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. ⚠ Sinkhole Trail currently CLOSED by USFS (since Oct 2024).

1.8-Mile LoopFree AdmissionDawn to Dusk

Lake Eaton Sinkhole Trail is a 1.8-mile loop in the Ocala National Forest leading to an 80-foot-deep, 450-foot-wide dry sinkhole containing a hardwood forest microclimate. A staircase of just under 200 steps descends to the bottom with observation decks at top and bottom. ⚠ The Sinkhole Trail has been CLOSED by the U.S. Forest Service since approximately October 2024 due to vandalism damage, with no announced reopening date. Verify status with the Ocala National Forest before driving out. The separate Lake Eaton Loop Trail (2.3-mile lake loop) may still be accessible.

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.

Nearby Lake Eaton Campground offers 14 seasonal campsites (open October through May; $15/night, 14-day stay limit per 30 days, vault toilets, hand-pump water, on-site boat ramp; reservations via Recreation.gov). The Sinkhole trailhead historically shares parking with the separate 2.3-mile Lake Eaton Loop Trail. Note: the Sinkhole Trail itself has been closed by the U.S. Forest Service since approximately October 2024 due to vandalism damage (vault toilet and road damage). Verify current open/closed status with the Ocala National Forest before driving to the trailhead.

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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

Is the Lake Eaton Sinkhole Trail currently open?

**NO — the Lake Eaton Sinkhole Trail has been CLOSED by the U.S. Forest Service since approximately October 2024 due to vandalism damage** (including damage to the vault toilets and access road). No reopening date has been announced as of this writing. Check the U.S. Forest Service Ocala National Forest page for current status before driving out. The separate Lake Eaton Loop Trail (2.3-mile lake loop) is a different trail and may still be accessible — verify before going.

How long is the Lake Eaton Sinkhole Trail?

The Lake Eaton Sinkhole Trail (currently CLOSED — see above) is a 1.8-mile loop through sand pine scrub. The trail leads to a dramatic dry sinkhole approximately 80 feet deep and 450 feet across, with a staircase of just under 200 steps descending into the bowl. There are observation decks at both the top and bottom of the sinkhole.

Is the Lake Eaton Sinkhole Trail free?

When open, the Lake Eaton Sinkhole Trail is free to access — a day-use area in the Ocala National Forest open from dawn to dusk, with a vault toilet and parking area at the trailhead. **However, the trail is currently CLOSED — see the first FAQ above for details.**

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.