There is a sport that is growing by leaps and bounds across the country, especially here in Florida, and you would probably never expect it. It’s mountain biking. Thats right, mountain biking. Cue the oxymoronic jokes. Okay, so it might be more like exaggerated hills than mountains, but don’t let the name fool you in our geographically flat state.
The geography is almost irrelevant as long as you ride an actual and designated “mountain bike trail” in Florida. Great trails are usually kept up by municipalities and local mountain bike associations. Instead of natural obstacles that you would find in an actual mountainous area, Florida trails include a dose of natural obstacles such as roots and some pretty steep uphill climbs, but they also include several man-made features such as narrow bridges, tight paths, large bumps and hills for jumping, and other creative features like the Vortex in Ocala’s Santos Trail System.
DeLand Area Mountain Bike Trails
There are several great trails within an hour or two from DeLand, and one that is in our own yard.
Chuck Lennon Park, Deleon Springs. This is ranked #5 in the state of Florida by Single Tracks. With five total tracks, Chuck Lennon is great for all skill levels and offers bailouts and bypasses for beginners.
Mount Dora Trail. This is an intermediate trail due to its speed and some tight spaces. It is very shaded and there are some amazing trees throughout.
Spruce Creek Preserve. The trail is approx. 10 miles of fun single track and is open to cyclists, hikers, and equestrians. It can have a lot of sugar sand in the dry season. Some technical areas but most is moderate with a few good up hills.
Santos, Ocala. 81,290 acres of pure off-road riding bliss. Ranked #1 by Single Tracks, Santos is the largest and best known mountain biking park in the Ocala, Florida area and perhaps the entire state. Trails range from flat and rolling to rocky and steep. Definitely a must-do!
Paisley Woods. This is for the more laid back rider with less frills. If ridden in entirety, it is 22 mile loop that goes north to Alexander Springs and back. The bike trail intersects with the Florida Trail and includes a ride through beautiful hardwoods.
Chuck Lennon Park, Deleon Springs. This is ranked #5 in the state of Florida by Single Tracks. With five total tracks, Chuck Lennon is great for all skill levels and offers bailouts and bypasses for beginners.
Mount Dora Trail. This is an intermediate trail due to its speed and some tight spaces. It is very shaded and there are some amazing trees throughout.
Spruce Creek Preserve. The trail is approx. 10 miles of fun single track and is open to cyclists, hikers, and equestrians. It can have a lot of sugar sand in the dry season. Some technical areas but most is moderate with a few good up hills.
Santos, Ocala. 81,290 acres of pure off-road riding bliss. Ranked #1 by Single Tracks, Santos is the largest and best known mountain biking park in the Ocala, Florida area and perhaps the entire state. Trails range from flat and rolling to rocky and steep. Definitely a must-do!
Paisley Woods. This is for the more laid back rider with less frills. If ridden in entirety, it is 22 mile loop that goes north to Alexander Springs and back. The bike trail intersects with the Florida Trail and includes a ride through beautiful hardwoods.
Equipment
You can spend as much as you want in equipment. If you have a Walmart bike, that’s all you need to get started. However, if you plan to get more involved, you’ll want to upgrade depending on the seriousness. For many trails, the terrain and obstacles demand bikes with better gear shifting, brakes and suspensions. In DeLand, JC’s is a great place to purchase a bike. They will outfit you based on budget, skill and other factors.
Other Resources
There are some other great resources like apps that contain trail maps. A few great ones are Single Tracks, AllTrails and the MTB Project. Also, check out the International Mountain Bike Association (IMBA) that has local chapters all across the country.
As you can see, there’s lots to mountain biking here in Central Florida. More than just absorbing the information, just give it a try. You might get the MTB bug!
As you can see, there’s lots to mountain biking here in Central Florida. More than just absorbing the information, just give it a try. You might get the MTB bug!