Cross Florida Greenway
Over 110 miles of biking, hiking, equestrian, and paddling trails through the heart of Marion County — managed by Florida DEP and free to all visitors.
What Is the Marjorie Harris Carr Cross Florida Greenway?
The Marjorie Harris Carr Cross Florida Greenway is a 110-mile linear greenway corridor managed by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection's Office of Greenways and Trails. Named for conservationist Marjorie Harris Carr, who fought to stop an earlier cross-state barge canal project, the greenway now serves as one of the premier multi-use trail systems in Florida. The corridor runs east-west across central Florida, passing directly through Marion County, where the Santos Trailhead stands as the most developed and heavily visited access point on the entire greenway.
Access to all trailheads and trails along the greenway is completely free. There are no admission fees, parking fees, or permits required for day use. Equestrian riders, mountain bikers, hikers, trail runners, and paddlers all share this public resource, which has earned international recognition from the International Mountain Bicycling Association for the quality of the Santos trail system within Marion County.
What to Do on the Cross Florida Greenway
Mountain Biking
The Santos Trailhead is the mountain biking hub of the entire greenway system. With over 80 miles of IMBA-recognized singletrack, Santos holds both Epic Ride designation and Bronze Ride Center status — the only such designation in Florida. Color-coded trails range from smooth yellow beginner loops to blue intermediate routes and red expert singletrack with technical descents through reclaimed limestone terrain. The Ocala Mountain Bike Association (OMBA) maintains the trails through volunteer work, keeping them in excellent condition year-round.
Beyond Santos, the paved Greenway corridor connects trailheads for road cyclists and casual riders seeking a flat, accessible ride without technical terrain.
Hiking
Hikers have access to the paved Greenway corridor plus a network of natural surface trails throughout the Santos system. The paved path is the most accessible option for walkers, joggers, and trail runners, offering shade from the surrounding sand pine scrub and views of the varied terrain of the Ocala region. Some of the wider singletrack trails in the Santos system welcome hikers, though cyclists have the right of way on designated bike trails.
For a nearby dedicated hiking experience, the Bear Swamp Trail and Baseline Road Trailhead offer additional walking and nature trail options connected to the broader greenway system.
Equestrian Trails
The Cross Florida Greenway includes designated equestrian trails and multi-use paths that accommodate horses and riders. Santos Trailhead and Pruitt Trailhead both offer parking for horse trailers. The natural surface of the wider greenway corridors provides suitable footing for horses, and the rural landscape of Marion County — Florida's horse capital — makes the greenway a natural fit for equestrian recreation.
Riders should follow posted trail designations, as sections of the Santos singletrack are designated for cyclists only. The paved Greenway corridor is shared-use and open to equestrian visitors.
Paddling — Rodman Reservoir & Lake Ocklawaha
The Cross Florida Greenway corridor encompasses Rodman Reservoir (also called Lake Ocklawaha), one of the premier bass fishing and paddling destinations in north-central Florida. Located along the eastern portion of the greenway, Rodman Reservoir was formed by the Rodman Dam, a remnant of the cross-state canal project that was ultimately halted. Today it offers miles of protected paddling water surrounded by greenway lands.
Paddlers can access launch points along the reservoir and explore the flooded cypress forest environment that gives the area its distinctive character. The Ocklawaha River, which flows through parts of the greenway corridor, is also a popular paddling destination for those seeking a natural river experience in a remote setting.
Santos Trailhead — Marion County Hub
Location & Hours
- 3000 SE 80th St, Ocala, FL 34480
- Open daily, 8 AM – Sundown
- Free parking — first-come, first-served
- No admission fee
- Arrives early on weekends Oct – Apr
Amenities
- Paved parking lot with trailer spaces
- Restrooms and water station
- Trail map kiosk and information boards
- 80+ miles of color-coded singletrack
- IMBA Epic & Bronze Ride Center designation
Santos Trailhead is the main gateway to the Cross Florida Greenway's trail system in Marion County and is widely regarded as the finest mountain biking destination in Florida. The parking lot can fill quickly on weekend mornings during peak season. Trail maps are available at the kiosk or through Trailforks.com and the Florida DEP Office of Greenways & Trails website.
Planning Tips for Your Greenway Visit
Best Seasons
October through April offers the best trail conditions — cool temperatures, low humidity, dry trails, and minimal insects. Summer visits are possible but require early-morning starts (before 9 AM) to beat the heat.
Trail Maps
Download detailed trail maps before you go via Trailforks.com (best for mountain biking detail) or the Florida DEP Office of Greenways & Trails website. Physical kiosks at Santos Trailhead display current trail conditions.
Parking Tips
Santos Trailhead parking fills quickly on weekend mornings October through April. Arrive before 9 AM for a guaranteed spot. The Baseline Road Trailhead is a less-crowded alternative access point just minutes away.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Cross Florida Greenway free to access?
Yes, the Marjorie Harris Carr Cross Florida Greenway is free to access. There are no admission fees, parking fees, or trail use fees at any of the trailheads along the corridor, including Santos Trailhead in Marion County. The greenway is managed by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection's Office of Greenways and Trails and is open to the public at no charge.
Where is the main trailhead for the Cross Florida Greenway in Ocala?
The primary trailhead for the Cross Florida Greenway in Marion County is Santos Trailhead, located at 3000 SE 80th Street, Ocala, FL 34480. Santos is considered the mountain biking hub of the greenway and offers access to over 80 miles of color-coded singletrack trails, plus the paved Greenway corridor. Additional access points in the county include the Baseline Road Trailhead and the Pruitt Trailhead near Dunnellon.
How long is the Cross Florida Greenway?
The Marjorie Harris Carr Cross Florida Greenway spans approximately 110 miles across central Florida, running east-west through Marion County and several adjacent counties. The corridor connects the Gulf Coast near Yankeetown to the St. Johns River near Palatka. Not all sections are developed for public use, but Marion County offers some of the most extensive and well-maintained trail networks along the entire corridor.
Can you bring horses on the Cross Florida Greenway?
Yes, the Cross Florida Greenway includes designated equestrian trails and multi-use paths that permit horses. Santos Trailhead and Pruitt Trailhead both accommodate horse trailers in their parking areas. The greenway corridor includes natural surface trails suitable for horseback riding. Equestrian users should follow posted trail designations, as some singletrack trails are designated for cyclists only.
What is the best time of year to visit the Cross Florida Greenway?
The best time to visit the Cross Florida Greenway in Ocala is from October through April, during the cooler and drier months of the Florida year. Temperatures range from the 50s to mid-70s, humidity is low, and trail conditions are firm and dry. Summer months (May through September) bring intense heat, high humidity, afternoon thunderstorms, and increased insect activity, making early-morning visits essential if you go during that period.
Explore More Outdoor Recreation Near Ocala
Baseline Road Trailhead
Secondary access point to the Santos trail system — often less crowded on weekends.
Bear Swamp Trail
A dedicated hiking trail in the Ocala area with a distinct natural character.
Parks in Ocala
Complete guide to parks, natural areas, and green spaces throughout Marion County.
Outdoor Activities in Ocala
From springs to trails to equestrian events — all the best outdoor recreation near Ocala.
Springs Near Ocala
Cool off after a ride — the best natural springs for swimming and kayaking near the greenway.
Things to Do in Ocala
The complete guide to activities, attractions, and experiences in Ocala and Marion County.
Ride or Hike the Greenway This Weekend
Free access, 110 miles of trails, and some of the best mountain biking in the country — all right here in Ocala, Florida. Santos Trailhead is open daily from 8 AM to sundown.