Looking to experience something new on your next vacation? Look no further than the Ocala National Forest! While it may not be as popular as the Orlando theme parks an hour and a half south, it’s catching on fast, and it’s all thanks to National Geographic magazine. Each year, the publication puts out its “Best of the World” list, a menu of 25 international destinations designed to help travelers plan for the new year’s travels. And in a surprising turn of events, the Ocala National Forest made the list. In fact, not only did it make the list, National Geographic named it the best destination in America, and the second-best destination worldwide. To celebrate, we’ll tell you everything you need to know about the forest, from history to ecology to recreational opportunities and where to stay on your visit. Let’s get started!
The Ocala National Forest at a Glance
One of only three national forests in Florida, the Ocala National Forest is one of the state’s last wild places. This 607-square-mile (441,925-acre) forest is Florida’s second-largest nationally protected wilderness. Established in 1908, it is the oldest national forest east of the Mississippi River. Meanwhile, at 29° N latitude, it is the southernmost national forest in the continental US. Four officially recognized wilderness areas lie within the Ocala Forest: Alexander Springs Wilderness, Billies Bay Wilderness, Juniper Prairie Wilderness, and Little Lake George Wilderness.
History of the Ocala National Forest
Long before it was designated a federally protected wilderness, the Ocala National Forest was home to the Timicuan people. The name “Ocala” is thought to be a Timicuan term meaning “fair land” or “big hammock.” During the Civil War, it was home to a cotton plantation, which later became the thriving orange-growing community of Kerr. Kerr grew to a population of around 100. It had a sawmill, a hotel, a schoolhouse, a pharmacy, and a post office. After the freezes of 1894-95, all but a few residents abandoned Kerr. Today, it is a ghost town owned by a descendant of one of the first settler families and closed to the public. Besides Kerr, however, the Ocala National Forest has remained almost entirely undeveloped.
Ecology of the Ocala National Forest
Because it is largely undeveloped and because of its porous sands, the Ocala National Forest serves as a vital recharging station for the Florida Aquifer, helping it maintain healthy water levels. It is home to more than 600 natural ponds, lakes, and numerous rivers and wet prairies.
The Ocala National Forest straddles the Florida scrub and southeastern conifer forests ecoregions. It supports the world’s largest concentration of sand pine and some of Florida’s best-preserved stands of longleaf pine. In addition to longleaf pine forests, Florida scrub, and wet prairies, other ecosystems found in the Ocala National Forest include pine flatwoods, live oak hammocks, springs, and swamps.
The forest’s diverse habitats support a wide variety of wildlife. It is home to Florida’s largest population of black bears, and its warm waterways support an itinerant population of West Indian manatees. Other animals found in the Ocala National Forest include alligators, white-tailed deer, boar, and bobcats. In addition to the native wildlife, the Ocala National Forest also hosts the outer ranges of a population of Rhesus macaques, introduced to nearby Silver Springs State Park as a tourist attraction in 1938.
Recreation in the Ocala National Forest
The Ocala National Forest’s subtropical climate and mild winters accommodate year-round recreation. Here are some of the recreational activities you can enjoy during your visit:
Hiking in the Ocala National Forest
Many hiking trails crisscross the Ocala National Forest. Popular trails include the Salt Springs Observation Trail, the Florida Trail, the St. Francis Trail, the Yearling Trail, and the Lake Eaton Sinkhole Trail.
Biking
The Paisley Woods Bicycle Trail offers 22 miles of scenic biking. The trail is unpaved, so mountain bikes are encouraged.
Off-Roading
Whether you bring your off-road vehicle or rent an ATV at the nearby Rockstar ATV Rentals, off-roading offers an adrenaline-soaked way to explore the forest. Off-road vehicles are permitted on three trail systems. They include the Ocala North OHV Trail System, the Wandering Wiregrass OHV Trail, and the Ocala Centennial OHV Trail.
Horseback Riding in the Ocala National Forest
Many old roads that cut through the Ocala National Forest have been repurposed for recreational horseback riding. The best horseback riding trails include the LAM and One Hundred Mile trails.
Shooting
Located in the forest’s center, the Ocala Shooting Range is an unsupervised facility with a rifle and handgun range and a single-station, self-throw shotgun station.
Swimming
The Ocala National Forest is home to several freshwater springs. With a constant temperature of 72 degrees, these natural swimming holes are the perfect place to beat the Florida heat. Popular swimming holes include the Salt Springs Recreation Area, Silver Glen Springs, and Juniper Springs.
Camping in the Ocala National Forest
Want to spend more time in nature? The Ocala National Forest offers 13 campgrounds, ranging from primitive campgrounds to developed campgrounds with shower facilities and electricity hookups. Popular campgrounds include Clearwater Lake Recreation Area, Juniper Springs, Doe Lake, Wildcat Lake, and Big Scrub.
Where to Stay Near the Ocala National Forest
If roughing it at a campground isn’t your thing, no worries! Not far from the Ocala National Forest, you’ll find many luxury timeshare rentals where you can enjoy all the comforts of home and more on your vacation. Here are a few of the best nearby resorts, as picked by the experts at Timeshares Only.
Summer Bay Orlando Resort
Located in Orlando, just an hour and 15 minutes south of Ocala, Summer Bay Orlando Resort not only offers quick and easy access to the Ocala National Forest, it’s also just minutes from premier Orlando attractions like Walt Disney World, Universal Epic Universe, and SeaWorld. However, you don’t have to spring for theme park tickets on your days off from the forest. In fact, you don’t even have to leave the resort. Because with a staggering six swimming pools, a marina with boat rentals, an 18-hole miniature golf course, a water park, and more, Summer Bay has everything you need to make memories right onsite. Accommodations include one- and two-bedroom condo-style units with open floor plans, in-unit kitchens, whirlpool tubs, as well as private balconies.
Daytona SeaBreeze, a Bluegreen Resort
At just an hour and 40 minutes from Ocala, getting to the Ocala National Forest from Daytona SeaBreeze is, well, a breeze. When you aren’t exploring the forest, you’ll find no shortage of fun things to do in Daytona Beach. Catch some rays on the world’s most famous beach, or catch a wave on a surfboard or boogie board. Got the need for speed? The Daytona International Speedway hosts prestigious races throughout the year. You can even get behind the wheel yourself with the NASCAR Racing Experience! Back at the resort, you’ll find tons to do during your downtime. Resort amenities include direct beach access, an outdoor pool, a spa, as well as planned activities for the little ones. Choose from a one- or two-bedroom timeshare unit and enjoy luxury in-unit amenities such as a full kitchen, cable TV, and a private patio or balcony.
Legacy Vacation Club Palm Coast
Nestled on the Intracoastal Waterway in Palm Coast, Legacy Vacation Club is less than two hours from the Ocala National Forest. Enjoy a generous array of on-site amenities, including a free-form pool, bike rentals, a nine-hole miniature golf course, a fitness center, and a restaurant. Or, explore area attractions like a casino, shopping, dining, spas, and five championship golf courses. Legacy Vacation Club Palm Coast boasts two-bedroom villas with king master suites, queen guest rooms, separate living areas with sleeper sofas, and fully equipped kitchens.
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