIL STATS

Avg Rating:	55 trail reviews
Status: Open updated 1/10/10 by ositoking	Difficulty: Intermediate
Length: 14 miles	Global Rank: #510
Tread: Singletrack	Configuration: Network
Ridden: 187	Wishlist: 46
Avg. Speed: 6.14 mph	Avg. Time: 1hr 36min
3 trail check-ins

 

Santos in Ocala

 

Alafia River State Park in Brandon

 

Razorback in Reddick (Ocala)

 

Markham Park in Sunrise

 

  
reviewed by G8rbiker on July 23, 2011

Have to agree with many below: Not my favorite, and sometimes the roots and rocks get on your nerves, but overall it's a very good ride/workout. There is a trail in the back that seems like it's ~3 miles itself - very fun, bring water!!! Now with my full-susp., it will probably feel a lot different!! Park/parking has all the facilities you need.

  
reviewed by luisz90 on April 5, 2011

It’s not my favorite park. It is a very big network but the trails don’t have any flow they seem very tight, and confusing. Some trails have been recently changed in some parts its better but they took out my favorite part which where the only ramps (jumps) in the whole park. The trails are a great work out and you will be beat after riding the whole park.

  
reviewed by rich67 on April 5, 2011

Technical, short, but enjoyable. I liked the fact these trails offered a challenge, but eventually the roots and loose rocks got on your nerves. We rode the whole trail network (skipping only a couple), and it just didn't seem long enough. Some trails didn't have good flow-you climb, drop a short ways, then you're back on the brakes into a hairpin- way too tight at times. If you go, bring a kayak or rent one and enjoy some of the other things at the park- it's really beautiful out there. Bike wash and a small store for supplies. Six dollars to get in- meh, I'll probably stick with Markham next time I come down to Miami.

Similar Trail: Flatwoods in Tampa, Santos-nothing as crazy as Alafia or Boyette.

  
reviewed by ktmillerfla on April 4, 2011

Rode this trail for the first time yesterday. Great, long ride but lots and lots of roots an rocks. The park is awesome and the trail system is fantastic and on a par with Markham. I saw people ranging from groms of around 11 yrs old to men in their 50's and all ages in between. This trail will wear you out - and that's a good thing!

Similar Trail: Markham

  
reviewed by Kenhmays on January 18, 2011

Rode it yesterday in the rain. The ride was great but the rain made the roots and the wood really slick. Still worth the trip from West Palm though. The ride was great.

Similar Trail: Markham Park

  
reviewed by mfattah on December 3, 2010

great trails can really make day of being at park...great veiws and place to chill after great ride...

  
reviewed by dustyg314 on November 28, 2010

I love this place. it almost makes me want to move to Miami. Great trails well mantained lots of flow,a trail here to match any ridders skills.bike wash down area,rental cabins,little shop with cliff bars,h2o,tubes,ect. this should templet that every trail uses.

  
reviewed by feldmoon on November 25, 2010

i work nearby and ride oleta 3-4x a week.......it's a great workout. Very technical, yet not to dangerous....there are trails for almost everybody...beg to advanced.....if one rides the whole "loop" it is about 16 miles!!! for flat south florida, this is a GREAT trail!

  
reviewed by mit227 on September 28, 2010

I come here often and enjoy the eclectic mix of trails. Even on a bad day the intermediate trails are quite fun. Gilligan's Island for the better days with some challenging runs. Only problem is that it gets flooded very quickly!

  
reviewed by yocee on September 19, 2010

yesterday (sat.) my husband & I tried Oleta, for the first time, we were exhausted at the end, the trails for the intermediate were challenging for us, we ended up walking the trail called "gator bank" after my husband took a tumble. We were beat at the end, a real work out, we were there for 2 hrs. the place was so big to us we hardly saw other riders, mostly cuz we were going around in circles, lost. We'll be back for more tourture! Almost forgot: We were told that "gilligan's island" is rough any one been to this part of the park. We didnt go yet next time, becuz we were too tired! * Review edited 9/19/2010* Review edited 9/19/2010

* Review edited 9/19/2010

  
reviewed by Klavier on August 30, 2010

To be honest, I think all the roots and rock in the trails are a little annoying. We got lost a couple of time inside the trails because we could not follow the trails sometimes. This park is good for an after-work workout and to build endurance. That's why I wouldn't give this park the full 5 stars. I can't believe it is number 2 in the entire FL state.

