Land Bridge Trailhead
Florida's first wildlife overpass — a $3.4M, 200-foot bridge spanning I-75 near Ocala with hiking, biking, and horseback riding trails
The Land Bridge Trailhead, located about 9 miles south of Ocala off I-75, is the access point for Florida's first wildlife overpass — a 200-foot, 52-foot-wide bridge spanning I-75 that cost $3.4 million and has been documented capturing bears, bobcats, and deer on trail cameras. The trailhead offers free hiking, biking, and horseback riding with restrooms and potable water on site.
Florida's First Wildlife Overpass — Right Outside Ocala
The Land Bridge Trailhead sits approximately 9 miles south of Ocala along the Cross Florida Greenway, and it marks one of the most significant conservation milestones in Florida's history. Here, a $3.4 million wildlife overpass stretches 200 feet across Interstate 75 — 52 feet wide and covered in native vegetation — creating a safe crossing corridor for wildlife that was previously divided by one of Florida's busiest highways.
The overpass was constructed as part of ongoing efforts to reconnect fragmented wildlife habitats between the Ocala National Forest to the north and conservation lands extending southward. Trail cameras positioned near the structure have documented Florida black bears, bobcats, and white-tailed deer using the crossing. Biologists hoped that wide-ranging species like the Florida panther — which requires vast territories to survive — would ultimately benefit from the restored habitat connectivity.
For visitors, the trailhead is accessed approximately 1.4 miles east of the bridge off County Road 475A, near the CR 484 exit off I-75. The parking area provides a launching point for multi-use trails open to hikers, mountain bikers, and horseback riders. Restrooms and potable water are available on site, making the trailhead a practical base for longer outings. The surrounding landscape is characteristic of the Cross Florida Greenway — a corridor of scrub, flatwoods, and wetland habitats that forms one of Central Florida's most important conservation areas.
The Land Bridge Trailhead is free to access year-round, managed by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection as part of the Marjorie Harris Carr Cross Florida Greenway system. 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
Florida's first wildlife overpass spans I-75 at 200 ft long by 52 ft wide. Constructed for $3.4M to reconnect fragmented habitat corridors.
Trail Camera Wildlife
Cameras have documented bears, bobcats, and deer crossing the bridge. A living testament to Florida's conservation investment.
Multi-Use Trails
Open to hikers, mountain bikers, and horseback riders. Part of the Cross Florida Greenway network connecting Marion County's trail system.
Free Access
No fees for parking or trail use. Restrooms and potable water on site. Open year-round as part of the state greenway system.
Trailhead Information
Access & Hours
Access: ~1.4 miles east of the bridge off CR 475A
Exit: CR 484 exit off I-75
Distance from Ocala: ~9 miles south
Admission: Free
Season: Open year-round
Amenities & Activities
Restrooms on site
Potable water available
Hiking trails
Mountain biking trails
Horseback riding trails
Wildlife viewing
The Wildlife Overpass: Why It Matters
Interstate 75 cuts across Florida like a wall, separating wildlife populations that once roamed freely across the peninsula. For species like the Florida black bear, which can travel up to 60 miles in search of food or mates, a four-lane interstate is an almost insurmountable barrier that fragments gene pools and increases mortality from vehicle strikes.
The Land Bridge was Florida's answer to this challenge. At 200 feet long and 52 feet wide, it is large enough to carry native vegetation — providing cover that encourages even shy species to cross. The $3.4 million investment has yielded documented crossings by black bears, bobcats, and deer, and biologists continue to monitor the structure for evidence of Florida panther use. The project has become a model for wildlife crossing infrastructure nationwide.
For visitors, the Land Bridge offers a rare opportunity to see conservation science in action. The landscape around the trailhead is managed specifically to support wildlife movement — which also makes it exceptional habitat 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 is a multi-use recreational access point located approximately 9 miles south of Ocala along the Cross Florida Greenway. Its most notable feature is Florida's first wildlife overpass — a 200-foot long, 52-foot wide bridge spanning Interstate 75 that was constructed to allow wildlife to safely cross the highway. The trailhead provides access to hiking, biking, and horseback riding trails, with restrooms and potable water available on site.
Where is the Land Bridge Trailhead located?
The Land Bridge Trailhead is located approximately 1.4 miles east of the wildlife overpass bridge, accessed off County Road 475A near the CR 484 exit off I-75. It sits roughly 9 miles south of Ocala in Marion County, Florida, as part of the Marjorie Harris Carr Cross Florida Greenway system managed by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection.
How much did the Florida wildlife overpass cost?
The wildlife overpass spanning I-75 near the Land Bridge Trailhead cost $3.4 million to construct. It was built as part of Florida's broader efforts to reconnect fragmented wildlife habitats and reduce wildlife-vehicle collisions along the Interstate 75 corridor. The bridge is 200 feet long and 52 feet wide, making it one of the most significant wildlife infrastructure projects in Florida's conservation history.
What wildlife uses the I-75 land bridge near Ocala?
Trail cameras installed at the I-75 wildlife overpass have documented bears, bobcats, and deer crossing the bridge. The overpass was designed to allow movement of wide-ranging species including Florida black bears and Florida panthers between the Ocala National Forest and conservation lands to the south. The wildlife crossing connects critical habitat corridors that were previously severed by the interstate highway.
What activities are available at Land Bridge Trailhead?
The Land Bridge Trailhead offers access to multi-use trails open to hikers, mountain bikers, and horseback riders. Restrooms and potable water are available at the trailhead, making it suitable for longer excursions. The trail system connects to the broader Cross Florida Greenway network. The area is also popular with wildlife enthusiasts and photographers hoping to spot animals near the wildlife overpass corridor.
Is the Land Bridge Trailhead free?
Yes, access to the Land Bridge Trailhead and the surrounding Cross Florida Greenway trails is free. There are no parking fees or trail use fees. The trailhead is part of the Florida Department of Environmental Protection's greenway system and is open to the public year-round. Basic facilities including restrooms and potable water are provided at no charge.
Explore More Ocala Trails
The Land Bridge is one of many outstanding trail access points along the Cross Florida Greenway. Discover the full network.