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Santos Mountain Bike Trail
Ocala, Florida
MTB TRAIL STATS
Avg Rating:   |
32 trail reviews |
|
Status: updated 10/5/09 by ChiliPepper |
Difficulty:  Advanced |
| Length: 60 miles | Global Rank: 54 |
| Tread: Singletrack | Configuration: Network |
| Ridden: 173 | Wishlist: 58 |
| Avg. Speed: 7.55 mph | Avg. Time: 2hr 18min |
| IMBA Epic Trail |
Directions:
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Description: 81,290 acres of pure off-road riding bliss. Santos is the largest and best known mountain biking park in the Ocala, Florida area. Santos official designation is Marjorie Harris Carr Cross Florida Greenway.Greenwa**tretch many miles throughout the state of Florida.The greenway was born out of the failed Cross Florida Barge Canal which was terminated in the late 60s. Santos is named for the small town where the main trailhead is located. Standard trail markings are in place here - yellow trails ae beginner, blue intermediate and red markings for advanced. The majority of advanced riding is located around two abandonded mining pits. Trails are all one way with arrows up indicating the trail is straight ahead and down arrows meaning "do not enter". Trails range from flat and rolling to rocky and steep. The large network of trails can make it easy for the unintiated to get lost. Make sure to have a map and compass with you. Locals are always happy to help out with directions. The trail network is so extensive that you can spend a couple of days here and never tire of riding the evergrowing miles of singletrack.
Description: 81,290 acres of pure off-road riding bliss. Santos is the largest and best known mountain biking park in the Ocala, Florida area. Santos official designation is Marjorie Harris Carr Cross Florida Greenway.Greenwa**tretch many miles throughout the state of Florida.The greenway was born out of the failed Cross Florida Barge Canal which was terminated in the late 60s. Santos is named for the small town where the main trailhead is located. Standard trail markings are in place here - yellow trails ae beginner, blue intermediate and red markings for advanced. The majority of advanced riding is located around two abandonded mining pits. Trails are all one way with arrows up indicating the trail is straight ahead and down arrows meaning "do not enter". Trails range from flat and rolling to rocky and steep. The large network of trails can make it easy for the unintiated to get lost. Make sure to have a map and compass with you. Locals are always happy to help out with directions. The trail network is so extensive that you can spend a couple of days here and never tire of riding the evergrowing miles of singletrack.
added on August 16, 2004 by 
SIMILAR TRAILS
Riders who liked this mountain bike trail also liked:Alafia River State Park in Brandon
Chuck Lennon Park in De Leon Springs
Tillman Canal Mtb Trail (south Shore) in Palm Bay
Fort Pierce Mountain Bike Trail in Ft. Pierce
TRAIL REVIEWS review this trail
reviewed by eastwood on February 21, 2010
Not much for elevation, but trails were amazing. Very well maintained and marked. Fun riding throughout. Rode over 20 miles and still have much more to explore and repeat!! Might have to come back down again next year to have more fun!
reviewed by ziraga on February 16, 2010
Very well maintained trail, Santos Area is great for speed and endurance but if you are looking for technical trails you should go straight to vortex area, a little short but challenging and super fun.
Similar Trail: Alafia, Markham and Oleta
reviewed by awboardman on February 16, 2010
I spent 2 days here last year and I fell in love with this place. You can ride until you die it seems. Natural elevation changes, long trails, technical sections, drops, climbs, BMX Jumps, pretty well marked. I was there for 2 days and still couldn't hit everything. This is a must for any serious rider or intermediate/beginner for that matter. Can't say enough good stuff about Santos.
reviewed by Mattgarrett on January 30, 2010
Just read all the reviews below... This park is the best in the South East.
