Find the top rated dog walking trails in Ocala, whether you're looking for an easy short dog walking trail or a long dog walking trail, you'll find what you're looking for. Click on a dog walking trail below to find trail descriptions, trail maps, photos, and reviews.
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always a great trail. so well maintained and marked. hence why we were surprised to encounter the large pile of sand close to marker 6160. both our bikes fishtailed. 3 other bikers were stopped. 2 others went to the highway to avoid.
This 46 mile trail has a little of everything. Parts have nice shade, some areas are rural and some areas go through small towns. There are multiple access points. Highlights for us were Floral City near the midway point, Ft. Cooper State Park access, and Inverness where the trail skirts the water. There aren't many difficult road crossings and not many climbs to get over high intersection bridges. As of our last ride in 2025, the trail was in good shape. Not terribly crowded. An outstanding ride.
This is a review of the 3 mile segment of this trail between Highbanks Road and US17/92. I walk this segment back and forth 3 times a week - 6 miles total a day. I really like it because it's close to my home and is probably the least busy of the trails in the area. It has become very frustrating lately however, because maintenance (which I've been informed is the responsibility of the City of DeBary and not Volusia County) is virtually non-existent. The grass is seldom mowed and when it is, any trash encountered is just chopped and left. The section that runs parallel to US17/92 reminds one more of the county dump than a recreational trail. Most distressing however is the fact it has become a convenient shortcut for motorized vehicles. Point this out to the offenders zipping along and you open yourself up to all kinds of verbal abuse, and today to something that bordered on a personal threat. There never has been signage reminding users of basic trail etiquette and courtesies, and most of the "NO Motorized Vehicles" signs have been knocked down. Too bad because over the three miles there are twists and turns and elevation changes along with unique viewing opportunities - wildlife, trains, wetlands.
The route I went on was siren, and well kept up. It's now ine of my favs. I wish it was closer to me. ¿
We parked at Lake Townsen Park, had some lunch at Bree’s Provisions (They close at 2:00) and rode north, out and back for about an hour. The trail is well maintained and goes through beautiful farm country.
Started at Green Pond Trail Head and headed North. As reported, the trail has some pretty big bumps and a few holes, usually near the edge. With the limited traffic on the path, it isn't difficult to avoid them but you do have to keep your eyes on the trail. On 3/28 there was quite a bit of tree trimming and brush consolidation in the 10 miles between Green Pond and Bay Lake and some heavier equipment was staging at the State Park garage near Green Pond so maybe they are going to fix it this Spring.
The 10 miles between Green Pond and Bay lake is a very nice mostly shaded ride through timber with swamp land on both sides. There are 3 bridges about 2 1/2 Miles North of Green Pond which provides a place to watch alligators (this is mating season so you see some but there's a bunch more as the grunt and talk...), enjoy the birds and quiet serenity. At Bridge 2 that day, there is a 10+ Foot alligator nesting with her (soon to be) baby alligators.
North of Bay Lake is very nice and shaded for the 4 miles we traveled (Total round trip of 28 Miles).
Some call this trail 'straight and boring.' I'd suggest that it is quiet and serene, and, because it is straight and wide, you can spend most of your time enjoying nature!
This is a terrific ride on paved trail through shaded natural landscapes. Pine and live oak uplands and cypress swamps. The trail bed is in very good condition except for some minor root bumps here and there. Enjoyed the challenge of some long but gentle hills near the Gainesville end. We rode hybrid bikes so medium narrow tires and did nearly the entire trail and back again in two and a half hours of actual riding.
We rode the trail from the Florahome trailhead to the Keystone Heights trailhead. This section of the trail is paved, smooth, and well maintained. The keystone Heights trailhead is a little off as it’s basically in between a Wendy’s and a CVS store in the dude of a major highway. Before Keystone Heights, the trail goes primarily through trees and wetlands. There is spotty shade in some spots but otherwise full sun. It’s not a trail for summer time.
Great trail! But definitely needs some work after the Hurricane's North of Polk City. Trucks have created some dangerous dips/holes in the asphalt from the trail repair crews. BE CAREFUL. the Shade hides some of the obstacles.
You may encounter some equipment on the trail also during weekdays. Hopefully, it will get re-surfaced along this 2 - 3 mile stretch. I did NOT RIDE South of Polk City. Overall, a Very Nice trail. Will be back to 4 star trail after repairs.
I love riding rail trails because you don’t need to worry about traffic ! Cross over a few roads but nothing major until you get into Gainesville. But there are crossing signals and traffic was good about stopping. Recommend you eat at The Wrap Shack if you ride into Hawthorne.
This is a great trail through marsh and forest area. As many we met on the trail say. This trail feeds our souls...enjoy. we will be back.
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