Santos is one of my favorites. Nothing crazy, just super flowy and fun…read more The Vortex area is fun to check out, but just be careful, there is some super advanced stuff in there , know your riding limits. It's a blast out there. Have fun!

WHEWWW! This was a world-wind adventure for all mountain biking enthusiasts! Note to all: you have…read moreto be pretty skilled at biking rough terrain to even go on the easy (green) trails. My group loved the black diamond trails which I failed at multiple times but it was so neat to weave in and out of all the different bmx like courses of ramps and drop offs and hills. We all partook in the downward slope one and that was a ton of fun! Again, this is no easy course for anyone. The trails , even the easy ones, all have some degree of difficulty. But the park was super clean, very well managed, and had excelled signage so you knew exactly where you were going and getting into!

Great underused trails. Short but sweet.. 4 miles of technical butchery…read more.. Have been visiting this trail on and off for a dozen years now... For the most part they have remained nearly original with only a few refinements... Refinments for the better I should add... This is not the longest, or most technical trail around but it's four mile loop will work you hard... This is despite its decieving, mostly blue and green trails... It is well marked and the local volunteers Keep it well maintained... The trails are entirely canopy covered and beautiful enough for just a leisure pedal through the woods.. But with the elevation changes and switchback there is no time for a leisurely ride... This is an honest four mile trail that will work you... Better be prepaired for a challenge when you get here... Enjoy...

This is a very well maintained mountain bike system. It's comprised of about three miles of…read morebeginner and intermediate trails and an additional 2 miles of expert level Trails. There is also a skills park at the entrance to practice some built elements before encountering them on the trail. It's located by the MT Dora dog park, behind the softball fields. There is the right amount of parking. That is, if the lot is full, then so its the trail and you'll probably be either frustrated behind someone slower than you or frustrating someone who's faster and stuck behind you. That being said, 90% of the folks I've met riding have been nothing but pleasant. You'll find the occasional rider "doing it for Strava" but that's fine. Just roll with it (ba da boom) and roll your eyes while you stick w your pace. Sure there are other more elite trails in central Florida. But for a quick after work ride, this one hits the spot.

Hailes Trails.... I want to call it "HELLS Trails". This mountain bike trail is by far the most…read moredemanding trail I've ever ridden in Florida.   Hailes Trails is a privately owned property located in Newberry, just on the outskirts of Gainesville, FL and it is closely adjacent to Gatorback Cycle Park. The property is opened up to the public only Once/Twice a Year.... Saturday being a pre-ride event to the public and on Sunday, it host Florida State MTB Championship series for all registered bikers. The trail is carefully marked, taped and prepped for such event.   The trails consist of a 2 parts series: 1st trail spanning for 2 miles and 2nd trail being 3 miles worth. All in all, you get 5 total miles of a mixture of rooty, rocky, steep climbs and descents type trails, and some technical turns in between.   The trails runs in and out an old rock quarry, which offers a nice scenic view and numerous elevation changes. It is rated as an advanced trail, but caters to any intermediate skill level riding and beyond. Admission to Hailes cost $5 per person and a waiver is needed to be signed at the time of payment.   Hailes proved to me that Florida IS NOT as flat of a state as you think it is. Lawd have merrsay !!!   But I loved every bit of it and I cannot wait to go back again, so I say Hailes Yass !!!   And if you don't like it... Bike Me =)

My phone directed us to an incorrect address first (off Millhopper onto nw 90th St) and we…read morethankfully poked around and ended up finding our way to the Millhopper Rd trailhead. We just hiked Moonshine Creek today because it was pretty wet on Creek Sink after the rain. We then did a tiny taste of Spring Grove across the street before driving around to the other addresses associated with the park to try and find the Ranger station. After receiving a Junior Ranger packer at Devil's Millhopper State Park awhile back, my son was excited to bring along his passport to get it stamped at San Felasco. Unfortunately we could not find a Ranger or ranger station on our visit today. Nevertheless, we had a beautiful little hike, worked on Junior Ranger activities, and had fun exploring a State Park that was new to us! Admin Offices (NO trail/pub access) 12720 NW 109 Ln Alachua, FL 32615 Biking/Equestrian Trail Head 13201 Progress Blvd Alachua, FL 32615 Hiking Trail Head 11101 Millhopper Rd Gainesville, FL 32653 $4 per vehicle. Please use the honor box to pay fees. Correct change is required. Limit 8 people per vehicle. $2 Pedestrians, bicyclists, extra passengers

