Overview
The Florida National Scenic Trail runs 66 miles through Ocala National Forest, making this the longest stretch of the Florida Trail on national forest land. The 10.0-mile out-and-back described here covers a representative section that passes through the primary habitat types of the forest: longleaf pine flatwoods, open Florida scrub, wetland margins, and patches of bayhead swamp.
Ocala is a flatland forest. The 100-foot total elevation gain over 10 miles is almost imperceptible. This is not a terrain challenge. The reward is the ecology: Florida scrub-jays, which are found nowhere outside Florida and often approach curious hikers closely; gopher tortoises with their excavated burrow entrances visible from the trail; sandhill cranes striding through the open flatwoods; and, in the right conditions, black bear tracks in the white sand.
The October through April season is when this trail is at its most comfortable. November through February temperatures are in the 60s to low 70s, insects are minimal, and the low vegetation of the scrub habitat means wildlife is easy to spot. Summer works if you start before 7 AM and carry substantial water, but the combination of heat, humidity, and insects makes mid-summer hiking on the Florida Trail a different kind of challenge than a mountain hike.
The Route
Miles 0 to 2.5: Flatwoods entry. The trail leaves the FL-40 corridor and heads into a longleaf pine and wiregrass flatwood community. The white sandy tread is soft underfoot and the understory is open. Gopher tortoise burrows are visible from the trail in this section. The route is marked with orange blazes.
Miles 2.5 to 5.0: Scrub and wetland transition. The trail transitions into scrub habitat with shorter, sparser vegetation. Florida scrub-jays are most commonly encountered in this section. The open sky and low vegetation make this the best wildlife-watching portion of the route. Sandhill cranes often feed in the open scrub areas.
At approximately mile 4.0, the trail passes near a wetland margin where wading birds (great blue herons, little blue herons, and ibis) are commonly seen. The trail remains above the wetland on a slight sandy ridge.
Miles 5.0: Turnaround. The trail continues north, but 5.0 miles is a practical turnaround for a day-hike in Florida heat. The route is marked clearly in both directions. Return via the same path.
Return: Retrace the route south to the trailhead.
When to Visit
October through April: The recommended season. Cool, dry conditions make for comfortable walking. Wildlife is active and visible in the open habitats. December through February is particularly good for birding.
May through September: Possible but challenging. Heat index frequently exceeds 100 degrees by midday. Mosquitoes and deer flies are heavy. If hiking in summer, start before 7 AM, carry more water than you think you need, and plan for a shorter day.
During hunting season (fall): Deer hunting is permitted in designated areas during Florida's hunting season. Wear blaze orange when hiking in areas outside the developed recreation sites during hunting season. Check the Florida FWC calendar for current season dates.
What to Bring
Many hikers on this route carry:
- 2-3 liters of water (individual needs vary significantly in Florida heat; the open scrub has no reliable water sources away from springs)
- Insect repellent (strongly recommended from March through October)
- Sun protection (hat, sunscreen) for the open scrub sections with no shade
- Snacks for a 3-5 hour outing
- Gaiters for the wetter sections in the rainy season
- Downloaded offline trail maps (cell service is limited in the interior of the forest)
Practical Details
No restroom at most Florida Trail trailheads in the Ocala section. Practice Leave No Trace waste disposal. See the LNT guide for guidance.
The trail is marked with orange blazes. The tread is well-worn but can be hard to follow in areas of white sand where multiple use-trails converge. Keep the orange blazes in sight.
Dispersed camping is permitted along the Florida Trail corridor in Ocala National Forest. No permit required as of 2026. Camp at least 200 feet from water and off the trail tread.
Alligators are present in wetland areas near the trail. Stay on the trail near wetland sections and keep a respectful distance from any alligators observed. Follow Florida FWC guidelines for alligator safety.
Cell service is limited in the interior of the forest. Download offline maps from the Florida Trail Association or a trail app before your trip.
Getting There
From Ocala, take FL-40 east approximately 20 miles to the Ocala National Forest boundary and beyond to the trailhead pullouts on FL-40. Specific milepost references for Florida Trail trailheads are available on the Florida Trail Association website.
From DeLand, take US-17 north to FL-40 west, then west toward Juniper Springs and the forest interior. Multiple trailhead access points exist along FL-40.
Download the Florida Trail Association's Ocala section maps before your trip. Current trail conditions are maintained at the Florida Trail Association website. USFS Ocala contact information is at fs.usda.gov/ocala.