Alexander Springs
Astor 1.2 milesSurrounding one of Florida's most picturesque first magnitude springs, Alexander Springs is a prime destination for a summer swim or snorkel.
Circling Central Florida on the Florida Trail
East vs. West: which is best? I hiked both as a loop, so here's a rundown of how the two corridors of the Florida Trail compare through Central Florida - and a little trail history.
Clearwater Lake Recreation Area
Paisley 1.3 milesWith a campground and lakeside day use area at the southeast corner of the Ocala National Forest, Clearwater Lake Recreation Area offers an easy loop hike and access to the Florida Trail.
Ellis Acres Reserve
Paisley 4.3 milesProtecting the western shore of Lake Akron in Paisley, Ellis Acres Reserve offers rolling pastures and woodlands along its 4.3 miles of trails.
Florida Trail, Cassia
Paisley 14.2 miles14.2 miles. Traversing miles of endangered desert-like scrub habitat through Seminole State Forest, the Cassia section of the Florida Trail offers unique natural observations amongst sparse shade.
Florida Trail, Central Florida
In Central Florida, the Florida Trail presents two options: east or west around the Orlando metro. Forested public lands provide protection for much of the route.
Florida Trail, Clearwater Lake to Alexander Springs
Ocala National Forest 10.5 miles10.5 miles. Hike the original miles blazed by Florida Trail Association trailblazers in 1966 along one of the most beautiful sections of the Florida Trail in the Ocala National Forest.
Florida Trail, Ocala
Paisley to Palatka 72.3 milesSpanning 72.3 from the birthplace of the Florida Trail into the world’s largest sand pine scrub forest, the Ocala section is Florida’s top backpacking destination.
Florida Trail, Orlando
Kenansville to Paisley 150.5 milesBetween the prairies of Osceola County and the Ocala National Forest, this 150 mile section of the Florida Trail slips through suburbs of the Orlando metro.
In Their Footsteps
A historic moment for the Florida Trail: the reunion of three of the original trailblazers, 40 years after they painted the first blazes of the Florida Trail heading north from Clearwater Lake in the Ocala National Forest.
Lake May Reserve
Eustis 2.4 milesA scenic 2.4 mile loop explores restored sandhill and scrub habitats coaxed from a landscape of former orange groves alongside Lake May in Eustis.
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.