Southeast of Ocala and west of Pasiley, the Paisley Woods Bike Trail is a 22 mile loop through sandy pine forest past live oak domes and grassy prairies. This yellow-blazed route passes through deer and bear habitat.
There are two trailheads at either end of this elongated loop. The two trailheads are located at Clearwater Lake in the south near Paisley and Alexander Springs Recreation Area in the north. There is a mid-point cut-off so that from either trailhead, an 11 mile loop can be formed, in addition to the full 22 mile loop. The trail was developed by the Lake County Bicycle and Pedestrian Program and the Florida Freewheelers.
To reach mountain biking at the Clearwater Lake trailhead from Ocala, head east on SR40 towards Astor. At the intersection with SR19, turn right heading south towards Altoona. In Altoona, turn right on CR42 to Lake Clearwater. The trailhead parking area is well signed and has a kiosk board with trail map.
Note: both black bears and alligators can be found within the Ocala National Forest.
Overall, Paisley Woods Bike Trail is the 5th most popular mountain bike trail of all 58 mountain biking rides in Florida.
