Ocala National Forest

The trail in the Ocala National Forest offers mostly level, dry hiking through pine islands and hardwood forest and along the edges of prairies and ponds. In the southern portion of the forest, the trail crosses some narrow sections of hardwood swamp.

Access to and from the trail is provided at several points, but three major locations are Salt Springs, Juniper Springs, and Alexander Springs recreation areas. These locations also provide a host of recreational amenities.

The primary Florida Trail is blazed orange. Blue blazes mark side trails to campsites, access points or places of interest. Double blazes indicate a change of direction, or that the trail is leaving an obvious path. After you spot a double blaze, watch carefully for the next blaze.

The Florida Trail in the Ocala National Forest is certified as Florida National Scenic Trail, and has been called the "crown jewel" of the Florida Trail system. The entire length of the trail in the National Forest is also designated as part of the Florida Statewide Greenways and Trails System. The trail traverses a range of natural communities including extensive stands of longleaf pines, and scattered communities of sand pines, other short leaf pines, and hardwoods.