Mountain, Gravel & Paved Biking Trails in Suwannee County

Suwannee County is an outdoor enthusiast’s dream, with natural springs for swimming and cave diving, hiking trails, kayaking opportunities, golden wildflowers and abundant wildlife. So, it’s no surprise the area has become a rising destination for cyclists. From rugged gravel paths through nature preserves to newly paved greenways overlooking the river, riders can enjoy a mix of scenery, fewer crowds and cooler temperatures thanks to shaded live oaks and lush greenery. The combination of which keeps them coming back for more.

Biking Trails in Suwannee County

Cyclists of all skill levels can find their perfect ride in Suwannee County, where three distinct trail types offer unique adventures. Mountain biking trails deliver a challenge with rocky surfaces, roots and mud—perfect for thrill-seekers with the right gear. Gravel trails provide a slightly easier ride across a mix of dirt roads, gravel paths and pavement, blending variety with adventure. For a smoother journey, paved multi-use paths are ideal for beginners or anyone craving a leisurely ride beneath the trees. With all three trail types to explore, Suwannee County has a path for every pace and every rider.

Mountain Biking Trails

While Florida’s flatlands lack mountains, a peak isn’t required for mountain biking. A mountain biking trail simply refers to off-road paths on rugged terrain — such as dirt roads, forest trails or singletrack. A singletrack is a narrow trail, roughly the width of a bicycle, designed for one rider at a time. These often-scenic loops, with obstacles like rocks, tree roots and other natural elements, are great for intermediate riders.

Suwannee River State Park

– Trail Name: Suwannee River SP Loop
– Distance: 1.7 miles
– Experience Level Required: Easy

This singletrack loop starts at the Suwannee River State Park parking lot. The route traces the curve of the Suwannee River before winding into a shaded stretch of cypress trees and their distinctive knees. It finishes with a challenging 26-foot climb. Continue the journey by following the Lime Sink Run Trail, Suwannee River Trail and Balanced Rock Trail.

– Trail Name: Lime Sink Run Trail
– Distance: 1,936 feet

– Experience Level Required: Easy

This easy route can be picked up at the end of the Suwannee River State Park Loop. The multi-use trail offers a quick 10-minute ride and connects directly to the Suwannee River Trail.

– Trail Name: Suwannee River Trail
– Distance: 1,175 feet

– Experience Level Required: Easy

As the name suggests, this multi-use, no-climb trail follows a stretch of the Suwannee River and before reaching the Balanced Rock Trail.

– Trail Name: Balanced Rock Trail
– Distance: 1,808 feet

– Experience Level Required: Easy

To complete the multi-trail loop that starts and ends at the Suwannee River State Park parking lot, continue along the scenic river and tackle a brief, 3-foot climb.

– Trail Name: Dupont Park Connector to Suwannee River State Park
– Distance: 4,705 feet
– Experience Level Required: Easy

For the easiest access and way to embark on a longer route, park near the rest area at the Suwannee River State Park, and follow this connector across the old U.S. 90 bridge, over the Suwannee River.

– Trail Name: Florida Trail – Big Oak Outer Loop
– Distance: 1.9 miles
– Experience Level Required: Intermediate

This popular singletrack, part of the Florida Trail, begins in Ellaville and is best reached after crossing the old bridge over the Suwannee River into Dupont Park. The route then unfolds into a scenic ride along the Withlacoochee River. Riders can expect a sandy start before transitioning to a smoother, hard-packed surface for the remainder of the trail.

– Trail Name: Big Oak Loop Trail
– Distance: 1.3 miles
– Experience Level Required: Easy

Several trails in the area reference the name “Big Oak,” but this short path is the one that actually leads to it. At the end of the Big Oak Outer Loop, take a short ride along Northeast Myrth Street to reach the Big Oak Loop Trail Connector. From there, you can either continue onto the Big Loop Main Trail or stay on the Loop Trail. Where this trail meets the main loop, a towering oak tree lives up to the name and stands as the route’s true highlight.

– Trail Name: Florida Trail: Big Oak Main Loop
– Distance: 2.7 miles
– Experience Level Required: Intermediate 

Accessible from the end of the Florida Trail – Big Oak Loop Trail Connector, this route offers a fresh perspective of the Withlacoochee River along the inside track of the Big Oak path. Heading south, the trail curves to follow the Suwannee River before reaching the end of the Big Oak Loop Trail and connecting to the Florida Trail: Suwannee River State Park Trail.

