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.
photo by americanll.com
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 longleaf-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.
dialogue by Johnny Molloy
Trail Guide
Activity Type: Hiking
Nearby City: Umatilla, FL
Length: 24.7 total miles
Trail Type: Point-to-Point
Skill Level: Moderate
Season: Late fall to spring
Trailhead Elev: 100 feet
Top Elev: 130 feet
Local Maps: Florida Trail - Ocala National Forest: Clearwater Lake to Juniper Springs Topo Map
Sources; Google, Americanll.com, Trails.com
Stu Marks
Editor-in-Chief, Adventure-Space.com
Travel Editor, Adventure-Zone
Field Producer - Team Two