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Trail Description:
Rolling hills, some sand (worse in dry conditions), halfway point is Alexander Springs in the Ocala National Forest-spring swimming hole, trail well marked and maintained by the Florida Freewheelers, ride begins and ends at Clearwater Lake with lake swimming. Great ride for those wanting a physical challenge with open riding.
How to get there:
I-4 east to SR46. Turn left on 46 and right on SR46A. Turn left on SR44, right on SR439 and right on SR42. Approx. 3.5 miles, turn left into entrance to Clearwater Lake and park at trailhead on right.
Additional Notes:
Those not wanting to do the whole ride can do the short loop at the halfway point.
There is an en
| Posted by: Bluefoam13 on 10/17/2008 |
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Four of us went here in early 2008. We started at the Alexander Springs side and only went to the halfway point. The first part was good, got us pumped up and ready for more. Then it fell apart. Many downed trees on trail and had to carry bikes. Parts of the forrest were still smoldering from a fire and in these and the downed tree areas the markers were hard to find. After passing the halfway mark, yellow markers got more sporatic. If the trees were cleared and path was marked a little better it would have been a great stroll through the forrest. Granted none of us had rode our bikes in many years and our expectations were high to start, I would not recommend until trees and marker situations are fixed. If you do try it, ranger shack at Alexander Springs did not have a trail map so bring one if you can find it online.
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| Posted by: Ceecee on 9/10/2007 |
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Initially took route from lake heading toward alexander springs...got a little over half way, and now the trail is so totally used by 4wheelers etc. that it is nothing but a sand pit. Was expecting some sand, but not a 12' wide 3' deep sand road. Had to walk bikes over 1.5 miles..not to mention it was really well marked initially, then nothing...hard to tell where trail is...overgrown etc. I was prepared for some sand areas, and wilderness style trail, but this was crazy...yeah for GPS, or we really would have gotten lost..the alexander side is the worst if you do the whole 20mi loop..otherwise, would have been fair if we used the half way cut to go back to clearwater lake..other than you dont know exactly what the cut through is...had to guess...Rangers are aware of the problem with unauthorized access and are attempting to correct problem..I hope they do, it could be quite nice, but for now...lots of trash..old tires, bottles, tvs etc. Shame.overall, I would suggest the 10 mi
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| Posted by: Wilson Pickett on 4/16/2006 |
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Just rode this trail yesterday, April 15, 2006, and had no problems other than a few doop sandy places. We have only had a little rain in the last 50 days so it is very dry at this time.
The trails have been recently remarked and were very easy to follow. There are a few very minor elevation changes that might give you a workout but the worst thing that will happen is you will need to dismount and walk a little. It is very scenic and if you ride in the early morning or late afternoon, there is a good chance to see some wildlife.
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| Posted by: Phillip Pearl on 3/13/2004 |
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I dont see this trail as advanced, it was my first real trail ride, as I am a beginner, and I did the whole 20+ miles without too much of a problem. The last few miles were a workout though. Bring plenty of water, and just hit the sand there with some speed. I thought it was a great trail, if you just want to do some sightseeing, nothing technical whatsoever.
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| Posted by: Larry; Tampa on 10/12/2003 |
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Was one of the toughest I've been on. At 43 yrs old, it was a true workout indeed. Will do it gain but not real soon. Be prepared w/water/Protein bars and /or fruit.
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| Posted by: Ray on 7/24/2000 |
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Quite scenic in the high forest, but must pay attention. I've ridden this trail 10-15x and it gets easier knowing where the danger areas are. Terrible ride in the hot, dry sand but once the rain starts - it can give ya a workout.
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| Posted by: bob on 6/5/2000 |
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nature trail only lots of sand and its hot if you want to ride go to santos trails
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| Posted by: PAULA on 3/8/2000 |
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WE ALMOST DIED HERE! TRAIL CUT ACCROSS NOT MARKED GOT LOST 7 HRS 105HEAT RAN OUT OF WATERTHANK GOD FOR FRIENDLY HELPFULL JEEPERS; PS:MILITARY MANEUVERS ALSOFREEKY PEOPLE!
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