Similar Trail: Alafia State Park in Brandon
reviewed by jls on December 19, 2009
Wow, there are a lot of miles of trail here along with a ton of variety. On most of the blue trails I found the technical stuff was too far apart and I'd love to have more red trails but overall the there is a ton of fun to be had in Santos. I don't think hit soft sand once which was a pleasant surprise. With so many miles of track there it would be great if there was some beginner track for the kids. Much of the yellow trail is very tame but the chance of the kids colliding with a fast rider is pretty high.
* Review edited 12/19/2009
reviewed by GoKite5 on November 24, 2009
The trail with the most variety in Florida. Beginner to expert, fast swooping sections like twister, rocky, more technical loops like Vortex, rythmn section, and the quarry. Top trail in FL along with Alafia.
* Review edited 11/24/2009
reviewed by Phlip44 on October 17, 2009
Trails are in great shape. The camping area is really nice, full amenities. Spend two days here if you can.
Similar Trail: None in FL
reviewed by ChiliPepper on October 5, 2009
Always a pleasure riding here! We were here for the IMBA "TAKMTB'ing Day" sponsored by OMBA. Camping at Santos is always fun and very relaxing by all means and right near the trail head as well. Of course we spent the majority of the time in the jump bowel of the Vortex section. The red trails surrounding the jump bowel are just awesome and definitely offer some great challenge, especially over boulders, rocks, steep rises, and fast rolling drops. We watched the big guns hucking the bigger drops and doing some phenomenal tricks while they were hucking and jumping. I truly love this place. Santos has something for everyone from the very beginners to the most extreme riders. The jump bowel is a freeriders piece of heaven.
reviewed by wheelieboy on August 15, 2009
Just finished my 2 day ride at Santos and now on my way to Alafia. Santos is a great ride for everyone! The beginner and intermediate trails are smooth and flow beautifully through the forest. Havent ridden much of the red trails, but the ones through the vortex area were very fun with a lot of ups and downs. And then there is the Vortex area itself which is amazing! I love Santos!
reviewed by mudly68 on August 2, 2009
I'm a newbie and I just finished riding this place for the second time and is AWESOME! The EZ's are really easy and the intermediates have some sweet (but doable) technical stuff and fast ups and downs mixed with some fun twisty twisty and some smooth riding. And the red's are definitely hard, but if you're ok with putting your feet down when you need to and walking when you're in over your head, then def see what you can pull off, and you'll prob surprise yourself! It's truly got something for everyone and the variety makes it a choose your own adventure for how challenging you want it to be. LOVE twister!!
Similar Trail: nothing i've ridden even comes close
reviewed by auratone25 on July 3, 2009
Best trail system I've been on for florida. If you like to freeride. It's the only place I know of to really test what your made of.
Similar Trail: Grahm Swamp - Best trail in the north east Florida. Top 3 or 4 trails in Florida in my book.
reviewed by bmxjosh25 on June 23, 2009
love all the trails the red marked are awsome, the drops insane loved them on a 20in andnow i love them more on a 26in XD
reviewed by ChiliPepper on March 2, 2009
Just got back from a four day riding trip at Santos (would of been 6 days if it were not for the freezing temps and freezing winds on the fourth night) and it is always an awesome place to ride no matter what skill level you may be in, it is for everyone, including the little ones. The new pump track at the trail head rocks. I love the new build on the transitions for all the drops in the jump bowel in the Vortex section. Red trails surrounding the Vortex are as fun as they have ever been, and John Brown, Ant Hill, Magic Mountain, and Rattle Snack still rock! To get the best experience at Santos, you have to camp at the Santos campground for at least two days. Come on and join the fun!
reviewed by Tranceman on October 28, 2008
I've been to Santos twice now and I think that it's great. I'd have to say that it is better than Alafia due to the amount of miles there and the diverse type of trails.The first time I went I found myself annoyed by all the trail intersections which forced you to constantly decide which way to go. The second time I took a little time to figure out the trail colors so I could just shoot for the harder stuff. I have yet to be there when the freeride guys are doing their thing but hope to catch them in action soon. The little freeride practice area has some short drops that are always fun. The campground is good and happens to be right next to the trail head. We are truly lucky to have a trail system like this in Florida! I won't hesitate to make the 1.5 hr trip again soon.
