Ocala National Forest is a large outdoor destination in central Florida, known for trails, springs and a wide range of recreation. It is the oldest national forest east of the Mississippi River, with options for hiking, cycling, paddling, swimming and horseback riding.
- Trail highlights: More than 50 miles of the Florida National Scenic Trail run through the forest.
- Water and wildlife: Alexander Springs and Salt Springs are on the Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail.
- Before setting out: Check the official site before you go for current access, hours, fees and restrictions.
Understanding the Forest and Its Recreation Areas
Ocala National Forest includes distinct recreation areas, so choose your destination based on the activity and access details that matter to you. Alexander Springs and Silver Glen Springs are public facilities operated and maintained by Naventure under a special-use permit from the U.S. Forest Service.
Alexander Springs Recreation Area is at 49525 CR 445, Altoona, Florida 32702, about 6 miles northeast of the intersection of State Road 40 and County Road 445.
Silver Glen Springs Recreation Area is at 5271 N Highway 19, Fort McCoy, Florida 32134; the seven-acre area is off State Road 19, about 6 miles north of the intersection of State Roads 40 and 19.
Both springs are among the forest’s destinations for water-based recreation, and both are sites on the Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail. If you are planning a separate spring-focused outing, how to plan a day trip to Silver Springs State Park can help you compare another nearby outdoor destination.
Which Ocala National Forest trails and activities can you choose?
Ocala National Forest offers hiking, bicycling, horseback riding, swimming, boating, water skiing, kayaking and paddling. Its trail systems vary in length and setting, so match the route to how you want to spend your time outdoors.
Florida National Scenic Trail
More than 50 miles of the Florida National Scenic Trail run through the forest. That makes it a substantial option for a walk or a longer hike; check the Forest Service’s current trail information before choosing a route.
Paisley Woods Bicycle Trail
The Paisley Woods Bicycle Trail is 22 miles long and passes through live oak hammocks, grassy prairies and pinelands. Its changing landscapes make it a distinct cycling option within the forest.
Ocala One Hundred Mile Horse Trail
The Ocala One Hundred Mile Horse Trail is divided into three sections. It passes through sand pine scrub, longleaf pine forests and open prairies, offering riders a choice of sections rather than a single continuous itinerary.
Juniper Prairie Wilderness
Juniper Prairie Wilderness is the only one of the forest’s four designated wilderness areas with established foot trails. The other three are described as largely inaccessible, so check trail access before planning a wilderness walk.
Access, Fees and Permits
Access details depend on the recreation area and activity, so verify current conditions and requirements before you travel. Naventure operates Alexander Springs and Silver Glen Springs under a special-use permit from the U.S. Forest Service; the permit is the operator’s authorization, not a visitor permit.
The operator gives summer hours for Alexander Springs and Silver Glen Springs as 8 a.m.–6 p.m. on weekdays and weekends. Hours, fees and access rules can change, so check the official site before you go.
For motorized travel, the Forest Service’s Motor Vehicle Use Map identifies the designated roads, trails and areas open to motor vehicle use; use the current map when planning a route.
Safety, Weather and Seasonal Conditions
Check current forest conditions before choosing a trail, water activity or motorized route. Access restrictions and fire rules can change, and a route or facility may not be available when you arrive.
Use the Forest Service’s Motor Vehicle Use Map to confirm where motor vehicles are designated for use, and review current alerts for the recreation area you plan to visit. For swimming, paddling or boating, confirm the facility’s current access details with its operator before setting out.
How do you plan a forest visit from Ocala?
Start by choosing a recreation area or trail, then check its access and operating details before driving from Ocala. The forest is about 18.6 miles from Silver Princess Motel, a two-star motel in Ocala.
If you are heading to a spring recreation area, use its listed address and approach-road details to identify your destination. For a trail outing, decide whether hiking, cycling or horseback riding best fits your plan, then confirm that your chosen route is open.
The forest’s different trail settings and water activities make it possible to build a day around one main activity rather than trying to cover the whole area.
Allow time to reach the specific recreation area you have chosen: forest destinations are spread across the region, and the spring locations have separate approaches. How to get around Ocala can help with local transport options. Before departure, confirm current hours, fees, access restrictions and any motor-vehicle designations with the relevant operator or the U.S. Forest Service.
FAQs
What is Ocala National Forest known for?
It is the oldest national forest east of the Mississippi River and offers trails, spring recreation, water sports, cycling and horseback riding.
How long is the Paisley Woods Bicycle Trail?
The trail is 22 miles long and runs through live oak hammocks, grassy prairies and pinelands.
Which wilderness area has established foot trails?
Juniper Prairie Wilderness is the only one of the forest’s four designated wilderness areas with established foot trails.
Do you need to check anything before visiting?
Yes. Confirm current hours, fees, access and restrictions with the recreation area operator or the U.S. Forest Service before you go.