– Trail Name: Florida Trail: Suwannee River State Park Trail
– Distance: 2.1 miles
– Experience Level Required: Intermediate 

Where the Florida Trail – Big Oak Main Loop and the Big Oak Loop Trail end, the Florida Trail: Suwannee River State Park Trail begins. Running along the opposite side of the river from the Suwannee River SP Loop, this popular trail features a 10-foot climb (or descent, depending on your direction) and ends at the North Parking Area on Southwest 46th Avenue.

Gravel Biking Routes

Most of the gravel rides in Suwannee County begin in neighboring counties and pass through scenic points of interest such as Suwannee Springs, the Suwannee River, Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park, and more. Detailed maps of these routes are available on the Suwannee Bicycle Association’s website. Among the trails that include stops in Suwannee County are the nearly 55-mile SBA Chamios Hagar 55 and the 62-mile SBA Gravel Metric Century.

Paved Greenways and Rail Trails

Paved trails are ideal for both beginners and experienced cyclists seeking a smoother, easier ride. These routes offer scenic views year-round—from wildflowers in the spring and lush greenery in the summer to cooler fall temperatures and twinkling holiday lights in the winter.

Suwannee River Greenway

– Trail Name: Suwannee River Greenway
– Distance: 12.5
– Experience Level Required: Beginner

The Suwannee River Greenway in Branford was recently upgraded with resurfaced pavement, a new walking and biking bridge over the Ichetucknee River, and added lighting to improve safety. The eight-foot-wide trail begins three miles north of Branford and winds through the town toward the river. Riders can expect shaded tree canopies, river views and detours to Little River Springs or the Santa Fe River. During the holidays, the route is especially festive with decorations for the Branford Lights Christmas display. A stop at Ivey Memorial Park offers amenities such as a public restroom and water fountain.

– Trail Name: Suwannee River Greenway-Spur to Santa Fe River
– Distance: 2.5 miles
– Experience Level Required: Beginner

This short trail from the main Suwannee River Greenway trail brings cyclists to the Santa Fe River and the Guy Lemmon Memorial Park. This spur also marks roughly the halfway point between Branford and the Ichetucknee.

Ichetucknee to O’Leno Trail

– Trail Name: Ichetucknee to O’Leno Trail
– Distance: 13 miles
– Experience Level Required: Beginner

Where the Suwannee River Greenway ends, the Ichetucknee to O’Leno Trail begins. This 13-mile paved path connects two Florida state parks: Ichetucknee Springs and O’Leno. While part of the route runs alongside busy U.S. 27, the stretch from County Road 18 to O’Leno offers a calmer ride. Along the way, cyclists can stop at the Fort White Train Depot, which features a preserved section of railroad track dating to the 1880s.

Heritage Trail

– Trail Name: Live Oak Heritage Trail
– Distance: 1.3 miles
– Experience Level Required: Beginner

This well-maintained and short trail starts at 700 Howard Street East in Live Oak, FL and leads cyclists to Heritage Park and Gardens.

Biking Events & Tours in the Suwannee Region

Suwannee County is conveniently located near many signature cycling events.These include the Florida Bicycle Safari in April at the Suwanee County Fairgrounds; the 50-mile singletrack IDIDARIDE in January in White Springs; February’s Suwannee Sweetheart Ride, offering 25-, 55-, 56-, and 62-mile route options; the Spring Pedal ’n’ Paddle Festival at Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center State Park; and October’s Fat Tire Festival. In particular, the Fat Tire Festival, Spring Pedal ’n’ Paddle and Dog Days rides draw cyclists to the area each year, all passing through Suwannee County. To learn more about each event, visit suwanneebike.org.

Plan Your Suwannee County Biking Adventure

Before embarking on any biking adventure, it’s essential to be fully prepared. Know your route and bring a map or a GPS-enabled device. Carry water for longer rides and make sure the trail matches your experience level. To learn more about the area’s bike trails, check resources like the Suwannee Bicycle Association, Ride With GPS, and Strava.