Similar Trail: Alafia River State Park, Fl, Boyette
reviewed by jester450 on October 9, 2008
Santos is the best trail in Florida, hands down! It's size alone means that you can't see it all in one day and it just keeps you coming back for more. The vortex freeride section has everything, huge drops, jumps, even a bmx track. Due to the fact that it was built in a quary means the elevation changes will have you questioning wether or not you are really in Florida. If you havn't been to Santos yet you're missing out.
Similar Trail: Markham Park, Sunrise, FL
reviewed by ChiliPepper on August 14, 2008
Once again, this is a very diverse network of singletrack with something for everyone, ranging from easy to very difficult and also the insane! This my most favorite MTB track alongside Alafia. I go here at least four to five times (or better) a year , and would go every other day if I did not live 135 miles away. I love "Anthill" & "John Brown" among the Vortex section. Awesome!
Similar Trail: Too many to post, but Alafai & Santos are the bomb!
reviewed by Phlip44 on July 31, 2008
Finally went last weekend and the place is rocking. Lots of great people there that'll help you out if you get lost (really not that bad a layout, for as long as the trails are it's easy to get back to trailhead). The trails were in excellent shape considering all the rain lately, only a couple muddy patches. Advice? Bring plenty of liquid. A bottle will not do it cause it's so long and you'll find yourself having to go all the way back every hour or so. Other than that, i had a blast exploring this place for the first time.
Similar Trail: Alphia
reviewed by rich67 on July 5, 2008
All I can say is, "wow". This place has it all- easier trails for beginners, freeride areas for the experienced, and just some fun riding. I love it here. Going out there again this weekend to try out some other trails I didn't have a chance to hit the last time. This place is HUGE!
Similar Trail: Alafia
reviewed by spcoast on June 22, 2008
Their is just not enough words to describe how epic of a ride you will have at Santos. Their is something for every level of skill, from the very beginner to the most expert rider. Love the free riding area of the Vortex, but their are some really insane jumps their, some that I would not partake in! Anthill rocks, but short. John Brown & Magic Mountain rock also! Pine Tree is really a nice trail for the beginner or just a good work out that you can get some good speed on, even when wet. I live in Melbourne, FL (about 120 miles or so) and it is always worth the time coming or even camping their at Santos or the surrounding area. Just beautiful country!! They took all our good trails away here in my area, and the only worth while trail riding is either in Ocala or Tampa/Lithia area. All be safe and ride hard! MTB'ing ROCKS!!
* Review edited 6/22/2008
Similar Trail: Alafia, all my other favorites CLOSED!!
reviewed by trek7k on March 17, 2008
First off, it's tough to give this trail an overall difficulty rating because the trails are so varied. Yes, there are about 60 miles of trail here (hard to believe but true) and yes Florida mountain biking rocks. I wasn't sure what to expect myself but now I'm a believer. I rode most of the trail during the OMBA Spring Break Epic ride (40 miles) right after a morning rain shower. I was afraid the trails might be muddy but on the contrary - the rain helped compact the sand, making the trails fast and fun. Speaking of sand - there really isn't that much - it's mostly covered with leaves and pine needles. Anyway, Santos is legit even for those outside the sunshine state.
reviewed by Fatsnook on October 3, 2007
Awesome flowing single track...for Florida at least...mostly hardpack with very little sand and it also has a great expert section with sets of jumps and several large drops
reviewed by ositoking on September 12, 2007
There are many trails to take . The trails are marked to indicate level of difficulty. Yellow tags indicate beginner level trails, blue is for moderate level trails, and red trails are for experienced riders. Remember that the trails tend to wind and intersect with each other so listen for approaching riders.