Similar Trail: Markham Park in Sunrise, FL

  
reviewed by bonkedagain on July 19, 2010

The high rating could have something to do with ositoking and others repetitively putting five stars on the trail. One rating is enough!

  
reviewed by Grumpy_Cyclist on July 19, 2010

Based on this website Oleta is the 22nd best mountain bike trail in the USA? Ahead of Dupont NC, Frutia CO, Santos FL, Tsali? You're kidding me right? I hope no one here actually believes this ranking. This trail is good for South Florida but I doubt is even the top ten for Florida let alone the entire USA. This trail has one tiny hill and is otherwise as flat as a board. It's not particularly technical aside from trying to keep upright riding across the round baseball sized rocks and it's built in swampland. Virtually every trail system in GA, SC and NC is an order of magnitude better than anything in South Florida.

Similar Trail: All of these florida trails are better: Ocala, Gainesville San Felesco, Alafia, Tom Brown Park Tallahassee.

  
reviewed by Crowbar12 on April 7, 2010

More changes at Oleta.....the jumps at Area 51 have been rerouted with a new trail and a reverse in direction. Personally I liked it better before the change, I used to really look forward to hitting the only real dirt jump in the park. I was told that people were getting hurt, so the park decided to delete it, too bad. This is still a great trail and I want to pass a huge thank you to the trail builders for making the most of the sometimes challenging terrain that they had to work with.

  
reviewed by GrahamR on March 29, 2010

This is a Great trail. I ride at least once a week.

  
reviewed by awboardman on February 16, 2010

I love Oleta, it's very technical with all sorts of roots, rocks and minor elevation changes. There isn't a whole lot of speed to be had out there but there's a big time workout. It has to be more then 15 miles of riding, I rode for 3 hours on sunday and only rode one trail twice. Gilligan's Island was closed.....but I went on it anyway, there's downed trees blocking the paths and part of the trail is underwater from recent rainfall. If you ride in South Florida this is one is not to be missed!!!!!

Similar Trail: Markham

  
reviewed by ositoking on January 10, 2010

I've been riding Oleta trails for the past 10 years, Ride like an Animal!!! The park is best known for miles of off-road bicycling trails. Oleta River actually has more than 15 miles of singletrack.

Similar Trail: Markham Park, Alafia River State Park

  
reviewed by GoKite5 on November 24, 2009

Track length is nice, some small technical challenges, but overall fairly moderate. Great track for beginners getting more serious. Loses points for the awful roots, and when it rains its almost unbearable. Actually kind of impressive considering it is in the middle of a major urban city where landfills are the highest elevation.

* Review edited 7/25/2010

  
reviewed by rocketbracket on May 6, 2009

giligans will be closed on 05-10-09 early for the race. should reopen around 10-12

Similar Trail: markham park , amilia

  
reviewed by billtimmy on January 8, 2009

Oleta is my favorite place to ride in South Florida. There many trails that offer something for everyone and accommodate many riders so you're not constantly in traffic. It's technically demanding in parts but allows bypasses for less skilled (nervous) riders. If you choose, you can spend hours in Oleta without repeating a trail and leave when your energy, or will to live, has expired.

* Review edited 1/8/2009

Similar Trail: Markham Park, Sunrise, FL

  
reviewed by ositoking on January 4, 2009

Congratulations to the Ositoking team, 2nd place winner in the sport team category at the 2009 12 Hours of Oleta. The trail is in good condition with some improvements.

Similar Trail: Markham Park

  
reviewed by Nemesis72 on December 29, 2008

ROOTS,ROCK REGGAE!!! I just rode this trail with my wife and 11 year old son. Was not impressed at all, I've ridden trail from WA. to NC and i have never seen/felt so many rocks and roots, these suckers are big enough to stop you in your tracks and or throw you for a loop, majority of the ride was unclipped, since i did not feel like eating rocks, mixed with roots.Heck i was so p***ed, that i could hardly enjoy the ride. But i know this is Miami, not NC or CO. where the trail systems are true single tracks, i dont think that i will ride this trail again anytime soon.

  
reviewed by ositoking on July 27, 2008

The park is in good shape. There have been some improvements to the entrance of the first trail. It is more fun and advanced. If you can finish in less than an hour, you are a pro.

Similar Trail: Markham, Alafia, Santos

  
reviewed by JackPompanoBeach on June 2, 2008

My home turf..Technical and fast at points! Will surely get you ready to go to GA/TN or out west and ride, as you won't really find terrain this tough! Not a lot of man made obstacles which I like, as Markum Park has....

  
reviewed by o.galban on March 20, 2008

im new to mtb im hooked !!!!!!!!!

