Ocala National Forest

Lake Eaton Sinkhole Trail

Descend into an 80-foot sinkhole hiding a secret hardwood forest in the heart of Florida's Big Scrub

1.8-Mile LoopFree AdmissionDawn to Dusk

About Lake Eaton Sinkhole Trail

The Lake Eaton Sinkhole Trail is one of the most unique hiking experiences in Central Florida. Located deep within the Ocala National Forest, this 1.8-mile loop trail winds through the Big Scrub — Florida's largest sand pine scrub ecosystem — before revealing a dramatic dry sinkhole that plunges approximately 80 feet below the surrounding terrain and stretches 450 feet across.

What makes this sinkhole extraordinary is the hidden world inside. While the surrounding landscape is arid scrub, the sinkhole bowl contains a lush hardwood forest of Southern magnolias, oaks, and hickories that thrive in the cooler, more sheltered microclimate. A staircase allows hikers to descend into the bowl and experience this dramatic ecological contrast firsthand.

The trail also passes through prime habitat for the federally threatened Florida scrub-jay. The Ocala National Forest supports one of the largest scrub-jay populations in the state, and these curious, intelligent birds are frequently spotted along the trail. Birdwatchers and nature photographers will find plenty of opportunities on this short but rewarding hike.

A nearby Lake Eaton Campground offers 14 seasonal campsites for those who want to extend their visit, and the trailhead shares parking with the Lake Eaton Loop Trail for additional hiking options in the forest.

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Trail Highlights

80-Foot Dry Sinkhole

Descend via staircase into a massive sinkhole with a hidden hardwood forest thriving in the cooler microclimate below.

Big Scrub Ecosystem

Walk through Florida's largest sand pine scrub — a rare, ancient ecosystem found nowhere else quite like this.

Florida Scrub-Jay Habitat

Spot the federally threatened Florida scrub-jay, commonly seen along this trail in their preferred scrub habitat.

Easy 1.8-Mile Loop

Manageable distance for most fitness levels. Sandy terrain with some elevation change at the sinkhole staircase.

Ecological Contrast

Experience two dramatically different ecosystems — arid scrub above and lush hardwoods below — separated by just a few feet of elevation.

Nearby Campground

Lake Eaton Campground offers 14 seasonal campsites for overnight stays near the trailhead.

What to Know Before You Go

Trail is accessed via Forest Road 50 (unpaved) off County Road 314
Sandy access road — high clearance vehicles recommended
Day use only: dawn to dusk, free admission
Vault toilet available at trailhead
Bring water — no drinking water available on trail
Leashed dogs are permitted
Sandy terrain — wear sturdy closed-toe shoes
Check with USDA Forest Service for current trail status before visiting
Contact: National Forests in Florida (352) 625-2520

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the Lake Eaton Sinkhole Trail?

The Lake Eaton Sinkhole Trail is a 1.8-mile loop through sand pine scrub in the Ocala National Forest. The trail leads to a dramatic dry sinkhole approximately 80 feet deep and 450 feet across, with a staircase that descends into the sinkhole bowl.

Is the Lake Eaton Sinkhole Trail free?

Yes, the Lake Eaton Sinkhole Trail is free to access. It is a day-use area in the Ocala National Forest open from dawn to dusk. There is a vault toilet and parking area at the trailhead.

What makes the Lake Eaton sinkhole unique?

The sinkhole is approximately 80 feet deep and 450 feet across. Inside the bowl, a hardwood forest of Southern magnolias, oaks, and hickories thrives in a cooler microclimate — a stark contrast to the surrounding arid sand pine scrub. A staircase allows visitors to descend into the sinkhole.

Can I see Florida scrub-jays on the Lake Eaton Trail?

Yes, the Ocala National Forest has one of the largest populations of Florida scrub-jays in the state. These federally threatened birds are commonly spotted along the Lake Eaton Sinkhole Trail, which passes through their preferred sand pine scrub habitat.

How do I get to the Lake Eaton Sinkhole Trail?

The trailhead is accessed via Forest Road 50 (unpaved), off County Road 314 in the Ocala National Forest. The access road is sandy and may be soft at times. There is an unimproved parking area at the trailhead shared with the Lake Eaton Loop Trail.

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Trail information verified by the Only In Ocala team with data from the USDA Forest Service. Updated March 2026.