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Alexander Springs Loop Trail

Ocala National Forest, Florida · 4 min read

Distance
12 mi
Elevation Gain
50 ft
Difficulty
easy
Route Type
Loop
Best Season
October through April
Dog Friendly
Yes
Difficulty Score
2 / 10
Trailhead Amenities
Restroom
Flush Restroom
Parking
Fee Required
Cell Service
Limited
Water
At Trailhead
Camping
Developed
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Conditions, regulations, and fees change frequently. Verify with the local ranger district before your trip. Full disclaimer

At a Glance

  • Alexander Springs: 76-degree crystal-clear spring with swimming
  • Longest spring-based hiking loop in Ocala NF
  • Penetrates deeper into the forest interior than shorter loop options
  • Good Florida black bear and gopher tortoise habitat
  • Quiet on weekdays; popular destination for overnight backpacking

Overview

Alexander Springs is the longest spring-based hiking loop in Ocala National Forest, a 12.0-mile circuit that starts at one of the forest's most distinctive natural features and extends deep into the flatwoods and scrub interior before returning to the spring head. The extra mileage compared to the shorter Juniper Springs Loop means a quieter trail experience and deeper penetration into the scrub and flatwood habitats where Florida's endemic wildlife concentrates.

Alexander Springs flows at 76 degrees, slightly warmer than the 68-degree Juniper Springs, and the setting is distinctly subtropical. Large bald cypress trees overhang the spring run, and the clear water reveals a bottom of white sand and aquatic vegetation. The spring is a first-magnitude spring, meaning it discharges over 64 million gallons per day, making it one of the major springs in the Floridan Aquifer system.

The 12 miles of loop hiking are essentially flat. The 50-foot total gain is a rounding error. This is a distance and endurance challenge, not a terrain challenge. On a warm day in the dry season, the distance itself is the workout.

The Route

Miles 0 to 2.0: Spring run corridor. The loop departs from the Alexander Springs Recreation Area and follows trail alongside the spring run. The dominant vegetation is cypress and swamp maple with an open canopy over the clear water. This is the most visually dramatic section of the loop.

Miles 2.0 to 5.0: Flatwoods and scrub transition. The trail moves away from the spring run into the surrounding flatwood and scrub habitats. Longleaf pine and saw palmetto dominate the flatwoods; the scrub sections have shorter, denser shrub vegetation with open sandy areas.

Miles 5.0 to 8.0: Interior scrub and forest. The loop reaches the interior section with the greatest distance from the spring. Florida scrub-jay territories are present in the open scrub areas. Gopher tortoise burrows are numerous. This section also has the best potential for Florida black bear sightings; the sandy trail holds tracks well.

Miles 8.0 to 10.5: Return arc through flatwoods. The loop begins its return through a mix of flatwood and bayhead swamp margins. Alligators may be present near wetland areas; maintain a safe distance.

Miles 10.5 to 12.0: Spring area return. The final section returns to the spring run corridor and back to the recreation area.

When to Visit

November through March: The ideal season. Low insects, comfortable temperatures, clear spring water visibility, and active wildlife. The spring swimming area is open year-round.

October and April: Shoulder months with generally good conditions. Insects are increasing in April.

May through September: Challenging. Heat, humidity, daily afternoon thunderstorms, and heavy insect activity characterize Florida summer. Not recommended for this length of hike.

What to Bring

Many hikers on this route carry:

  • 3-4 liters of water (individual needs vary significantly; no water sources on the loop away from the spring head; Florida heat increases hydration needs)
  • Full day's food for a 4-6 hour outing
  • Insect repellent (recommended year-round, essential from March through October)
  • Sun protection for the open scrub sections
  • Blister prevention (the sandy tread can cause friction)
  • Downloaded offline maps (cell service unreliable in the forest interior)

Practical Details

The Alexander Springs Recreation Area has flush restrooms and drinking water at the trailhead. Day-use fee applies as of 2026; verify current rates at fs.usda.gov/ocala. America the Beautiful passes accepted.

Dogs are allowed on hiking trails but not in the spring swimming area. Keep dogs on leash throughout the recreation area.

Alligators are present in the spring run and adjacent wetlands. Do not approach or feed alligators. Follow Florida FWC guidelines for alligator safety.

The Leave No Trace guide covers best practices for dispersed camping and trail use in national forests.

Getting There

From Altoona, FL, take CR 445 south approximately 7 miles to the Alexander Springs Recreation Area entrance on the right. Signs direct visitors from US-19 and FL-40.

From Umatilla, take FL-19 north to CR 445, then east to the Alexander Springs entrance. The drive from Umatilla takes approximately 20 minutes.

From Orlando, take FL-429 to US-441 north, then FL-19 north through Umatilla to CR 445. The drive from Orlando takes approximately 70-80 minutes.

USFS Ocala contact and current conditions: fs.usda.gov/ocala. Campground reservations: Recreation.gov.

Trailhead Parking

Alexander Springs Recreation Area off CR 445 near Altoona, FL; day-use fee applies (as of 2026). Developed parking lot at the recreation area.

← Back to Ocala National Forest

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Frequently Asked Questions

How does Alexander Springs compare to Juniper Springs?
Alexander Springs is slightly warmer (76 degrees vs. 68 degrees at Juniper) and surrounded by more tropical-looking vegetation including large bald cypress. It receives somewhat less traffic than Juniper Springs. The hiking loop here is longer, making it a better option for those wanting a substantial day hike.
Is 12 miles too far for a casual hiker in Florida?
The terrain is completely flat, so the physical difficulty is lower than a 12-mile mountain hike. Most hikers in reasonable shape can complete it in 4-6 hours. However, in Florida's heat and humidity (especially May through September), 12 miles can be taxing. The October through April season is recommended for this length.
Are there water sources along the 12-mile loop?
There are no reliable water sources along most of the loop away from the spring at the trailhead. Many hikers carry all the water needed for the full loop. Individual hydration needs vary; plan for Florida heat.
Is there camping along the Alexander Springs loop?
Dispersed camping is permitted in designated forest areas along the route. The Alexander Springs Campground at the trailhead provides developed camping with facilities. No permit required for dispersed camping as of 2026.
What wildlife is along the Alexander Springs loop?
Florida black bears are present in this area of Ocala and tracks are commonly seen on sandy trails. Gopher tortoises are abundant. Florida scrub-jays inhabit the scrub sections. White-tailed deer and wild turkeys are common. Alligators are present in wetland areas near the trail.