Santos MTB Trails: Florida’s Best Mountain Biking
Welcome to Santos Trailhead—a mountain biking mecca in Ocala, Florida. Part of the Marjorie Harris Carr Cross Florida Greenway, Santos boasts over 80 miles of singletrack trails for every rider. Whether you’re cruising easy, grassy loops or charging rocky climbs and steep drops, Santos has it all. Get outside and get your mountain on.
Santos Trail in Ocala ranks among the top trail systems in Florida and the entire Southeast. Built in 1993 on the site of a former rock quarry, the Ocala Mountain Bike Association (OMBA) has spent decades shaping and maintaining this one-of-a-kind trail network. With trails for beginners to experts, Santos earned the prestigious “Epic Ride” designation from IMBA in 2006—one of only three trails in the U.S. to receive the honor that year.
Your Guide To The Epic Santos MTB Trails
Trails at Santos MTB Park Ocala FL
The trails at Santos are color-coded and designed for all skill levels. Beginners can start with the Pine Tree Trail for an easy intro. Intermediate riders can take on the Sinkhole Trail, known for its technical terrain. Looking to level up? Follow the red trails to find advanced terrain—and if you want your adrenaline fix, don’t miss the Vortex Freeride Area, featuring a 20-foot drop and demanding singletrack that will challenge even the most experienced riders.
What Riders Are Saying About The “Epic” Santos trail (Ocala)
People describe the Epic at Santos as the big, do-it-all ride—the one that strings together tons of the best singletrack into a long, satisfying day on the bike. The vibe is constant flow and variety: you’re rolling through piney Florida forest, linking trail after trail, and it just keeps going (in a good way). A lot of riders call it the best “full-day” MTB mission in Florida because you can make it as long or as chill as you want depending on what you connect.
The other thing people bring up all the time: it’s legit long if you do the full Epic. Most riders recommend treating it like an endurance ride—pace yourself, bring snacks/water, and don’t start too hot. It’s not big-mountain tech, but it’s not “easy” either—more like miles of fun singletrack that adds up.
The Most Repeated “Epic” Themes
- It’s an actual Epic: a marquee, bucket-list style route with a reputation for being special.
- Mileage for days: you can ride a huge loop (or shorten it) without it feeling repetitive.
- Flow over fear: more about rhythm, corners, and momentum than surviving sketch.
- Well-supported culture: group rides/events (like the Epic ride during Santos Fat Tire Festival) reinforce that “this is the big one” feeling.
Most Hyped Trails at Santos
- Vortex Freeride Area — The park’s main adrenaline zone: big features, drops, jumps, and the “let’s go watch/send this” energy.
- Rattlesnake Ridge — The expert flex line. Steep, exposed, and the one people talk about like a rite of passage.
- Ern ’n Burn — Fast, bermed, and built to rip. A favorite for riders chasing speed and a more advanced feel.
- Twister — Long, twisty, and ridiculously fun to lap. People get genuinely stoked on the rhythm and dips.
- Sinkhole — The tech-flavored highlight: roots, twists, and that “Santos can get real” moment without being pure freeride.
Great Supporting Trails
- John Brown — Narrow, fast singletrack that feels classic and punchy—easy to add to any ride.
- Speedway — Short and spicy with quick hits; memorable when you want a little extra bite.
- Cowbone — Tight switchbacks and punchy turns; a solid add-on that keeps you honest.
- Dog Bone — Smooth, confidence-building flow that’s just plain fun when you want to cruise and stack mileage.
- Pine Tree Trail — The friendly hub loop: smooth, shaded, and the easiest way to connect into bigger Santos adventures.
Casual MTB Rider
Santos offers singletrack trails that wind through beautiful sand pine scrub forests. Casual riders can enjoy gentle, grassy loops surrounded by nature, while more adventurous riders will find advanced trails interwoven throughout the park. The Blue Highway is a direct route to the Vortex, and the Florida National Scenic Trail connects you to the Ocala National Forest, where diverse ecological communities await.
Advanced MTB Rider: Get Sucked Into the Vortex!
Adventure seekers will find the Vortex Trailhead the launchpad for high-intensity fun. Built on two abandoned mining pits, this area features a wild mix of flat, rolling, rocky, and steep trails. You’ll encounter challenging singletrack, wooden features, pump tracks, bridges, and jump sections that deliver a full-throttle ride. It’s everything you’d expect from a freeride zone, fast, technical, and packed with energy.
It has a great mix of fast, flowing sections with very technical, rocky features thrown in to keep any rider on their toes. The trail also includes wood berms, skinnies, and the Corkscrew—possibly the biggest man-made MTB feature in the state.
MTB VIDEO: Santos MTB Trails and Vortex Pit
Get Stoked at Santos
Santos isn’t just a ride—it’s a destination. Trails range from mellow forest roads to high-octane tracks worthy of an energy drink commercial. Nearby bike rentals and the Santos Campground offer everything you need for a weekend stay, including picnic pavilions, restrooms, and RV sites. Trailhead amenities like air pumps, tools, and bike wash stations keep things running smoothly. Just stay alert—some trails have two-way traffic, especially around corners.
You arrive at Santos, surrounded by Florida pines, and you know you’re in for something special. This is old Florida, and this is mountain biking at its best.
Camping at Santos Trailhead Ocala FL
The 25-site Santos Campground provides power and water hookups for RVs, trailers and tent campers. There is a bathhouse and dump station available as well.
- For reservations, visit the Florida State Parks reservations website or call 800-326-3521 or TDD 888-433-0287.
Mountain Biking Basics
Before you hit the trails make sure you have the basic MTB skills. A mountain bike, helmet and plenty of water are non negotiable. Sunglasses, gloves and sunscreen will protect you from the elements. A map, first aid kit and snacks will make your ride safer and more enjoyable. For the Vortex Freeride area consider full-face helmet and knee pads. And always know your skill level.
Physical Demands and Safety
Mountain biking is physically demanding so be prepared. Choose trails that match your skill level and always wear protective gear. Be courteous to other riders, slow down on corners and stay hydrated. The Ocala Mountain Bike Association recommends starting with easier trails and working your way up to more difficult ones. Tell someone your route and expected return time to be safe and make the most of your ride.
Florida has some of the best mountain biking in the country and Santos Trailhead is proof of that. Natural beauty and technical challenges in one place. Get out and ride and make some memories!
Discover nearby trails: Croom, Alafia State Park, Balm Boyette, Loyce Harpe Park
