Mountain Bike Trails in Florida

Florida is a great vacation spot due to its warm year-round weather, lush greenery, and great beaches. The only thing that would make it better for mountain bikers is if you could explore it on a bicycle. Well, it turns out you can, with many different trail terrains, to match most mountain bikers' needs.

Best Mountain Bike Trails in Florida

Lakeland
Overview: Embrace the Technical ChallengeNestled in Lakeland, Florida, Carter Park Trail stands as a testament to variety and technical challenges in mountain biking. With its
11 mi
#2
Bunny
0/5
Ocala
The Santos Fast Flow: A Cyclist's PlaygroundOverviewSituated in the heart of Ocala, Florida, the Santos Fast Flow trail is the very definition of adrenaline and speed.
1 mi
#3
Anthill
0/5
Ocala
Anthill at Santos: Florida's Technically Tenacious TrailTrail DescriptionThe Anthill trail at Santos is the epitome of challenge, renowned for being one of, if not the most
North Port
Getting There: Navigating the Hidden EntrancesThe pathways to North Port's treasured biking trail may be slightly off the beaten path, but that's what makes it all the more
9 mi
North Port
Myakkahatchee Creek Trail: North Port's Twisty DelightNestled in the heart of Florida's North Port, the Myakkahatchee Creek Trail offers riders an exceptional blend of tight
7 mi
0/5
North Port
Exploring North Port's Hidden Gem: The Collingswood-Hillsborough Bike TrailFlorida's North Port houses a relatively unsung treasure for biking enthusiasts - the Collingswood
3 mi
Micanopy
Cone's Dike Trail Review: Nature's Showroom on Two WheelsFor cycling enthusiasts yearning for a ride less about technical prowess and more about savoring nature's bounty,
8 mi
Micanopy
Paynes Prairie Trail Review: A Gentle Glide Through Florida's NatureTucked away near the historical town of Micanopy, Florida, the Paynes Prairie Trail offers a serene escape
3 mi
Malabar
Located in the scenic town of Malabar, Florida, the MTB trails at the Malabar Scrub Sanctuary offer a unique blend of wildlife, natural beauty, and a decently challenging
10 mi
Lakeland
Quick Overview: When Less is MoreRoller Coaster is an advanced, but surprisingly short trail tucked away in the Carter Road MTB network. Don't let its brevity deceive you;

Florida: Area Description

Florida can mainly be divided into two geographical sections. These are the coastal lowlands, given that it's sandwiched between the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico and the highlands in the interior.

That said, the interior highlands aren't very high, with the highest elevation being 345 ft above sea level. This means that overall, there aren't many hills or mountains to climb, and if you enjoy fast, exciting descents, you will miss out while visiting Florida.

Fortunately for Florida, there's plenty of rain each year, allowing plenty of trees and forests to grow in the state. The roots help add a bit of difficulty and excitement to the trails.

Land area (sq. m; sq. km) 170,312 km2
Minimum Elevation  100 ft
Maximum Elevation  345 ft

Demographics of  Florida

Regarding Florida's Demographics, the state has one of the older populations in the country, with the median age being 42.2 years. For context, the oldest state is Maine, with a median age of 44.8.

The general population in the state turns to water sports, going to museums, and shopping for fun. The state also has a healthy bike culture, with people using bicycles for commuting and fun on the weekend.

However, it's also a rather deadly state for cyclists, with about 18 people on average being involved in a bicycle accident daily.

On the bright side, this means that people in the state take things like fitness and health fairly seriously. On the other hand, a high population of bike riders means crowded bike trails.

You can get around this by going in the early morning on a weekday while people are going to work. However, you'd need to be on vacation or have flexible working hours to pull this off.

Total population (thousands, million) 22,244,823
Population density (persons per sq. km) 160/km2

Climate of Florida

While Florida is a huge land mass, there are hardly any deviations in climate due to the minimal differences in altitude. After all, the highest and lowest elevation points are only a few hundred feet apart.

This is because there are no mountains in Florida, although there are a few hills like Britton Hill, Oak Hill, and Falling Water Hill. There's also the High Hill which ironically has an elevation of only 323 feet.

Ultimately, the temperatures stay in the 59°F to 83°F range, which is fairly warm throughout the year. Also, while it can snow, it only happens rarely.

Florida's rainy season runs from mid-May to late October, with 54 inches of rainfall expected yearly. However, it can also rain occasionally during the rest of the year.

Average Temperature by Months and Seasons

Month Average Temperature
January 59.3
February  62.1
March 66.0
April  71.1
May  76.7
June  81.0
July 82.6
August 82.6
September 80.6
October  74.7
November  67.0
December 62.0

Infrastructure

In addition to having bike-friendly weather all year round, Florida has the infrastructure to support cyclists. There is room for improvement, with the accident statistics indicating it's one of the most dangerous states for cyclists.

However, at the very least, you have easy access to any trails you might be considering exploring. You also have access to services like bike repair, bike rentals, etc., as well as artificial obstacles in some of the trails.

Additionally, given that it's also a tourist hub, hotels are a dime a dozen, and you can likely find one in each city you visit. In Tampa, for instance, one of the more popular hotels is the Hilton Garden Inn in Tampa East. It's also fairly close to the Florida State Fairgrounds for those interested in that sort of thing.

Sights and landmarks in Florida

One of the major Florida sights you can visit on your bike is the Everglades National Park, where you may even see some alligators. Naturally, you should be careful in the sections with the alligators since you can easily become dinner.

FAQ about trails in Florida

Which intermediate-level trails should I try in Florida?

The Balm Boyette is an excellent intermediate-level trail for anyone looking for a whole day's adventure. It's a network-type 20-mile adventure with more elevation changes than what is typically available in the rest of the state. That said, they're often quite short and allow for a flowy ride which is just what some cyclists want.

What is the longest bike trail in Florida?

The East Central Regional Rail Trail is a paved 52-mile trail that may need more than a day to complete if you use a mountain bike. You can probably reduce the duration significantly by using a road bike instead, and without the jumps and drops you find in most MTB trails, bike suspension won't be necessary.

Can I go mountain biking in Florida during winter?

It can get fairly wet during winter, and this might make the trails slightly more slippery and technical. However, if you can handle yourself and don't mind the weather, you should be able to do it.