NOTE: As of Jan 2024, this trail is still closed for renovations (since 2022).
In less than a mile, the Timucuan Trail covers all of the major habitats of the Ocala National Forest.
From spring-side hydric hammocks and floodplain forest to sand pine scrub, this short hike has it all.
Hiking the Timucuan TrailIt’s an integral part of the Alexander Springs Recreation Area, which offers swimming, camping, canoe and kayak rentals and shuttles, and access to the Florida Trail as well.
Paddlers on Alexander Run as seen from the Timucuan TrailResources
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Overview
Location: Alexander Springs Recreation Area
Length: 0.9 mile loop
Trailhead: 29.080850,-81.576317
Address: 49525 CR 445, Altoona
Fees: $12 per person per day. Hikers report a $7 day pass issued on weekdays.
Restroom: At the day use area
Land manager: National Forests in Florida
Phone: 352-625-3147
Alexander Springs Recreation Area is operated as a concession by Adventure Ocala. Recreation area open 8-8.
Dogs are not permitted in the day use area, so you cannot take your dog on this hike.
Directions
From SR 40 east of Astor, turn south on CR 445A and follow the signs. After 0.4 mile, turn left on CR 445 and continue south into the Ocala National Forest for 5.7 miles to the recreation area entrance on the right, just after the bridge over Alexander Run.
Hike
From the large Timucuan Trail sign, a boardwalk leads into a lush hydric hammock, deeply shaded by cabbage palms.
Clusters of cinnamon ferns rise from patches of land between clear, sand-bottomed rivulets.
Hiking through the hydric hammockYou feel as if you’ve walked into a lush jungle, and so it was for the Timucua who once lived along the banks of this spring.
Interpretive signs relate information about the habitat and its inhabitants.
Interpretive stop along the boardwalkAt the junction with a rough sand footpath, follow the footpath, which climbs into an upland forest.
Hikers preferring an accessible surface should skip the footpath and continue along the boardwalk, which is a beautiful out-and-back hike in its own right.
Natural surface footpathDogwood, oaks, and magnolia grow on a high bluff along a flowing creek.
The trail drops and turns to boardwalk to cross the creek. At the end of the boardwalk, roots invade the footpath and the soil may be squishy.
Spring-fed creekUp you go, through an upland forest and into the Big Scrub. Can you smell the the sweet aroma of silk bay?
Gnarled sand live oaks provide shade beneath the tall sand pines.
Hickory leaves in the uplandsThe trail soon enters another cabbage palm grove, where dark-green needle palms fill the understory.
At 0.4 mile is another boardwalk and a stand of ancient cypress. A side trail leads right to a small sinkhole-like depression.
Ancient cypress rising above the forestDropping into a forest of magnolia trees, the Timucuan Trail curves left. At 0.6 mile, it meets the boardwalk again. Turn right.
Follow it to an observation platform, which offers an excellent view of Alexander Run as it comes around a curve.
Observation point at the end of the boardwalkThis is the turn-around point. On the return trip, follow the boardwalk as it keeps close to the shore of the run.
Another side trail leads to an observation deck. It offers a view of the far shore and of the the swimming area at the springs.
View of the swimming area from the observation pointThe trail winds along through the younger hammock, crossing a sand-bottomed stream as you pass the end of the loop.
Turn right to exit, following the trail out to the day use area. Enjoy a walk along the waterfront on the return trip.
Waterfront at the spring and observation deck on far shoreTrail Map
Explore More!
Learn more about Alexander Springs
Alexander Springs Surrounding one of Florida's most picturesque first magnitude springs, Alexander Springs is a prime destination for a summer swim or snorkel.Slideshow
See our photos of the Timucuan Trail
Nearby Adventures
Florida Trail, Alexander Springs to Farles Prairie 8.6 miles. Dive deep into the world's largest sand pine scrub forest on this hike through the Big Scrub.
Florida Trail, Clearwater Lake to Alexander Springs 10.5 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.
Clearwater Lake Recreation Area With 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 Protecting the western shore of Lake Akron in Paisley, Ellis Acres Reserve offers rolling pastures and woodlands along its 4.3 miles of trails.
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