Ocala

Exploring Ocala

Known as “Horse Country,” Florida’s biggest destination for equestrians is a must-visit for trail enthusiasts of all kinds.

Straddling North and Central Florida, Ocala is one of only a few cities statewide that offer serious mileage on trails – hiking, biking, paddling, and equestrian – in every direction.

Part of the reason for this is the massive Ocala National Forest on its eastern edge.

Established in 1908 by President Theodore Roosevelt as the first domestic National Forest east of the Mississippi, it was the birthplace of the Florida Trail in 1966.

Inside the forest is more than 100 miles of the National Scenic Trail that draws backpackers from around the globe. Extensive equestrian, Jeep, and ATV trail systems make the Ocala National Forest a multi-sport destination.

There are also four first-magnitude springs with recreation areas, dozens of lakes, and many camping facilities.

Mountain bikers have established the Santos Bike Trails on the Cross Florida Greenway as a destination for the entire Southeast.

Mountain biking? Yes, the trails go in and out of sinkholes and mine pits, offering extreme challenges, technical features, and some easy woodland rides as well.

There are also paved bike trails that extend more than 30 miles through forests and fields south of Ocala.

The Cross Florida Greenway has some of the region’s best equestrian trails as well as nearly 30 miles of the Florida Trail.

During fall deer hunting season, the Greenway remains a safe zone for backpackers and day hikers.

Paddlers have the Ocklawaha River, Silver River, and Rainbow River to choose from, along with many lakes. These spring-fed rivers have wild shorelines and plenty of wildlife.

If it sounds like we’re enthusiastic about Ocala, it’s from personal experience. Sandra lived here for more than 25 years, learning to snorkel in the springs, paddle on the rivers, hike in the woods, and build trails.

This is where she wrote many of her guidebooks and helped establish and maintain part of the Florida Trail on the Cross Florida Greenway.

She also helped design the showy Holly Hammock Hiking Trail at Ross Prairie State Forest.

Best Trail Destinations in Ocala

This vast region has so much to offer we suggest you use the map at the top of the page to zoom into areas of interest. Start your trip planning with these destinations that have many outdoor activities in one place.

Cross Florida Greenway Spanning 110 miles between the St. Johns River near Palatka and the Gulf of Mexico, the Marjorie Harris Carr Cross Florida Greenway is a mile-wide recreational corridor with trails, campground, and boating access.

Florida Trail, Cross Florida Greenway 43.8 miles. A prime destination for backpacking and day hiking south of Ocala, the Florida Trail follows the Cross Florida Greenway through woodlands between the Withlacoochee and Ocklawaha Rivers.

Florida Trail, Ocala Spanning 72.3 from the birthplace of the Florida Trail into the world’s largest sand pine scrub forest, the Ocala section is Florida’s top backpacking destination.

Ocala National Forest Established in 1908 as the first National Forest east of the Mississippi, the Ocala National Forest is a mecca for hikers and campers, and the birthplace of the Florida Trail.

State Parks and Forests around Ocala

Indian Lake State Forest Purchased to protect an uplands recharge area for one of Florida's largest springs, Indian Lake State Forest centers around a deep sinkhole lake called Indian Lake

Rainbow Springs State Park A botanical and a geological delight, Rainbow Springs wraps the beauty of a first-magnitude spring with gardens and waterfalls once part of a classic Florida attraction.

Silver Springs State Park One of the world's largest and deepest springs, Silver Springs pours out more than 550 million gallons of water daily, forming the Silver River

Our Favorite Parks and Trails around Ocala

Indian Lake Bear-N-Oak Trail The Bear-N-Oak Trail at Indian Lake State Forest provides a fascinating look at habitat diversity centered on Indian Lake, a sinkhole lake that connects to the aquifer

Blue Run of Dunnellon Park Enjoy a gentle family-friendly hike along the Rainbow River at Blue Run of Dunnellon Park, where woodland footpaths and paved trails keep you mostly in the shade with dry feet as you explore the river floodplain.

Florida Trail, Dunnellon 2.3 miles. Tunneling through dense floodplain forests to bridge the Withlacoochee River, the paved Dunnellon Trail segment of the Florida Trail offers accessible users an opportunity to enjoy the outdoors.

Florida Trail, Hopkins Prairie to Salt Springs 9.6 miles. Sweeping along the shoreline of one of the largest prairies in the Ocala National Forest, this section of the Florida Trail lingers on prairie panoramas.

Florida Trail, Marshall Swamp 3 miles. Marvel at towering trees in an ancient forest along this Florida Trail segment on the Cross Florida Greenway.

Florida Trail, Pat’s Island to Hidden Pond Entirely within the Juniper Prairie Wilderness, this 8.4 mile round-trip in a no-hunting-zone on the Florida Trail in the Ocala National Forest immerses you in the Big Scrub.

Florida Trail, Pruitt to Ross Prairie 7.5 miles. With switchbacks, scrambles, and ancient oaks, the Pruitt section of the Florida Trail along the Cross Florida Greenway offers a fascinating hike into the history of the Cross Florida Ship Canal.

Florida Trail, SW 49th to Land Bridge Trailhead 3.6 miles. Bookended by soft sand pines and ancient oaks, this particularly fascinating hike along the Cross Florida Greenway includes a massive dune-like slope and the Land Bridge over Interstate 75.

Holly Hammock Hiking Trail A 2.4 mile loop showing off the habitat diversity of Ross Prairie State Forest, this easy hike provides scenic panoramas across the prairie on a mostly shaded trail.

Paddling Juniper Run Paddling Juniper Run from Juniper Springs to the take out at SR 19 in the Ocala National Forest, a popular paddling trip along this sinuous, spring-fed waterway that winds through the Juniper Prairie Wilderness.

Featured Articles

Crossing the Cross Florida Greenway (11/22/2023) A critical corridor for wildlife in a ever-more-heavily developed region, the Cross Florida Greenway is at risk of being crossed by high-tension power lines that would clear-cut a swath through wildlife-rich habitats.

National Forests in Florida Implement New Fees (7/24/2019) Effective July 26, 2019, fees go up at many National Forest campgrounds, boat ramps, and recreation areas