A great wilderness area not at all far out from Gainesville itself to explore, offering a rare…read moreinsight into how this part of Florida looked before human intervention. The trails stretch through the southern portion and then the vast northern portion and these hiking trails can be accessed from the Millhopper Road trailhead while mountain biking and horseback trails can be accessed from a trailhead further north near Alachua. Note that horses and mountain bikes are not allowed on the trails from the Millhopper Road trailhead, though. Horses must carry proof of a negative Coggins test and otherwise be good horses, of course. Although archeological studies indicate there were Native American and early Spanish settlements and roads through this area, you don't really see any evidence of human intervention historical or otherwise here aside from the parking area and the trails (and service roads) as the State Parks have done a great job of keeping this a preserve for animals and as rustic as possible. You are not allowed to camp here, either, so it's really a matter of humans exploring during the day a haven for wildlife. I have seen deer, wild hogs, snakes, tortoises, many birds, lizards and other animals here and you're almost certain to see deer or a tortoise if you hike for more than an hour and spread out a little. Dogs on leashes are allowed on the hiking trails, but please remember to bring some water for your dog. The trails off Millhopper Road on the north side are vast and not well-shaded in places. Dogs have died from heatstroke out there, according to the Park Service. Also, check for ticks because they are legion in their numbers here.

What an exciting event! Being greeted by our government officials (Mayor Jerry Demmings and others)…read moreis such a warm casual setting was refreshing. Getting the opportunity to cycle the newly completed loop around Lake Apopka WITH said officials was an unexpected treat! The trail is BEAUTIFUL.

It's a great trail to hike if you want to see wildlife. No matter where you look you will be able…read moreto see something. Make sure to bring allot of water during the hike because there is no shade at all during this trail. I would definitely recommend it and will walk it again just won't do it during the summer time.

This is a beautiful park!!! They have bathrooms, pavilions for picnics. air pump for bike tires,…read moresun screen dispenser and more. There is plenty of parking and the trails are well maintained. I enjoyed the view from the look out tower and appreciated plenty of signage along the way.

This is one of my favorite trails in the area that a lot of people don't really know about. It is…read morean easy pathway to walk and varies from gravel to paved and then even into just grass. You do need to watch the weather because if you're trying to do the loop it can get a little too marshy back there to make it possible. Bring bug spray. The horseflies almost carried me away. If you'd like to look at nature and just get outside and walk this is a great spot to do it. Watch your footing because some of the spots do get a little slick.

