The Villages to Trailhead 19-mi, 29-min
Ocala to Trailhead 7-mi, 16-min
Gainesville to Trailhead 44-mi, 57-min

Hours: 8 AM til sundown 365 days

Fee: No fee

Address: 3080 S.E 80th Street, Ocala, FL 34470  

Phone: (352) 369-2693

If a leisurely bike ride on a paved trail through a light dappled forest sounds like a great way to start your day, then the Santos Trail is the place to be. You can also expect to see an occasional deer and other wildlife beside the trail.

       The trailhead and campground is 19.3 miles from Lake Sumter Landing, between Ocala and Belleview (just off of 441/301) with an approximate drive time of 33 minutes.

      The Santos system features over 80 miles of biking and hiking trails. A wide paved path, that is mostly shaded, winds 15.5 miles from the parking area to highway 200 where it dead-ends. This route crosses the Marjorie Carr Landbridge above I-75 at about the half way point. Milage is marked in 1/4-mile increments on the path. 

    The nice thing about this ride is that you will see older people with ballon tire bikes, 20-somethings on road bikes, tandems, mountain bikers and people with headphones walking their dogs along the way.

    Benches and tables are scattered throughout the trail, but bathrooms and potable water are only available at the trailhead. Parking is ample and just across the road is a bike shop for any emergencies. Helmets are required for cyclists.

     Be sure to take a break at the Cow Pen Picnic Area and pause to look down on the commuters rushing under from the Landbridge over I-75.

Watch the video below for some scenes along the Santos trail near Ocala, Florida - a nice safe place to ride with your kids or grand children.