* Review edited 9/12/2007
Similar Trail: Razorback,Alafia,Markham
reviewed by wheelieboy on August 9, 2007
I just went to this trail for the frist time in july 07 and WOW! The scenary here is amazing (especially coming from south florida.) The trails are really fun for everyone, even the easy trails because they are really fast. And then there is the freeride area. That area is amazing. There is so many jumps and drop offs. I would go to Santos just to ride in the freeride area.
Similar Trail: Closest thing as good as Santos in south florida is Markham park
reviewed by necritheus on July 16, 2007
By far the best Florida has to offer in my opinion. It has everything from Family biking trails that are just as smooth as can be all the way to the most extreme double black diamond courses winding in and out of an old rock quarry. The pit of the quarry has been transformed into a BMX course that is free ride (AOR). In Santos you have epic rides like Ant Hill, Magic Mountain, and John Brown. If your not careful you will surely be carried off these trails. First major injury occured here, another friend was taken away in an ambulance. So if you are looking for everything from Sunday strolls to Diabolical madness, this is the place.. (Word of advice, bring a med kit, won't go unused)
Similar Trail: Razorback mountain bike trail, Reddick, FL (closest thing I have found)
reviewed by dmax67 on June 28, 2007
What an experience for only my second time out on a mtb. Will be spending alot more time at Santos. Challenging, epic, well kept.
reviewed by ChiliPepper on April 18, 2007
All I can say is: "TOTALLY AWESOME"!!! Well worth the trip from Melbourne, FL!! The Vortex Section was my kind of ride, minus a couple insane jumps off the cliffs. Anthill, John Brown, Magic Mountain, & Rattle Snake Ridge trails (red markers) were the bomb, I just could not get enough of these trails even after 6 to 7 hrs. of riding. The yellow trails (especially "Pine Tree") in the Santos Section are most definately family friendly and you can get some good speed on them (just watch out for other riders). All the blue trails were very nice offering some technical (mostly rock & roots) with a very few amount of inclines & declines. The campground at the Santos trailhead was very nice and well worth the three days camped their. I highly reccommend Santos to anyone, as it has something for everyone, from novice (beginner) to hard riders (expert riders). Try it, "You will love it"!!
Similar Trail: Alafia, Balm Boyette (both in tampa area), & Fort Pierce
reviewed by rocketbracket on October 26, 2006
humongous mtb park. you can spend days riding there. there is a campground on premises. trails are marked well and are of different levels of difficulty for everyone. bring map, plenty of fuel and hit the trails very early in the morning.
reviewed by deesnats on October 3, 2006
This trail system and park totally rock. There is something for everyone and all levels. The trails are hard packed well groomed and obviously receive TLC all the time. The Vortex area will challenge even Daren Bearcloth. There are drops as deep as 27' and ladder bridges that will keep you in line. Probably the best trail system and freeride park I have ridden.
Similar Trail: Razorback
reviewed by dlnelson15 on September 3, 2006
Great Trails. Lots of fun for everyone. All the trails are well marked. The maps posted throughout the riding area are great. The technical trails are definitely challenging and very rocky. All the other trails moderate and easy were awesome. This was definitely worth the 1 1/2 hour drive that I made for this ride.
Similar Trail: Balm Boyette Nature Preserve
reviewed by ositoking on July 2, 2006
I rode this trail today. There are many trails to choose from and you could ride all day long. About 70% of the trail is for beginners, 20% is intermediate, and 10% is advanced. The advanced sextion is very rocky and technical. You have to be a real mountain biker and for the freerider, it is the best place in Florida. They have many downhills, jumps, and bridges. The woodlands of the trail are very nice.
Similar Trail: Markham Park and Balm Boyette Preserve
reviewed by pryder on February 11, 2006
Best singletrack in Florida. Over 20 miles of trails. Area also includes separate hiking & horse trails. There is something for every type of rider here...scenery, great singletrack, technical challenges, and downhill. Other decent trails in the Ocala and Gainesville area.
Similar Trail: None...this is the best in Florida.
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