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Free Traveling Guides » States » Florida » The Northeast Ocala National Forest
The Ocala National Forest situated nearly 3 miles (4.83 km) east of Ocala, Florida, is the southernmost national forest in the Continental United States. Established in the year 1908, it claims to be the oldest national forest east of the Mississippi River. It is also considered to be the second largest national forest in the State of Florida. Situated between the St. Johns and Ocklawaha Rivers in Central Florida, the Ocala National Forest covers Putnam, Marion, and Lake Counties, encompassing a total area of over 607 square miles (1572 sq. km.). It attracts millions of visitors every year and is undoubtedly one of the most popular tourist attractions in northeast Florida.
The Ocala National Forest is best known for its sand pine scrub ecosystem. It is home to the world’s largest concentration of sand pine and also features some of the best remaining strands of long leaf pine Central Florida. The forest is also known to have more than 600 natural ponds and lakes, bounded by cypress trees, water lilies, and several other aquatic plants. Lake George, Half-moon Lake, and Lake Orange are some of the most spectacular lakes in Ocala. Besides, a number of swamps, springs, central highlands, and coastal lowlands lie between the river boundaries of this national forest. The forest also serves as home to the U. S. Navy’s Pine-Castle Bombing Range as well as the ‘ghost town’ of Kerr City.
The Ocala National Forest is also home to a wide variety of wildlife. It has the highest concentration of the Florida’s Black Bear population. Other wildlife species that can found here include the alligators, white-tailed deer, wild boar, grey fox, raccoon, opossum, bob cat, river otters, pocket gophers, Gopher Tortoise, and armadillos. The Ocala North OHV Trail System and the Wandering Wiregrass OHV Trail System offer a wide array of recreational experiences. The main recreational activities offered at the Park include canoeing, snorkeling, fishing, skiing, boating, swimming, bicycling, hiking, horseback riding, and camping.
The Florida Trail, Lake Eaton Sinkhole Trail, St. Francis Trail, and the Salt Springs Observation Trail are some of the most popular hiking trails in the forest. The ‘Yearling Trail’, situated near the Juniper Prairie Wilderness and Juniper Springs, is a major attraction. The 22-mile (35-km) long Paisley Woods Bicycle Trail, on the other hand, is ideal for bicycling. LAM Trail is considered to be the best for horseback riding. In addition, the Ocala National Forest also offers all the required facilities for camping. Doe Lake, Big Bass Lake, Clearwater Lake, Big Scrub, Alexander Springs, and Juniper Springs are some of the most-frequented campsites in the forest. The Ocala National Forest offers a serene retreat from the hustle and bustle of city life and is truly worth a visit.
- Address: Lake George Ranger District:
17147 East Highway 40,
Silver Springs, FL 34488; Ocklawaha Visitor Center:
3199 NE Highway 315,
Silver Springs, FL 34488
- Telephone: Lake George Ranger District: (352) 625-2520; Ocklawaha Visitor Center: (352) 236-0288
- Hours: Lake George Ranger District: Mon - Fri, 7:30 AM - 4 PM daily; Ocklawaha Visitor Center: 9 AM - 5 PM daily
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