Marjorie Harris Carr Cross Florida Greenway: Florida’s Adventure Superhighway
Once planned as a cross-state barge canal, the Marjorie Harris Carr Cross Florida Greenway has been transformed into a massive outdoor playground spanning 110 miles across Central Florida. From the Gulf of Mexico to the St. Johns River, this green corridor now protects over 70,000 acres of diverse ecosystems and offers over 300 miles of multi-use trails. What was once one of the nation’s largest incomplete public works is now one of Florida’s greatest outdoor assets.
The Greenway is more than just a scenic ride—it’s a wildlife corridor that supports species like the black bear, especially along the eastern edge near Ocala National Forest. It also features Florida’s first land bridge for both people and wildlife, uniting fragmented habitats across a major interstate. Along the way, you’ll find protected segments of the Ocklawaha River, equestrian staging areas, paddling routes, hiking trails, and some of the best mountain biking in the Southeast.
Trail Overview
The Marjorie Harris Carr Cross Florida Greenway has over 80 miles of mountain bike trails and 16 miles of paved paths for road biking. All trails are marked with signage, color-coded by skill level—yellow for beginners, blue for intermediate riders, and red for advanced experts. Every trailhead comes with restrooms, parking, and potable water, making it easy to gear up for a quick loop or a cross-Florida epic.
Santos: The Trailhead of Legends
The Santos Trailhead is the go-to starting point and home base for riders who want to experience the heart of the Greenway. From pump tracks and skills parks to jump lines and technical features, Santos is the crown jewel of Florida mountain biking. It’s world-renowned, attracting riders from all over, and was awarded IMBA’s prestigious “Epic Ride” designation in 2006.
Notable MTB Trails at the Greenway
- Pine Tree Loop – A flowy beginner trail perfect for warming up or building confidence.
- Sinkhole Trail – A blue-rated loop with mild climbs, roots, and twists that challenge intermediate riders.
- Blue Highway – A connector for strong riders looking to make their way to the more advanced Vortex zone.
- The Vortex – For experts only, this freeride area includes rock gardens, drops, jumps, wooden features, and technical challenges packed into abandoned quarry terrain.
- Magic Mountain – A rollercoaster of climbs and drops with amazing rhythm.
- Ant Hill – Tight turns and rolling terrain for advanced riders looking to stay on their toes.
- Twister – True to its name, this one throws in non-stop turns and fast switchbacks through the trees.
Other Things to Do
The Marjorie Harris Carr Cross Florida Greenway offers much more than MTB bliss. Enjoy hiking, birdwatching, equestrian riding, and paddling on calm waterways. Campgrounds are scattered along the route for overnight bikepacking trips, and you’ll find picnic areas and wildlife observation decks that make for perfect stops between rides.
Don’t miss the Santos Fat Tire Festival (FTF), hosted each March by the Ocala Mountain Bike Association (OMBA). It features group rides, vendors, live music, and a 50-mile epic ride that showcases everything this legendary trail system has to offer.
16 Miles of Paved Trails: Marjorie Harris Carr Cross Florida Greenway
If you’d rather ride on a paved path, 16 miles of paved trails are great for serious cyclists and people who just want to take a leisurely ride with family or friends through the beautiful Florida scenery. From Santos Trailhead to State Road 200, the trail will take you through different Florida ecosystems where you can see wildlife. The trail goes over I-75 on the famous Land Bridge, which gives wildlife, cyclists, hikers, and horseback riders a safe way to get across.
Visit the Cross Florida Greenway for an opportunity to not only ride your bike but also reconnect with nature. Several bike shops nearby can rent you bikes or give you tips on how to get the most out of our biking trails.
At the trailheads all over the park, there are picnic tables and pavilions where you can eat lunch or take a break. Take a break and fall in love with the Marjorie Harris Carr Cross Florida Greenway’s beautiful protected lands and trails.
Section 316.20655 of the Florida Statutes says that bikes, including electric bikes, can be used on specific trails in the park system.
