GENERAL INFORMATION: ADMISSION, PARKING, RENTALS
Santos Trailhead is open from 8 a.m. until sunset, 365 days a year. Admission is free for day use. Camping in the developed campground is $22 a night plus a reservation fee of $6.70. For RV camping, there is also a nightly utility fee of $7, which includes water, electric, and sewer.
Plentiful paved parking is available at the Santos Trailhead with overflow parking in the grass and parking for equestrian use. While the park itself does not offer bike rentals, you can reserve a bike through Santos Bike Shop, which has bikes for rent on-site at Santos Trailhead. The bike shop, which is located at 8924 S. Hwy 441 in Ocala, is just 1.5 miles from the trailhead and also sells bikes and gear.
FOOD AND DRINKS
I recommend packing some snacks for when you’re out on the trails. You can also make use of the picnic tables at the trailhead and bring along something a little more substantial. After you get cleaned up, go out and sample the local fare. Latinos Y Mas, Mesa de Notte, and BD Bean’s Coffee Co. are all less than 10 miles from the trailhead.
SEASONAL DIFFERENCES
Mountain bike trails should be avoided immediately following heavy rain. Riding the trails after heavy rain can damage the trails and make for a less fun day overall. Heavy rain happens more frequently in summer, so it’s important to pay attention to weather forecasts and know the conditions of the trails before you go. If you find yourself at Santos when the trails are too wet, you always have the option of using the 16-mile paved trail that runs from Santos to State Road 200.
TRAVELERS WITH DISABILITIES
Santos has an ADA accessible, paved 16-mile trail as well as accessible restrooms, parking, picnic pavilions, bathhouse, and campsites.
RESTROOMS
Accessible restrooms are located at the Santos Trailhead. Registered campers may also use the accessible bath house at the campground. In addition to restrooms, there’s a bike wash station at the trailhead and potable water for refilling your water bottle.
RULES
Helmets are recommended for everyone and required for anyone 16 years of age or younger (but seriously, just wear a helmet, no matter who you are). All mountain bikers should be courteous and mindful of other users of the property, which include hikers and horseback riders, and stay on the designated trails.
ADVICE
Start your day early and get out on the trails in the morning, especially during the summer months, when afternoon storms are common and the Florida heat is cranked all the way up. Mornings will allow you to enjoy cooler temperatures and give you a better chance of avoiding rain and thunderstorms.
Always choose mountain bike trails and activities that align with your skill and experience level. Attempting to take on trails and obstacles beyond your abilities can result in serious injuries.
Be sure to bring plenty of water along with you and remember to stay hydrated while you’re out having fun on the trails.
CAMPING BONUS
Make the most of your bike adventure by booking one of the 25 campsites at the Santos Campground. By staying in your tent or RV, you can hit the tails first thing in the morning and try a different trail later in the day with plenty of downtime and relaxing in between. End the day by relaxing around the campfire. As a registered camper, you’ll get use of the bathhouse, which means cleaning up after riding the trails will be a breeze.
While you’re in the area, check out Silver Springs State Park, which is just nine miles away. There, you can take a glass-bottom boat tour of Silver River, go paddleboarding or kayaking, hike, or just explore the park, which offers gardens and a historic pioneer village that takes visitors back to 1800s Florida.
