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Ocala National Forest, Florida’s Natural Wonder
Ocala National Forest
FLORIDA
Ocala National Forest:
A Wild Florida Escape
Florida has a wild side that most visitors never see—and Ocala National Forest is at the heart of it. Whether you're planning a weekend escape or a longer outdoor adventure, Ocala delivers an experience that's anything but ordinary.
Just north of Orlando and a short drive from downtown Ocala, Ocala National Forest offers a side of Florida many travelers never expect. This is not a landscape of high-rises and theme parks. It is a place of spring-fed waters, quiet pine forests and wide-open space where you can hike, paddle, swim and camp under the stars.
At roughly 387,000 acres, Ocala National Forest is the oldest national forest east of the Mississippi River and the southernmost national forest in the continental United States. It also protects the largest contiguous sand pine scrub forest in the world, making it one of Florida’s most distinctive natural areas.
Silver Glen Springs is popular destination for families to swim, snorkel and wade.
Why It’s Special
Ocala’s beauty comes from its variety. More than 600 lakes, rivers, springs and swamps are scattered across the forest, creating an ever-changing backdrop for outdoor adventure. One day you can paddle a tree-lined run fed by a spring. The next, you can hike through scrub habitat or cool off in a swimming area framed by palms and cypress.
The forest also plays an important ecological role. Its waterways help recharge the Floridan Aquifer, the underground water source that supports much of Florida and parts of the Southeast. It is also a refuge for wildlife, including one of the state’s largest populations of Florida black bears and scrub jays. Alligators, white-tailed deer, river otters, foxes and gopher tortoises are among the many animals that call this landscape home.
Juniper Run, a seven-mile, winding waterway in Florida’s Ocala National Forest is a great place to kayak.
A Forest With Deep Roots
Ocala National Forest was established Nov. 24, 1908, by President Theodore Roosevelt. It was created in response to heavy logging and agricultural clearing that threatened the region in the early 20th century. The goal was to protect this rare sand pine scrub ecosystem and conserve public land for future generations.
Human history here stretches back much further. Indigenous peoples, including the Timucua and Seminole, used the area for thousands of years. Archaeological sites, including burial mounds, date back roughly 12,000 years.
In the 1930s, the Civilian Conservation Corps helped shape the forest’s recreational future by building facilities that are still in use today, including the historic bathhouses at Juniper Springs.
When walking the Ocala National Forest's paths, check out the diverse plants, birds, freshwater springs and lizards.
Outdoor Adventure in Every Direction
This is a forest made for exploring. Hiking is one of the best ways to experience it, with options ranging from short boardwalk walks to remote sections of the Florida Trail. The Timucuan Trail at Alexander Springs offers an easy loop with spring views and cultural history. The Yearling Trail blends nature with old Florida stories and historic homestead sites.
Water recreation is another major draw. Visitors can swim in famed springs like Alexander Springs, Juniper Springs, Salt Springs and Silver Glen Springs, where the water stays a refreshing 72 degrees year-round. Canoeing and kayaking are especially popular on Alexander Run and other scenic waterways. Boaters, anglers and tubers also have plenty of room to roam among the forest’s lakes and rivers.
Camping ranges from developed campgrounds with showers and picnic tables to dispersed sites that feel truly off the grid. There are also trails for horseback riding, mountain biking and off-highway vehicles, making the forest a strong fit for both quiet escapes and active trips.
You'll find a variety of hotels within easy driving distance of Ocala National Forest. After a day exploring crystal-clear springs and scenic trails, relax in comfort and take advantage of exclusive AAA rates while earning hotel loyalty points at your favorite brands, like Marriott, Hilton and select Choice Hotel brands.
Taking a selfie in the crystal-clear waters of Silver Glen Springs
ADOBE STOCK
Looking Ahead
Ocala National Forest is managed by the U.S. Forest Service, with land set aside for recreation, wildlife habitat and other public uses. But its future may bring a major change. In 2025, legislation was introduced to redesignate the 673-square-mile forest and surrounding springs as Florida Springs National Park. Supporters say national park status would strengthen protection for the springs and the Floridan Aquifer as development pressures grow.
If the plan moves forward, Ocala would become the nation’s 64th national park and the third-largest in the continental United States.
For now, Ocala National Forest remains one of Florida’s great natural escapes—wild, historic and full of ways to get outside. Whether you come to hike, paddle, swim or simply breathe a little deeper, this is a place that leaves an impression.
Ready to explore Florida? Let a knowledgeable AAA Travel Agent handle the logistics while you soak in the beauty of the great outdoors.
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