Mt Dora, Main Loop - Mountain Bike Trail

The Mt. Dora Main Loop bike trail is one of the most popular paved trails located in Mount Dora, Florida. This biking trail is about 3.1 KM long, making it the shortest in the area. Nevertheless, it offers a spectacular ride through stunning natural settings, including wetlands, lakes, and forests, making your trip fun and adventurous. This trail is open throughout the year, meaning you can visit anytime. 

Before you go:

Drinking water

Restrooms

Fee required

Lift service

Fat bike grooming

Family Friendly

Night riding

E-bikes allowed

Dogs Allowed

Obstacles

Shuttles

Detailed Trail Description 

The Mt. Dora Main Loop is a loop biking trail, which means it starts and ends at the same location. 

During our visit, we noticed that this biking trail is subdivided into different sections suitable for different riders. It features a big yellow loop with blue options dotted around it, which is ideal for intermediate bike riders due to its speed and narrow spots. It also features several huge trees which offer enough shade.  

The other section of Mt. Dora Main Loop is marked red and is typically characterized by fast switchbacks and sharp drops. We also came across small roots which acted as obstacles and made our trip more adventurous. Additionally, we noticed that this section of the trail features spots with just enough space between the trees for the bike's handlebars to clear, adding more obstacles to the trail.

The Mt. Dora Main Loop trail is well-maintained by the Ocala Mountain Biking Association (OMBA), reducing the likelihood of accidents. 

Additional Trail Features

There are several things to note about Mt. Dora Main Loop. One of the important things we noticed is that it features a bike wash near the trailhead, which made it easy for us to clean our bikes before loading them into our car. There is also an air pump in this area which enabled us to adjust our bikes' tire pressure before we started biking. 

Another thing worth stating is that we didn't pay any fees. Biking enthusiasts on a tight budget but still want to enjoy biking in a natural setting with several obstacles should consider this trail. 

Mt. Dora Main Loop biking trail has several picnic spots where we stopped for a while to rest before continuing the trip. Additionally, it has several restrooms for waste disposal. 

Sights of Interest, landscapes, views

Mt. Dora Main Loop trail features several landscapes, sights of interest, and stunning views. Here are some of the interesting things you will see along the way. 

•       Historic downtown Mount Dora- The trail runs through the center of Mount Dora's historic downtown, where you can explore unique stores, eateries, and galleries housed in old structures.
•       Lakeside views- Lakeside views: This trail surrounds Lake Dora offering a breathtaking waterfront view.
•       Canopy trees- A large portion of this trail is shaded by the canopy of trees, offering cyclists a cool and tranquil setting.
•       Wildlife- This biking trail is home to various wild animals, including alligators, different bird species, and turtles. You'll get the opportunity to see these animals in their natural settings. 
•       Wetlands- The trail passes through several wetlands, which are home to animals such as alligators and turtles. 

These features make Mt. Dora Main Loop trail a perfect destination for people who want to enjoy natural views. 

Recommendations/precautions

1. Ensure you carry enough drinking water when biking in this area to avoid getting dehydrated. 
2. The sun in Florida is quite intense. Always carry sunscreen and other things like sunglasses to protect yourself from the scorching sun. 
3. Mt. Dora Main Loop trail is home to some wild animals. Remember to keep a safe distance and avoid feeding since they may attack you. 
4. Always wear comfortable clothing when hiking on Mt. Dora Main Loop trail to enjoy your biking experience. 
5. Stay on the trail at all times to avoid getting lost or causing damage to the natural environment.