Unbelievable I can't believe this but only 10 months ago we visited a beautiful park and I was…read moreexcited to take dog back during cool weather. There's no more Park!! It's a trail with a thin line of forest on each side and mass production of houses on either side of the trail and trees. We tried to go off the trail to find more nature but they have destroyed it. The Deep Wound: How Environmental Destruction Harms Human and Animal Healing In the natural world, forests are not just ecosystems--they are sanctuaries for healing and life. When forests are destroyed, the impact ripples beyond what the eye can see. From a trauma EcoTherapy and Shamanic perspective, the loss of these sacred spaces profoundly affects both human and animal well-being, cutting us off from the very source of life and spiritual restoration. Forests as Sacred Healing Spaces For millennia, forests have been places where humans and animals alike retreat to heal. The earth beneath our feet, the ancient trees, and the rhythmic cycles of nature hold a profound wisdom that facilitates physical, emotional, and spiritual recovery. For those carrying the weight of trauma, nature is not just a place to visit--it is a partner in the healing process. EcoTherapy recognizes that human trauma is intricately linked to the trauma of the earth. Just as humans suffer from wounds of the psyche, the destruction of the environment mirrors and exacerbates those wounds. Forests provide safety, quiet reflection, and an energetic container to process deep pain. When these spaces are destroyed, we lose a vital source of healing. The Animal Kingdom's Silent Suffering Animals, too, seek refuge in forests, not only for survival but for their own innate healing. Trees provide shelter and medicine, while ecosystems offer nourishment and safety. When their homes are destroyed, animals experience displacement, stress, and often death. This destruction severs the ancient relationship of mutual healing between humans and animals--relationships where animals often serve as guides, teachers, and mirrors for our own emotional landscapes. The Consequences of Disconnection When we lose access to nature, our collective trauma deepens. Urban environments, stripped of living ecosystems, amplify feelings of isolation, anxiety, and grief. Without forests to retreat to, trauma survivors are cut off from the natural cycles that regulate the nervous system and reconnect us to a sense of belonging. From a Shamanic perspective, every living being carries a soul contract with the Earth. Trees, animals, and humans are interconnected through unseen threads of spiritual purpose. When forests are razed, these sacred agreements are shattered, leaving open wounds in the physical and energetic worlds. The destruction of nature is not only ecological--it is a spiritual betrayal that fractures our relationship with the Earth Mother herself. Healing Through Sacred Reciprocity Healing these wounds requires a return to reciprocity--a sacred exchange of care between humans and the Earth. By protecting forests, we protect the sanctuaries where healing can occur for both people and animals. Through EcoTherapy practices, we can reconnect with the natural world, remembering that as we care for the Earth, the Earth cares for us. It is our responsibility to stand as guardians of the forests, to preserve the living beings who inhabit them, and to ensure future generations have access to the profound healing that only nature can provide. In the heart of every tree and every creature, there is a truth--when we destroy the Earth, we destroy ourselves. Pamela Nations-Weissman (Namdag Tsomo) Shamanic Life Path Coach, EcoTherapist, Hypnotherapist, and Trauma Specialist "Truth lives in The Dark - It's up to each of us to bring our Truth into the Light and share it with the world. It is our duty as human beings on this planet to do so." I was saddened and sickened by this visit. tried to post photos of the massacre but wasn't able to get yelp site to cooperate.

"Withlacoochee State Trail is a 46-mile (74 km) long paved, multi-use, non-motorized rail trail in…read moreFlorida located in Citrus, Hernando and Pasco counties. It follows along the Withlacoochee River and passes through the Withlacoochee State Forest. It is the longest paved rail trail in Florida." Probably the best paved trail in Florida. A little over 46 miles one way and has a lot of very scenic spots along the way. It is in Florida so it's fairly flat but it does have some elevation changes and some overpass over the busier/wider state roads on the route. Multiple trailheads w parking lot and restrooms. My favorite trailhead is the one in Inverness. Beautiful town along the route.

So my buddy conned me into participating in this event (I accepted anyways). It was a first timer…read morefor both of us. The Croom 35/50 Mile Challenge is not a race, but more of an endurance challenge in which you can choose of riding a 35 or the 50 mile option. We chose the 35 mile route just for exploratory purposes. Year 2020 marks the 26th year of this event and sadly, this is the first I've heard of it. The event starts with a riders meeting at 8am. Then right after that, you are off and going. To note, you are not timed, so basically you can start at any time you want. Croom is an extensive trail system with over 50 miles of trails in the Withlacoochee State Forest. It is mainly single track trails (and mainly flat trails), but along the way you will encounter elevation changes and climbs that's enough to get your legs burning and screaming from all the pedaling. The trails are nice and flowy, with a mixture of intermediate and difficult trails. Around Mile 23, you will encounter the most difficult trail called the Drunken Monkey, a trail Croom is popularly known for. To note, Drunken Monkey is part of the Croom Challenge, however you have the option to bypass the trail if need be due to its difficult, technical features. All in all, I really liked Croom. It is a well maintained, well managed trail system. My only takeaways from this event was, the Sag Stops (break areas) seems too far spread out. To break it down, the 35 Miler has two Sags (Sag stops at Mile 15, Mile 29). 50 Miler has three Sags (Sag stops at Mile 12, Mile 25, Mile 39). Also, I did not see much Trail Marshalls and Bike Doctors, as well as Sag Drivers to help in case you needed to be picked up or perhaps I may have missed them. Other than that, I enjoyed the Croom event. You are catered to a morning and post-ride meals for this event. All the staff and local people were just amazing and friendly. I'll be coming back here soon.