Alexander Springs trail

Alexander Springs trail

	Alexander Springs trail
Location:	Florida
Nearest Town:	Ocala
Directions to Trailhead:	From Daytona, take S.R. 40 west into the Ocala national forest and then follow the signs to Alexander Springs. From Ocala, head east on 40 and follow the signs.
Trail Description:	Flat and very sandy. Not many climbs but there are a few rolling sections. Due to low maintenance there are many sections in the first couple of miles that require you to dismount and carry your bike over or around down trees. Most people should be able to ride most of this trail in the big ring.
Trail Length:	about 14 miles for the loop
Trail Type:	Singletrack
Skill Level:	Beginner
Submitted By:	Chindo

Rod from Orlando Date: December 3, 2002 Trail Ridden: Please Select
Recommended Route: Alexander springs loop Other recommended trails in the same area: HardRock
Review: There are different types of MB riders. Some are into challenges and some into exploring. The Alexander springs loop trail is for those who like to explore. This trail offers a great scenery and a good workout. While it isn't maintained as well as some of the other MB trails in Florida, its still a pretty descent ride. The only setback besides the sand, is that it is poorly marked and easy to get lost in. So If you plan to visit, make sure you have a map and good navigational skills. Also make sure you don't come during hunting season, becouse you can't trust some of the people hunting in this place. So if you're planning on coming plan ahead and be prepared to have a great time.	Overall Rating:

F&L from FLA Date: July 22, 2002 Trail Ridden: Ridden Once
Recommended Route: Other recommended trails in the same area:
Review: By the way, a previous review written by someone said this was NOT a legal bike trail. In fact, it is. Maybe the rules recently changed or something; they have bike info at the kiosk in the State Park at the lake (southern) enterance.	Overall Rating:

F&L from Boca Raton Date: May 13, 2002 Trail Ridden: Ridden Once
Recommended Route: Take 44 from the east (New Smyrna) until it turns into 42; enterance is at Clearwater Lake rec. area in Paisley. Other recommended trails in the same area:
Review: Best not to try this one in dry weather; sugarsand gets deep and there is more sand than rideable ground. No water available so bring PLENTY and then some if it's summer. Trail is crisscrossed with many other hiking/ORV/horse/hunting trails so be sure to follow yellow blazes. If you get off the trail and lost there is very little to orient yourself to. We got lost (owing to an ambiguous map) and found our way back ONLY because someone else in the same predicament had thoughtfully placed tape on some trees...this tape ain't easy to spot, though, so don't plan on getting lost. The map at the kiosk is oriented the WRONG WAY (the top points to the east rather than north) so make sure you read it carefully before setting off. We won't be back anytime soon. The scenery IS nice, though, and we did see white-tailed deer. I'd call this more of a "Hike-Bike" trail as we did as much hiking as riding through the sand. Oh, and there are a few slow downhills which is nice since Fla. has little elevation change to begin with.	Overall Rating:

Bob Michaels from Apopka FL (prev. Ocala) Date: September 23, 2001 Trail Ridden: Please Select
Recommended Route: THIS TRAIL IS CLOSED TO BIKES by Federal regulation. It's not a great ride and builds ill will with the National Forest Service. Ride a better legal trail, of which there are many Other recommended trails in the same area: The Paisley Woods to Alexander Springs loop is one of many open to bikes. In fact, just about eveywhere else in the Ocala National Forest is open to bikes.
Review: THIS TRAIL IS CLOSED TO BIKES by Federal regulation. It's not a great ride and builds ill will with the National Forest Service. Ride a better legal trail, of which there are many	Overall Rating:

colette from daytona Date: August 20, 2000 Trail Ridden: Ridden Once
Recommended Route: 40 miles from daytona. 92 into deland,44 west,take right onto 42.on right side in paisley (clearwater lake) Other recommended trails in the same area: spruce creek,snowhill,santos, hard rock,reddick,hanna park,etc.
Review: For a first time ride here, after reading reviews, I beg to differ. Not as sandy as reviews indicated. Mainly large chain ring ride. Very scenic and visable single track. Only place I've seen with little scrub brush. You can see small hills through a pine woods that reminds you of the Black Forest. I give this the highest rating for those with a roadie background	Overall Rating:

eric from MI from Date: January 25, 2000 Trail Ridden: Ridden Once
Recommended Route: do the whole 17 or what ever miles and start at Alexzanderspring Other recommended trails in the same area: Hard rock
Review: I'm from MI> so in mid Feburary this trail rocks don't be fooled by other whimpy reviews of this trail. Yes there is some sand , but its not bad i've rode this loop 3times and each time it was quiet and senic plus you must swim in the spring at the end of the ride.	Overall Rating:

Spuck from Umatilla, Fl Date: November 20, 1999 Trail Ridden: Once a year
Recommended Route: 19N from 441 about 5 miles north of Umatilla look for signs to Alexandar Springs and ask someone when you get there. Not easy to find this one unless you know the area. For the other side of the loop there is a trailhead at Clearwater lake in Paisley off 42. Other recommended trails in the same area: Bellview
Review: One area of the loop is okay for riding. Of the 21 miles about 2 are fair and the rest sucks! I might ride part of the tail near Paisley only for a workout and because it is near my home, but don't make a trip here - go to Bellview. It is worth the extra hour.	Overall Rating:

kleinstein from jacksonville Date: October 22, 1999 Trail Ridden: Ridden Once
Recommended Route: What ever you do, don't... Other recommended trails in the same area: Spruce Symerna Patch
Review: I have never ridden a trail that was not worth riding..EXCEPT THIS ONE!!!! Save your time and drive the extra 45 miles to drive to Ocala!	Overall Rating:

Richard Glover from Chuluota, FL Date: July 16, 1999 Trail Ridden: Once a year
Recommended Route: It is south across street from Alexander Springs or West of Paisley at entrance to Clear Lake Park to north Other recommended trails in the same area: See above
Review: This trail is a sand marathon total of about 21 miles or you can do half. It starts at either Alexander Springs and heads south or at Clear Lake Park (not absolutely sure of park name) and heads north. This is an effort to ride, pure sugar sand almost all the way. Ride only after many days of rain, during rain even better. No water on trail only at each end. No fun at all really, just for endurance training or if you happen to be staying at Alexander Springs State Park which is quite nice. A good place to camp and then go East to Spruce Creek (an excellent set of Florida trails) or go West to Santos (an even better set of Florida trails).	Overall Rating: