You don't have to be a Gator fan to enjoy this ride which circles through the woodlands and prairies surrounding Alachua county's largest city. The route includes a portion of the Old Florida Heritage highway as you roll across Paynes Prairie Reserve. Time seems to have stood still in Micanopy, a small town with stately mansions and historic homesteads. You'll find some history, nature, and culture all in one ride.
Road Name - Direction - Miles
Start at intersection of 1-75 (Exit 382) and SW Williston Rd
The Goethe State Forest in Levy County was established in 1992. Tree-lined roadways meander through one of the largest tracts of contiguous, old-growth longleaf pine flatwoods in the state and is home to black bears, fox squirrels, and bald eagles. The forest is open during daylight hours for hiking, fishing, picnics, and horseback riding. Gas up before leaving Dunnellon.
When it was founded in 1837, the area was called Fort Christmas but was shortened to Christmas when the Post Office opened in 1892. The Post Office is extremely busy during the holiday season with those seeking the coveted Christmas, FL postmark on their holiday cards and letters.
This route does include some toll roads. You can use your Sunpass or the state will bill you by plate number.
Central Florida has a lot to offer when it comes to riding. There are still many areas that have yet to be developed where you can cruise for miles enjoying the rural views. This route was designed as a scenic ride to the Webster Flea Market and then a slightly longer route through the Green Swamp to return. Pick any section of the route and you're sure to enjoy it.
Road Name - Direction - Miles
Start on SR 52 just east of I-75, near the Flying!
Touring three central Florida counties, this ride takes you along parts of Florida's historic Cracker Trail. Start out in Arcadia, which was once a thriving gateway to the South Florida trading outposts.
The route heads westward skirting along the boundary for the Myakka River State Park. The roads are flat, with mostly straight stretches interrupted by a few gentle curves. SR 64 is considered part of the Florida Cracker Trail which recognizes the important roles the cattle and horse industry played in this area's development.
The leisurely ride winds up in Zolfo Springs which was named by a group of Italian pioneers in the early 1 B00's when they were dredging the Peace River and came upon a nearby spring which emitted a strong sulfur odor. Zolfo is Italian for sulfur.
Road Name - Direction - Miles
Start in Arcadia at the intersection of US 17 & SR 70
Finding scenic rides near Orlando is a challenge with all of the tourist sprawl. We did find a few good backroads in the area near Mt Dora and Zellwood. The ride itself will only take you an hour but that gives you time to detour to Wekiwa Springs State Park or sample the sweet tastings at the Zellwood Sweet Corn Festival in May of each year. And, no matter what time of year you make the ride, the shops and restaurants in Mt Dora are open for business.
Road Name - Direction - Miles
Start east of Mt Dora at US 441 & SR 46 Intersection
The area northwest of Lake Okeechobee is known as Florida's Heartland. Citrus groves, farm fields, and cattle ranches cover this area. There are quaint and historic towns like Arcadia, Avon Park and Wauchula along the route with excellent opportunities for dining and sightseeing. Highlands Hammock State Park is one of the state's oldest and Lake Placid's business district has more than 40 murals depicting everything from dinosaurs to the Last Supper.
This tour starts beachside just south of Fort Myers Beach at the entrance to Lovers Key State Park. The popular park is home to manatees, dolphins, and bald eagles.
Road Name - Direction - Miles
Ride starts at Love Key State Park
Estero Blvd - South - 2.6 Miles
Hickory Blvd - Straight - 2.1 Miles
Bonita Beach Rd - Left - 1.6 Miles
CR 856A/Vanderbilt Dr - Right - 4.0 Miles
CR 846/Immokalee Rd Loft - 33.9 Miles
(The route has some turns - just follow to Immokalee)
Summers are HOT in Florida but you can find some relief at two of Florida's cool natural springs. Rainbow Springs is the starting point on a tour past farms and forests on this route to lchetucknee State Park. Both parks offer swimming, tubing, nature trails, and more. You can even camp at Rainbow Springs. Don't forget to pack those swimsuits!
This ride begins in Archer, then meanders through Belleview before heading towards the Gulf and ending in Crystal River taking you through the heart of central Florida. Small towns, horse farms, and quaint country roads combine to make this a relaxing ride.
Road Name Direction Distance Total
Starting in Archer at the corner of SR 24 and US 41
The countryside around Leesburg offers some great riding opportunities. The roads wind around the many waterways in this area give credence to the name "Lake County".
More than a century ago phosphate mining helped establish many of the small towns in central Florida. Most of those mines are no longer active but the roadways that snake around the pits and reservoirs left behind are the perfect remedy for crowded road fever.
If you followed US41 as far as it goes, you'd be in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. This ride gives you a small taste of this historic roadway with a ride through some quaint towns and scenic countryside.
Even before Florida was granted statehood in 1845, the land in and around the Withlacoochee State Forest has been populated by farms and ranches. The area was home to a sugar mill during the Civil War and was a major contributor to Florida's citrus industry for many years. This month's ride starts at the Florida National Cemetery which is just off 1-75, north of Brooksville. Along with miles and miles of country back roads, you'll find cool places to stop for a break in and around Floral City and Brooksville.
This ride starts just down the street from the old train station in PC and winds northward through the strawberry fields before heading through the middle of the Green Swamp on what has to be one of the longest straightaways in Florida. The return route skirts around Dade City and Zephyrhills on your way back.
There are about two dozen Florida cities and towns with the word lake in their name. This ride hits a few of them. Start in Land O Lakes, then onto Lakeland and Lake Alfred, before ending in Lake Wales at the famous Bok Tower, which is not a water tower but contains a 60-bell carillon providing daily musical recitals. Ride Update: SR56 didn't exist when this map was first published. The ride has been updated to avoid the congestion on SR54. Yes, we agree, this entire area is a traffic mess.
We've got a ride from New Port Richey to New Smyrna Beach with NO Interstate mileage. There are lots of interesting towns and stops along the way so take your time and enjoy the ride
