Florida Trail - Ocala National Forest

Clearwater Lake to Juniper Springs
The FT had its beginnings here in the Ocala National Forest. When built in 1966, it was called the Ocala Trail. Some still call the Ocala portion of the FT by its old name. This section of trail starts out a little tame, then passes some prairie and pond environments. Later, it crosses one of the Ocala’s few surface streams, then passes through rolling long leaf-pine land to enter the classic sand-pine scrub for which the national forest is known. The FT then passes through some scenic and remote territory of the Ocala National Forest. The route alternates between the open natural lakes and rolling sand hills of the state’s Central Ridge. The lake country features far-reaching views and cool waters. The sand-pine scrub forests cover big hills that offer vertical variation little seen in Florida. Oddly enough, some of the most remote territory on this hike borders a naval bombing range.

Activity Type: Hiking
Nearby City: Umatilla
Length: 24.7 total miles
Elevation Gain: Minimal
Trail Type: Point-to-point
Skill Level: Moderate
Season: Late fall to spring
Trailhead Elevation: 100 feet
Top Elevation: 130 feet