The Ocala National Forest is the oldest national forest in Florida. President Theodore Roosevelt officially made the area a national forest over a century ago in 1908. The land stretches for 387,000 acres, and it can take a lifetime to explore. If you’re considering purchasing Ocala National Forest real estate, you can explore it every weekend and discover something new each time.
Here are the top 3 things to do in the Ocala National Forest if you love hiking and slowly taking it all in, exploring by car and covering more ground, or going horseback riding through an authentic Old Florida landscape.
Is There Hiking in the Ocala National Forest?
Florida is known for having some of the most captivating and charming landscapes in the country. When you think of things to do in the Ocala National Forest, hiking instantly comes to mind. These Ocala National Forest trails perfectly capture the wild, lush Old Florida setting that you can only find in this part of the state. Trails are teeming with wildlife, shady canopies, and the peace and serenity that can only be found in nature. Consider these Ocala National Forest trails your new favorite thing to do in the Ocala National Forest to create lasting memories with your friends and loved ones. Then go home and take advantage of your favorite amenities at the Golden Ocala Golf & Equestrian Club. You might not be on vacation, but you can certainly feel like it.
Here are 3 Ocala National Forest trails you’ll never get tired of visiting. The Ocala National Forest is vast, and these trails make for a perfect day trip to explore the region:
- Located in Silver Glen Springs about an hour away from Golden Ocala, the Spring Boils Trail is an easy choice for families and those who like to walk at a leisurely pace due to its boardwalk and benches throughout. If you’re looking for something that showcases the natural beauty of the Ocala National Forest that works for all ages, this is the perfect trail to try.
- With its endless ancient live oaks and cabbage palms leading to a long-abandoned ghost town, the St. Francis Trail transports you back in time to a time before Florida was populated as we know it today. In the 1800s, St. Francis was a thriving riverport town near Deland that specialized in produce, including citrus and watermelon. Steamboats used to come from Jacksonville upriver along the St. Johns to Sanford and exchange household goods for citrus and timber.
- The Timucuan Trail covers all of the major habitats of the Ocala National Forest in less than one mile. It’s in the Alexander Springs Recreation Area in Altoona, and well worth a drive.
Can You Drive Through the Ocala National Forest?
Driving through the forest is another option if you’re looking for things to do in the Ocala National Forest. Enjoy the comfort of air conditioning, your favorite snacks, music and your friends and loved ones. All you need are Ocala National Forest directions and an Ocala National Forest map. Even though you’re driving, you can still stop and take it all in before you move on to your next destination. There are a variety of springs, forests, trails, rivers, and lakes along the way and you’ll definitely have a chance to experience the landscape.
One of the best ways to explore the Ocala National Forest by car is via the Florida Black Bear Scenic Byway. The national scenic byway consists of a network of scenic roads through the heart of the Ocala National Forest, between Silver Springs and Ormond Beach. It is also known as State Road 40.
The byway preserves not only the beautiful natural surroundings but also the culture and communities that come with one of the most distinctive ecosystems in the country. The Big Scrub is the largest continuous sand pine forest made from ancient sand dunes, with unique vegetation that can thrive in minimal water.
Some great things about exploring the Ocala National Forest by car are being able to visit the delicious mom-and-pop restaurants along the way. There is no better way to explore an area than through its local shops and restaurants.
Your Ocala National Forest directions start with the byway at the intersection of State Road 40 and State Road 35 approximately one-half mile east of Ocala city limits. From here, you’ll travel east on State Road 40 into the forest. We hope this is one of your favorite things to do in the Ocala National Forest because it certainly is one of ours.
Can You Ride Horses in the Ocala National Forest?
The Ocala National Forest riding trails are some of the best in the area. Experience true peace and uninterrupted miles of nature.
Here are 2 riding trails to start with so you can make this a new weekend tradition and one of your new favorite things to do in the Ocala National Forest:
- Ocala One Hundred Mile Horse Trail consists of the 40-mile Flatwoods Trail, the 40-mile Prairie Trail, and the 20-mile Baptist Lake Trail.
- The LAM (Lake/Alachua/Marion) Trail stretches for 34 miles inside the Ocala National Forest from Doe Lake to near the town of Eureka along the Ocklawaha River.
Try them both or stick with the one you love the most. Come home and kick back and relax in style in your beautifully equipped Golden Ocala home. Even the stables for your horse are full of luxury.
Ocala National Forest Real Estate in Golden Ocala
Live in comfort and enjoy the best of both worlds with Ocala National Forest real estate in Golden Ocala. There are endless options with 10 beautifully designed neighborhoods, which all cater to an elite lifestyle complete with upscale amenities and activities for everyone. Spending the day exploring the Ocala National Forest and feeling the relaxing benefits of being immersed in its amazing natural landscapes can only end with coming home to your own personal sanctuary in the Golden Ocala Golf & Equestrian Club.