* Review edited 3/20/2008

  
reviewed by eliwestfall on February 8, 2008

This was single-handedly the most technical trail i have ever ridden. just when you think you're going to get a break, it pounds you once more. this trail was well worth the headache that is miami traffic. i live in central florida, which is good b/c if i lived in miami i would lose my job and go hungry as i would spend all my time on this trail.

  
reviewed by ositoking on December 31, 2007

This trail has something for everyone. It's hard enough to keep the experienced guys entertained and there are easy parts for the beginners. Great variance in the trails. Hills, technical areas, bridges and drops, and that wonderful big jump in the back.

Similar Trail: Markham Park, Alafia River State Park

  
reviewed by Jcd75 on October 4, 2007

A beginner to intermediate trail that will have you smiling and might even surprise you. Some fun trails located within an incredible state park that even has a beach, located in North Miami Beach. Fun trails with a 4 mile long trail called Gilligans Island that is probably the most technical at the park. Park is not 4 miles as stated, trail is more like 14 miles. Peaks, Christams tree, and Robinsons ridge which is the one that leads into are 51( I think) are fun rides. My son (9years old)loves GoldShtick. Very clean park and trail has several bike wash stations. Definately a must do. BUT if you want TECHNICAL with LOTS of drops, try Markham Park in Sunrise.

* Review edited 10/4/2007

Similar Trail: Markham Park

  
reviewed by pyrophly on April 15, 2007

Descent trail. Intermediate at best. Great for endurance.

  
reviewed by danno346 on April 10, 2007

Rode this park this past weekend for the first time in a few months and it was fun to be back out there. A lot of the trails have new signs on them to mark them and have been cleaned up. Though it did seem that there were a lot more roots exposed this time around, but I think that's because of the weather conditions down here right now. It's a good ride, definitely hit this one up if you have the chance.

  
reviewed by ositoking on March 30, 2007

I rode this trail and it is in excellent condition. Great maintenance has been done on it. Hundreds of volunteers work to built a new trail going for a couple miles long. They reopened the trail that was closed and made it more challenging. Oleta River is actually a total of 14 miles, not 5 like in the description.

Similar Trail: Markham park

  
reviewed by Major813 on February 19, 2007

Pretty Good Park....I rode quite a few trails here. I really enjoyed Peaks, Robinson's Ridge, and Gilligan's. This park is good for Beginner to Intermediate Riders. If you want very technical check out Markam Park in Weston (about 40 min away)

Similar Trail: Alafia River State Park

  
reviewed by danno346 on February 1, 2007

The Broward County webpage for Quite Waters park says they are going to start working on the trails in Spring of 2007. I think they're doing their camp grounds first, and once those are finished they are going to start the trails. I haven't seen or heard anything else on it.

  
reviewed by randy_schneider on February 1, 2007

I rode it on Sunday. You were dead on that it's a good distraction from the Dade/Broward parks. Too much sugar sand and way too much fish tailing. Great scenery though. Saw snakes on the path so be careful wiping out. Let me steal some more information from you. Do you or anyone else know when Quite Waters is reopening?

  
reviewed by danno346 on January 31, 2007

Randy, sorry it took a while to get back to you. I would say Dickinson would be 4th, but that's because I haven't been there in about a year or so. Dickinson has a good mix of trails. I remember a lot of sand in some areas but the ranger trail had a lot of log climbs and there were a couple bridges. The Osprey I think was the one that pretty much winded around the wooded areas with not a lot of climbs but with a lot of twists and turns. And by the lake I think there were a lot of roots to ride over. I wouldn't say not to go up and ride it though. It's an hour and a half but at it's a good break up of the few trails down here. Dickinson is sponsored by a Mountian bike club too, it's called Club Scrub. They have skills camps there and maintain the trails. Their webstie is www.clubscrub.com. I think they have forums and stuff on the site so you can talk to other people that might have ridden more recntly than I have.

  
reviewed by randy_schneider on January 19, 2007

Danno what did you think of Johnathen Dickinson? Where would you rate among the the four parks? Been thinking of riding but worried of an hour and a half drive andthe park is a dud.

  
reviewed by danno346 on January 18, 2007

I just rode here again on MLK day. The trails are in good condition and they seemed to be working on one or two of them while I was there. The trails are a good mix for everyone. I'm still fairly new at trail riding but I've been to Oleta, Amelia Earhart, Jonathan Dickinson, and Markham, and i would rate this park the best out of the four. But like the one review said. I would definitely stay away from the Rocky mile. That one was just a trail that wound back and forth over nothing but rocks.

  
reviewed by randy_schneider on January 18, 2007

there was a race here a few weekends ago. Can anyone tell me hoe it turned out? Great park will be there this weekend hopefully

  
reviewed by darrenco on December 16, 2006

great technical trail

  
reviewed by randy_schneider on December 13, 2006

stay away from rocky mile and you'll have a great time. ridden it a couple times and haven't been disappointed. I'm a hardtailer so it can be rough on certain body parts, but you'll get used to it. make sure to try area 51 a couple of times it's lots of fun. You can make a day of the trip they have awesome kayaking also.

