A large swath of protected land contiguous with the Ocala National Forest, Caravelle Ranch WMA offers opportunities for hiking, biking, fishing, and paddling.
The property is popular among hunters, although hunting dates are limited, especially compared to the nearby national forest.
Bordered by the St. Johns and Ocklawaha Rivers, much of the landscape is floodplain swamp, hammocks, and wet flatwoods.
Palm and oak hammockIn addition to the more obvious Florida Trail and Outhouse Hammock Loop, a trailhead off SR 19 simply named “Hiking Trail” provides access to this rural wilderness.
This hiking only trail system is made up of a large perimeter loop with a pair of connector trails, allowing for a varied trip length.
Yellow cross trailResources
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Overview
Location: Palatka
Length: 4.8 miles
Trailhead: 29.493417, -81.744194
Address: SR 19, Palatka
Fees: Free
Restrooms: None
Land manager: Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission
Phone: 352-732-1225
Open sunrise to sunset. Leashed dogs welcome.
FWC manages hunting on the property. Check in advance regarding scheduled hunts and always wear blaze orange during hunting seasons.
Directions
From the intersection of SR 19 and SR 20 west of Palatka, head south on SR 19 for 12.2 miles. The trailhead will be on the left side of the road about 3 miles after crossing the Cross Florida Barge Canal.
Hike
Beginning at a fence gap alongside the trailhead kiosk, follow white blazes as they lead down a wide corridor under a shady mixed canopy of oak and pine.
Reaching the start of the main loop in a quarter mile, stay to the right to begin a counterclockwise circuit.
Trailhead entranceKeep straight ahead at 0.6 mile where a cross trail branches off to the north. This yellow blazed side trail eventually leads back to the main loop.
However, it cuts out a corner of the white trail that dips into a lush hydric hammock of cabbage palms and majestic live oaks.
Stand of cabbage palmsThe trail takes a sharp turn to the east at 1.3 miles, passing a shelter with picnic tables before entering a pine flatwoods habitat covered in a verdant sea of gallberry and saw palmetto.
A variety of wildflowers border the grassy pathway, many of which produce vibrant blooms in late summer and early autumn.
Picnic shelterAfter crossing a small wooden bridge at 1.5 miles, the trail heads southward to follow an access road for 0.2 mile before turning off onto a narrow path through the pines.
White blazes indicate the trail as it curves northward, passing another picnic pavilion along the way.
Bridge near the eastern endReaching the north end of the loop at 2.4 miles, turn onto Boundary Road, a raised, straight doubletrack heading westward.
The road traces alongside open pastures for a short distance, eventually leading back into the forest.
Boundary RoadAt 3.6 miles, pass a junction with a cross trail. This red blazed route connects with the yellow trail to the south.
Approaching the northwest corner of the loop, the sound of distant traffic gradually increases. Turn left at the arrow, following the trail through dense stands of pines.
Finish the loop at 4.6 miles. From this point, follow white blazes for another quarter mile back to the trailhead.
Red TrailTrail Map
Explore More!
Learn more about the surrounding Ocala National Forest
Ocala National Forest Established in 1908 as the first National Forest east of the Mississippi, the Ocala National Forest is a mecca for hikers and campers, and the birthplace of the Florida Trail.Video
Hiking Caravelle Ranch
Nearby Adventures
Davenport Landing Trail Deep in the Ocala National Forest, the Davenport Landing Trail provides a scenic loop to a historic landing and archaeological site along the Ocklawaha River.
Florida Trail, Rodman to Buckman Lock 6.5 miles. Providing views across the Cross Florida Barge Canal from a high levee, the Florida Trail between Rodman and Buckman Lock mainly follows the Cross Florida Greenway.
Florida Trail, Buckman Lock to SR 20 7.4 miles. Crisscrossing former timberlands and blackwater cypress swamps, the Florida Trail north of Buckman Lock highlights conservation efforts taken on land previously used for agriculture. 
Florida Trail, Lake Delancy to Rodman 6.7 miles. Experience a sense of perspective on a piece of the Florida Trail traversing rolling hills topped with a majestic forest of longleaf pines.
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