Explore the best rated trails in Ocala, FL, whether you're looking for an easy walking trail or a bike trail like the Withlacoochee State Trail and Neighborhood Lakes Scenic Trail . With more than 33 trails covering 415 miles you're bound to find a perfect trail for you. Click on any trail below to find trail descriptions, trail maps, photos, and reviews.
Did not ride the complete trail but it’s August in Florida so… We did enjoy the part we rode from the nice little park in Elkton to East Palatka. I wish we could have crossed the St John’s River but it was just a bit too far. The next time we’re in the area we can complete the journey!
You will see parking area just a little ways past the Palatka airport Wonderful trail quiet, smooth, shady Beautiful old oaks and gentle streams No major road crossings
Rode this trail from Keystone Heights east for about 12 miles (6 out and back) years ago not long after it opened. Today, I rode west from the trail head in Keystone Heights (located on SR 100 one block west of SR 21 between the CVS and Wendy's). The trail went 9 miles west toward Lake Butler before it ended at Navarre St in Hampton. There is a decent sized green space area off the road for parking if wanting to begin the ride at this end. The first three miles from K.H. had quite a few road crossings and then the next six miles had a few more. Most of this section was shaded (I started at 8:30). There were a handful of cyclists, one runner, and one walker with a baby stroller. Going east from K.H., the first couple of miles had many road crossings. Afterward, most were dirt roads leading to people's property. Three miles from the trail head is the Keystone Soccer Club and six miles is a Sunoco Store for those who might need bathroom facilities. After that, there was nothing until the Florahome Trailhead at 11 miles. This is where I turned around and headed back for a 40 mile ride. This section of the ride was barely shaded (after 10:00 by this time) and I didn't pass any cyclists and only a few walkers/runners. This was surprising. However, I did come across at the Florahome trail head a small group of cyclists that I rode back with. That was nice. Overall, the pavement that I rode was in excellent condition. Next time I ride this trail, I'll probably start at Florahome and ride to Palatka and back.
Scenery: 5/5
Shade: 4/5
Condition: 5/5
Crowdedness: 4/5
Water Availability: 3/5
Road Crossings: 3/5
Signage: 2/5
This is one of my favorite trails in Central Florida. In this area, the West Orange Trail is the most popular, but I think the South Lake/Lake Minneola Trail beats out in terms of scenery and crowdedness. Except for the portion of the trail that follows the shoreline of Lake Minneola, shade is ample. It is less crowded than the West Orange Trail, except for the portion that runs through the lakefront park on Lake Minneola. This is understandable given the nature of the park. The crowded stretch is manageable as long as you take it slow and are patient, and it's relatively short compared to the rest of the trail as a whole. The scenery both through wooded areas and along the lake is great. On the western end, the section through Lake Hiawatha Preserve is beautiful albeit very short. Beyond the Preserve (heading west), there's not much to see. The trail is in very good shape, but there are a good number of road crossings. Overall, a really great trail that, in my opinion, is more enjoyable than the West Orange Trail.
Scenery: 2/5
Shade: 1/5
Condition: 5/5
Crowdedness: 5/5
Water Availability: 1/5
Road Crossings: 1/5
Signage: 3/5
Skip this one if you have better options. The description pretty much says it all: not much scenery (almost entirely suburban), hilly (for Florida standards), no water, no shade. On a clear day, there is some scenery at the northern end where you can see Lake Apopka and the Orlando skyline on the eastern horizon, but rampant development is quickly wiping that out. There are a lot of road crossings, some busy. Virtually all of the trail parallels a rather busy, noisy road. The trail is in good shape (except for a few spots where roots have created bumps - mostly on the southern end), but I'm not sure why the description says that it is 14 feet wide. There may be short sections where that is the case, but mostly not. The trail is not crowded at all, but, given its shortcomings, that's not surprising.
This u a decent quality trail for quad & in-line skating. Skated from the Palatka end to the St.Augustine end near 95. It’s about 42 miles both ways for me. The bridge is difficult on skates but otherwise, the quality is fine. I enjoyed Hastings a lot…although watch out for wind beforehand because that open section can be brutal on a windy day. Otherwise, the worst part is the highway intersection. Saw a copperhead about a mile from the St.Augustine end so watch for snakes !
I had to add my 2 cents, don’t be discouraged by a previous review talking about steep hills and bumpy pavement in the 5 miles near Gainesville. I rode it in the pre dawn hours and took it really slow so as not to out run my light. Yes there are bumps - I had no issues and my tires are 23s. As far as hills, this path is what we call in the Midwest flat. Maybe some steep hills for Florida, but again not a real issue. Enjoy it - I look forward to riding it again someday!
Rode 5 miles South of Inverness then 5 miles North.South was better but both very nice.
Did the entire trail (both fragments) at 52 miles on rollerskates. Great surface and one of the best long trails in Florida for skates. Beautiful scenery. Saw bald eagles, an owl, a couple of deer, and lots of gopher tortoises. I will say that the northern fragment has like no place to park. I parked at the National Refuge but that isn’t an official trailhead. Additionally, the northern leg has some areas that are just sidewalk vs actual path. Still enjoyable !
This trail offers wide smooth pavement. The forest is dense surrounding most of the trail and gives one the feel of isolation. This is a great ride on sunny days as most of it is covered by tree canopies. The only bad part of this trail is lack of parking or easy access at both ends of the trail. A road bike can not manage the sandy dirt trail of a mile to get to trail at the westernmost parking lot.
Beautiful trail with bridge views which offers the perfect spot to see gators! After crossing bridge heading north you have swamplands on sides of trail with the traditional live oaks and Spanish moss which is very scenic. Ends with ramp launch into river. This is a very popular trail and very short so it can be crowded with walkers and cyclists. Enjoy!
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