Florida National Scenic Trail
~72 orange-blazed miles through the Ocala National Forest — and the historic birthplace of the trail. Jim Kern painted the first blaze at Clearwater Lake on October 29, 1966.
The Florida Trail traverses 67 miles through Ocala National Forest, from 49th Ave Trailhead northwest of Ocala to Rodman Dam on the east side. This section offers day hiking and multi-day backpacking options through scenic forest, past lakes and rivers, and along wetland areas. The trail features moderate difficulty with minimal elevation change and sandy substrate. Established campsites provide backpacking accommodations. Wildlife includes deer, turkeys, bears, and alligators. October through April provides optimal hiking conditions with comfortable temperatures and manageable insects. The white-blazed trail is well-maintained and part of the 1,400-mile Florida National Scenic Trail.
Why Hike the Florida Trail Through Ocala?
The Florida Trail's Ocala National Forest section represents one of Florida's premier long-distance hiking destinations. The 67-mile forest passage combines natural diversity, solitude, and trail infrastructure in a way few other sections match. Backpackers experience pristine forest ecosystems, abundant wildlife, and scenic beauty while maintaining reasonable access and established support systems.
The trail's accessibility from Ocala makes it ideal for Central Florida residents and visitors combining other attractions. Multi-day trips accommodate various fitness levels and time commitments.
Trail Sections and Access Points
Northern Section (49th Ave to Marshall Swamp)
Distance: Approximately 20 miles. Begins at 49th Ave Trailhead, passes through pine and cypress forests, crosses creeks, and reaches Marshall Swamp area. Popular for day hikes and first segment of longer backpacking trips.
Access: 49th Ave Trailhead via Forest Road 79
Central Section (Marshall Swamp to Lake)
Distance: Approximately 25 miles. Passes through varied forest and wetland ecosystems. Includes several water crossings and established camping areas. Excellent multi-day backpacking destination.
Access: Marshall Swamp and Highway 19 access points
Southern Section (Forest to Rodman Dam)
Distance: Approximately 22 miles. Trail exits national forest near Rodman Dam. Passes through increasingly developed areas. Final section connects to other trail systems.
Access: Various forest roads and Highway 19
Planning a Florida Trail Hike
Day Hiking
Choose shorter sections (5-10 miles) for day hikes. Starting early allows full day exploration. Return to vehicle before dark. Popular day hikes include 49th Ave Trailhead to Marshall Swamp sections.
Multi-Day Backpacking
Plan 2-4 day trips covering 15-30 miles. Carry all camping gear, food, and water treatment. Use established campsites. Navigation requires attention and maps.
What to Bring
Sturdy hiking boots, backpack (40-60L), water bottle/hydration system, map and compass/GPS, weather-appropriate clothing, first aid, and sun protection are essential.
Navigation Tools
Carry detailed topo maps, compass, and GPS device. Cell service is unreliable in forest. Download offline maps before heading out.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Florida National Scenic Trail?
The Florida National Scenic Trail (FNST) is a 1,400-mile long-distance hiking trail that runs the length of Florida — one of only 11 National Scenic Trails in the United States. It is marked by ORANGE BLAZES on trees and posts along its entire length (not white blazes — those are used by the Appalachian Trail). The Ocala National Forest section is the HEART of the Florida Trail, both geographically and historically: it is where the trail began.
Why is the Ocala section the "heart" of the Florida Trail?
The Florida Trail was started on October 29, 1966, when Florida Trail Association founder Jim Kern and a handful of hikers painted the trail's first blaze at Clearwater Lake Recreation Area in the Ocala National Forest. The Ocala section is the historic birthplace of the trail and is widely considered the most scenic section of the entire 1,400-mile route. Hiking through here is hiking through the original FNST.
How long is the Florida Trail through Ocala National Forest?
The Ocala National Forest section of the Florida Trail spans approximately 70-72 miles (sources vary slightly; the most commonly cited figure is 72.3 miles from Paisley in the south to Rodman Reservoir near Palatka in the north). The trail enters from the south near Paisley and exits to the north near Rodman Dam. This section is considered Florida's top backpacking destination.
Where are the main trailheads for accessing the Florida Trail in the Ocala area?
Within the Ocala National Forest, primary FNST access points include Clearwater Lake Recreation Area (the historic origin point of the trail), the Juniper Springs Recreation Area area, Alexander Springs, Salt Springs, and Rodman Dam. Outside the ONF, the SW 49th Avenue Trailhead and Marshall Swamp Trailhead provide access to the FNST as it crosses the Cross Florida Greenway south of Ocala — note that the FNST here is on the Greenway, not yet in the Ocala National Forest itself.
How difficult is the Florida Trail through Ocala National Forest?
The Florida Trail through Ocala is generally moderate difficulty. Terrain includes flat sandy forest paths, river crossings, and wetland areas, with minimal elevation change. Primary challenges include the sandy substrate (which is tiring for feet), occasional muddy sections, and abundant insects (especially mosquitoes in warm months). The trail is well-marked with orange blazes. Fitness needed depends on selected distance — the full 72-mile ONF section is a multi-day backpacking trip.
What wildlife might I encounter?
Common wildlife includes white-tailed deer, wild turkeys, gopher tortoises, squirrels, and many bird species. Florida black bears live in the forest (rare on-trail encounters, but use bear-resistant food storage when camping). Alligators are present near water. Snakes (including venomous species) inhabit the area but typically avoid humans. Peak insect season (spring-summer) means abundant mosquitoes and biting flies; fall and winter are much more comfortable.
Is camping available along the trail?
Yes — established backcountry campsites exist at regular intervals along the trail. Some have fire rings and cleared tent areas. Natural water sources (springs, lakes, creeks) are available but should be treated. Water availability varies seasonally; reliable sources are most common spring and fall. The Florida Trail Association maintains updated guides with current water source information.
What is the best season to hike the Florida Trail through Ocala?
October through April offers ideal conditions: cooler temperatures (often 50s-70s°F), lower humidity, and fewer insects. December through February is the most comfortable. June through August brings heat, humidity, and intense insect activity. Spring wildflowers (March-April) are a draw; fall (October-November) offers excellent visibility for views through the longleaf pines.
Plan Your Florida Trail Adventure
Hike 67 miles through pristine forest and discover Florida's natural beauty along the Florida Trail.