  
reviewed by ositoking on October 9, 2006

Florida's largest urban park, Oleta River is located on Biscayne Bay in the busy Miami metropolitan area. Although it offers a variety of recreational opportunities, the park is best known for miles of off-road bicycling trails, ranging from novice trails to challenging trails for experienced bicyclists. Along the Oleta River, at the north end of the park, a large stand of beautiful mangrove forest preserves native South Florida plants and wildlife. Canoeists and kayakers can paddle the river to explore this amazing natural area. Swimming from a 1,200-foot sandy beach and saltwater fishing are also popular activities. Picnic tables and grills are available. Nine pavilions can be rented for a fee. All have water, and the largest one has electricity. Visitors can rent kayaks, canoes, and bicycles. The park has a loaner system for bicycle helmets. For overnight visits, the park has rustic, air-conditioned cabins and a youth campground for organized groups. Located at 3400 NE 163rd Street, off I-95 in North Miami.

  
reviewed by deesnats on October 3, 2006

Totally for beginners. The trail is well maintained and hard packed. Nothing thrilling going on but I'm sure it is a good place to host races. There are no downhills or steep climbs so don't look to be challenged.

  
reviewed by simplyalf on September 11, 2006

I visited the tail today and found it to be an excellent ride. There are more than 10 different trails out there that work out to be super fun. I reccomend this trac over Markham park which is in close proximity.

Similar Trail: Markham Park

  
reviewed by ositoking on August 14, 2006

technical trail with plenty of turns and nice decent climbs. trails are clearly marked and well maintained. awesome cardio workout! some of the trails are pretty bumpy cause of tree roots. the park has a nice mix of trails overall. great ride any way you look at it. park also has a beach so you can cool off after the ride.

  
reviewed by diogenes on July 13, 2006

Oleta Park, tiene buenos circuitos, para los principiantes como para aquellos, que tienen experiencia, La ubicacion del Oleta es Excelente y lo considero el Mejor de Miami

  
reviewed by scottjhay on June 25, 2006

Definitely a good ride if you like techincally challenging rocky and rooty terrain. A lot of switchbacks. Definitely need to keep an eye open for small stumps in the middle of the track!!! Overall it is still a good ride for Miami

  
reviewed by tony-williams on June 7, 2006

Full suspension bikes are manditory if you want to really enjoy this trail, for there are alot of rocks, which get old after a while. The expert trails are by far the worst single tracks in the United States. They are absolutely horrible. If you want a challenge at Oleta, ride the intermediate trails and bounce back and forth over the millions of rocks. However, there are on or two decent jumps that help you endure the remaining hours there. These are good trails only if you like going fast over extremely easy, but rocky, terrain.

Similar Trail: An alley.

  
reviewed by Rene on May 8, 2006

We LOVE Oleta!! My husband and I are fairly new to mountain biking, but have fallen in love with the sport. We go to Oleta twice a week and the novice trails have become fun and fast, although the intermediate are still challenging and we are walking some of the time! Have not even attempted the expert! Excellent, clean and lots of fun!

  
reviewed by ositoking on March 24, 2006

I ride this trail today. It is in very good condition. Some of the trails are still closed. Most of them are opened though. If anyone need a bike, they have bikes for rent.

  
reviewed by FFPM103 on November 4, 2005

Just want to let folks know that at this time due to Hurricane Wilma, Oleta has been closed for repairs. I am trying to find out about some other parks in South Florida.

  
reviewed by ositoking on October 8, 2005

This park is the greatest that any city would want to have. There are many trails to ride from beginers to pros.

  
reviewed by Lando_Grifin on June 25, 2005

Located ina beautiful state park, great network of trails, of varrying difficulties. Great for noobs.

Similar Trail: Markham Park Quiet Waters Park

  
reviewed by FFPM103 on January 7, 2005

I think Oleta is great. I started riding there two years ago, and although I consider myself a novice still! I have learned alot of technical skills there and still learning. Trails are well marked so you have an idea as to what your in for.

Similar Trail: Ameila State park.

  
reviewed by mountainbke_bro on December 2, 2004

antoter great trail in fl. the home of the catus cup.

  
reviewed by Snowball on August 2, 2004

This is a great Florida park, it has variation of trails, awesome outdoor and beach views. Various levels: Novice, Intermediate and some Expert. This park even has really nice bayside cabins for rent. It is one of the best South Florida Parks.

Similar Trail: Quiet Waters Park ñ Deerfield Beach, FL Jonathan Dickinson State Park - Hobe Sound, FL

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