Exploring Ocala National Forest | 65 miles of the Florida Trail

Review: Ocala National Forest exceeded our expectations!

In late February I hiked the Florida Trail Section of Ocala NF with my friend Justice. We've both been to Ocala National in the past, somewhat disappointed in it because of the contrasting worlds it displays. Cars stream into a few popular - possibly over-frequented springs, while many parts of the park are left unkempt. Jeeps roam the forest and there's even a live Naval bombing range there. We experience a very different Ocala National Forest though. Every half mile we stumbled into a new pristine wilderness. Freshly burned sandhills, pine and oak scrub, and oases of springs all to ourselves. We have been turned into believers in Ocala National, and I'd recommend everyone check out salt springs, alexander springs, juniper springs, hidden pond, and the 88 store.

If you have the time, do the entire Florida National Scenic Trail section of the Ocala National Forest, you will not regret it!!

When you can go to places and read their history - or learn their ecology, it adds so much more meaning to your travels. Luckily, Justice works in North Florida ecology and I basically had a nature tour guide throughout this trip. This trip instilled in me that I need to do more research about the flora and fauna I am passing through when preparing for trips. Quick fact - Ocala National is the oldest National Forest East of the Mississippi.

#OcalaNationalForest #Backpacking #Floridatrail