Mountain Biking the Markham Woods Trails in Orlando

Located just a short distance from downtown Orlando, the Markham Woods Trails offer a thrilling escape for mountain biking enthusiasts. This network of trails provides a dynamic mix of terrains and skill levels, making it a destination of choice for both beginners and seasoned riders. As a part of the Seminole County trail system, Markham Woods stands out with its commitment to preserving natural landscapes while offering exciting biking opportunities.

Adventure Guide to Mountain Biking the Markham Woods Trails

1. Markham Woods Trail System Overview:
The trail system spans over 14 miles, combining single-track paths with technical sections and flowy routes. Expect features like rooty patches, small drops, and switchbacks that blend challenge with fun. The variation is ideal for advanced riders looking to sharpen their skills or intermediate riders wanting gradual challenges.

2. Black Hammock Trail:
This specific segment, accessible within the Markham Woods network, delights riders with elevation changes uncommon in Florida’s mostly flat terrain. Black Hammock incorporates rocky stretches and tree-canopy-covered winding paths, adding a sense of adventure. The surrounding scenery, filled with lush greenery, further heightens the experience.

3. Beginner Options in Hawk’s Hammock Loop:
For those just starting, the Hawk’s Hammock Loop offers a more accessible ride. It features easy-to-follow pathways with fewer technical demands, catering to beginners or families. Rest areas and open clearings allow riders to pause and recharge before hitting the trail again.

Local Insights

The Markham Woods Trails are part of the Little Big Econ State Forest, showcasing an impressive mix of ecosystems from wetlands to upland hammocks. Local efforts to maintain the area ensure trails are regularly groomed. Wildlife sightings, including gopher tortoises and native songbirds, often surprise riders mid-journey, adding to its charm.

Visitor Tips

Best Time to Visit: Early mornings or late afternoons for cooler temperatures and quieter trails.
What to Bring: Helmet, gloves, ample water, and bug spray.
Driving Directions: From Orlando, head north on I-4 and exit at SR-434. Follow the signs for Markham Woods Trailhead; it’s about a 25-minute drive.

Respect trail etiquette by yielding to hikers and packing out all trash.

Adventure Map

Reviews

Dawn Taylora month ago

Shaded, fun, well maintained trails thanks to the many volunteers who maintain it. Saw 3 friends just on the inside of the trail fence.

James Rooke2 years ago

This area has a dirt trail for hikers and bikers, with good, clean restrooms and a water fountain. There's even a bike station with tools to help tighten your chain or fix a flat tire, and eve a bike wash station when you're done for the day and want to take home a clean bike. Next door to this area is a paved path for walkers, runners, and bikers. It is well kept and very scenic. You might run into an occasional deer or black bear too.

David Petrella9 months ago

5 stars for the trails, -1 star for too many unmarked trails, thus making for the possibility of being on an unintended trail. This is a nice mountain bike area. Beginner and Intermediate/advanced-beginner trails. The ones marked Intermediate (blue) aren’t bad, just a few more exposed roots and maybe some tight passes through some trees. There is a restroom, a bike maintenance station and a bike wash! There is also a small pump track at the center of the entrance area for some practice fun or newbies. As this entire area is flat with almost no elevation changes, it’s a fairly easy ride. All trails are single-track through dense forest. Great for those of us who like that sort of ride. One can spend an hour or so there traversing all the trails. Or take the Airstrip trail over to the Hammock for some additional fun. I especially liked Mitch’d up - a long meandering trail on the west side of the park. I saw a couple deer on the ride. Props to MTB Project for their mapping, but very poorly covered by AllTrails. Not sure how to have them correct this.

Jasmin Baronea year ago

The new addition to this trail is stunning. We loved this tiny pump track. Shadded like no other track in the area. Our 9 year old was able to navigate it to his comfort zone with ease while more experienced riders shared the same track with their comfortability. #dangerdadruggedduck

Chris Powers4 years ago

Great place to jump on the paved bike trail or if you like to ride mountain bike trails there is a really fun area set up for easy-moderate& difficult trails. The terrain is wonderful for the kind of off road riding I like, which at my particular age means, "nothing too risky" for these bones. I am modifying this review today... 06/07/20 Took my guys here finally! Big success!