Land Bridge Trailhead
The first land bridge of its kind in the United States — a planted, 200-foot bridge over I-75 south of Ocala, with hiking, biking, and horseback riding trails
The Land Bridge Trailhead, at 11100 SW 16th Ave. south of Ocala (I-75 exit at CR 484), is the main access point for the I-75 Land Bridge — a 52-foot-wide, 200-foot-long planted bridge over the interstate, the first of its kind in the United States, where wildlife cameras have recorded bobcats, coyotes, wild turkeys and Florida black bears crossing. The trailhead is free, open 8 a.m. to sunset, and has hiking, paved and mountain bike trails, horseback riding, and restrooms with potable water.
The First Land Bridge of Its Kind — Right Outside Ocala
The Land Bridge Trailhead sits south of Ocala along the Cross Florida Greenway, and it is the closest access to the I-75 Land Bridge. Completed in 2000 through a partnership with the Florida Department of Transportation, the bridge stretches 200 feet across Interstate 75 — 52 feet wide, planted with species native to the area and walled with local fieldstone — so trail users and wildlife can cross between the two halves of the Greenway that the interstate divides.
The bridge follows a natural ridge to keep ecological damage to a minimum. Wildlife cameras on the bridge, monitored by Greenway staff, have recorded crossings by bobcats, coyotes, wild turkeys and even Florida black bears, and the sandhill around the trailhead is good country for spotting deer, turkey, bobcat, red-shouldered hawks, sparrows and wrens.
For visitors, the trailhead is at 11100 SW 16th Ave., about 1.4 miles east of the bridge off County Road 475A, and you reach it from the CR 484 exit off I-75. From the parking area you can pick up the paved Santos to State Road 200 trail (6 miles east to Santos, 10 miles west to SR 200), a single-track link to the Greenway's 63-mile mountain bike network, a 3.5-mile section of the Florida National Scenic Trail, and equestrian trails. An accessible restroom with potable water and shaded picnic tables make it a practical base for longer outings.
The Land Bridge Trailhead has no fee and is open 8 a.m. to sunset every day of the year. It is managed by Florida State Parks as part of the Marjorie Harris Carr Cross Florida Greenway. Whether you are a wildlife enthusiast hoping to spot animals near the overpass corridor, a mountain biker looking for a new trail connection, or simply a curious visitor wanting to witness a landmark in Florida's conservation story, this trailhead delivers a genuinely unique outdoor experience. It pairs naturally with a visit to the Baseline Road Trailhead or the Centennial OHV Trailhead for a full day exploring the Greenway system.
200-Foot Wildlife Bridge
The first land bridge of its kind in the U.S. spans I-75 at 200 ft long by 52 ft wide, planted with native vegetation for trail users and wildlife.
Trail Camera Wildlife
Cameras on the bridge have recorded bobcats, coyotes, wild turkeys and Florida black bears crossing over the interstate.
Multi-Use Trails
Open to hikers, cyclists, mountain bikers, and horseback riders, with a paved, ADA-accessible trail to Santos and SR 200.
Free Access
No fee. Accessible restroom with potable water on site. Open 8 a.m. to sunset, 365 days a year.
Trailhead Information
Access & Hours
Address: 11100 SW 16th Ave., Ocala, FL 34476
Access: ~1.4 miles east of the bridge off CR 475A
Exit: CR 484 exit off I-75
Hours: 8 a.m. to sunset, 365 days a year
Phone: 352-758-1000 (Cross Florida Greenway)
Admission: Free
Amenities & Activities
Accessible restroom
Potable water
Shaded picnic tables
Paved multi-use trail
Florida Trail (3.5 miles)
Mountain biking trails
Horseback riding trails
Wildlife viewing
The Wildlife Overpass: Why It Matters
Interstate 75 splits the Cross Florida Greenway in two south of Ocala. Before the Land Bridge, anyone on foot, bike or horseback — and any animal — following the Greenway had to get across a busy interstate. Vehicle collisions are a leading cause of death for Florida black bears, which is why a safe crossing matters for wildlife as well as people.
The Land Bridge, completed in 2000 with the Florida Department of Transportation, was the answer. At 200 feet long and 52 feet wide, it carries planters of native vegetation that give animals cover as they cross, and staff-monitored wildlife cameras have recorded bobcats, coyotes, wild turkeys and Florida black bears using it.
For visitors, the Land Bridge offers a rare opportunity to see conservation science in action. The upland sandhill around the trailhead is good for birding, wildlife photography, and quiet nature appreciation. Pair this stop with overnight camping in the Ocala area for a full immersion in Central Florida's natural heritage.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Land Bridge Trailhead near Ocala?
The Land Bridge Trailhead (Florida State Parks spells it Landbridge) is the main trailhead for the I-75 Land Bridge on the Marjorie Harris Carr Cross Florida Greenway, south of Ocala. Completed in 2000, the Land Bridge was the first structure of its kind in the United States: a 52-foot-wide, 200-foot-long planted bridge that carries trail users and wildlife over Interstate 75. From the trailhead you can reach the paved Santos to State Road 200 trail (6 miles east to Santos, 10 miles west to SR 200), a 3.5-mile section of the Florida National Scenic Trail, single-track mountain bike trails, and equestrian trails. There are restrooms with potable water and a shaded picnic area.
Where is the Land Bridge Trailhead located?
The Land Bridge Trailhead is at 11100 SW 16th Ave., Ocala, FL 34476. It is about 1.4 miles east of the Land Bridge off County Road 475A, and you reach it from I-75 at the County Road 484 exit. It is part of the Marjorie Harris Carr Cross Florida Greenway, managed by Florida State Parks (352-758-1000).
How big is the I-75 Land Bridge?
The Land Bridge is 52 feet wide and 200 feet long. It follows a natural ridge to limit ecological damage, its planters are filled with plants native to the surrounding area, and its walls were built from local fieldstone. It was built through a partnership with the Florida Department of Transportation so trail users and wildlife could cross I-75 on the Cross Florida Greenway.
What wildlife uses the I-75 Land Bridge near Ocala?
Wildlife cameras on the bridge, monitored by Greenway staff, have recorded crossings by bobcats, coyotes, wild turkeys and Florida black bears. The bridge reconnects the two halves of the Cross Florida Greenway that I-75 divides, so animals and people can move between them without crossing the highway.
What activities are available at Land Bridge Trailhead?
Hikers, cyclists, mountain bikers and horseback riders all use the trailhead. The paved, ADA-accessible Santos to State Road 200 multi-use trail runs 6 miles east to Santos and 10 miles west to SR 200; a single-track trail connects to the Greenway's 63-mile mountain bike network, including Santos; a 3.5-mile, orange-blazed section of the Florida National Scenic Trail passes through; and equestrian trails lead across the Land Bridge. Cactus Jack's Trail Rides offers guided horseback rides on the Greenway.
Is the Land Bridge Trailhead free?
Yes. Florida State Parks lists no fee for the Land Bridge Trailhead. It is open 8 a.m. to sunset, 365 days a year, with paved parking for cars and RVs, grassy equine parking, an accessible restroom with potable water, and accessible picnic tables.
Explore More Ocala Trails
The Land Bridge is one of many outstanding trail access points along the Cross Florida Greenway. Discover the full network.