Ocala National Forest
The Ocala National Forest is home to over 600 lakes and rivers, and hosts Florida’s largest populations of Black Bears, Florida Scrub-jays, and Red-cockaded Woodpeckers, as well as Southern Fox Squirrel and the Florida Sand Skink. Immerse yourself in nature with an early morning visit, when mists rise off the water and birds greet the sunrise. The forest provides sanctuary to species that have lost much of their habitat across the state. Explore longleaf pine islands and scrub ridges for unique plants, and keep your eyes open for bears traversing roads and fire breaks. From migratory birds to manatees, freshwater springs, and rare plants, the forest is a refuge for both people and wildlife. We recommend starting from two locations within the forest, Alexander Springs and Salt Springs, which are 30 minutes apart by car.
Featured Image: Ocala National Forest
Sites At This Location
Salt Springs
This Ocala National Forest site offers a 2-mile loop trail which leads through scrubby flatwoods down to a hardwood forest along the clear, cold, spring run. Enter at the Salt Springs Recreation Area (entrance fee required) for quick access to the water, or park and hike the Salt Springs Trail for free at the trailhead, located a little over a mile south of the recreation area. The trail is scrubby, so there is a chance to see migrant songbirds such as Ovenbird and Yellow-throated Vireo in spring and fall. At the water’s edge, look for Limpkin and Green Heron. A blue-blazed, 4-mile trail connects the recreation area with the orange-blazed Florida National Scenic Trail, which runs north/south for 66 miles through the forest. You can also paddle the Salt Springs Canoe Trail, which leads from the recreation area to Lake George, the second largest lake in Florida. Anytime you are driving in the national forest, watch for Florida Scrub-Jays perched on the wires when you’re passing their optimum habitat – scrub oak brush about 5 feet tall. Red-cockaded Woodpecker (RCW) trees are marked with white painted bands; clusters occur throughout the forest. Salt Springs is a popular swimming location and gets quite busy, so birding is best in the mornings and on weekdays. Butterfly viewing is very good at the spring; be on the lookout for ‘Sweadner’s’ Juniper Hairstreaks between March and May.
Site Information
Admission Fee Required for Entry
View Seasonal Hunting Information
Managing Agency
US Dept. of Agriculture, Forest Service
Operational Hours: sunrise to sunset
Size: 5,662 acres
Alexander Springs
The Alexander Springs Recreation Area in the 383,000-acre Ocala National Forest has multiple birding opportunities. Hardwoods along the clear, cold, spring run attract migratory songbirds during spring and fall. Hike the Timucuan Trail from the beach area to access the hammock and two observation platforms on the spring run. Watch the springs for Limpkins or, launch your canoe or kayak at the springs and explore the Alexander Springs Creek Canoe Trail for a wilder experience. Swallow-tailed Kites frequent the area in late spring and summer, and Barred Owls call to one another in the hammock. For longer hikes, a spur trail leads east from the recreation area to the Florida National Scenic Trail, which runs for 67 miles through the forest. To cover even more ground, consider a bicycle adventure on the Paisley Woods Bicycle Trail. Just east of the recreation area on CR 538, this challenging 22-mile long ride through live oak domes, grassy prairies and sandhills has Red-cockaded Woodpeckers (RWC), Hairy Woodpeckers and Bachman’s Sparrows. The trail can be ridden as two separate 11-mile loops if desired. When driving through the Ocala National Forest, watch for Florida Scrub-Jays on the wires, and pull off when the road crosses waterways to check for Limpkins. RCW nest trees occur in clusters throughout the forest; look for white bands painted on the trunks. Alexander Springs is a popular swimming location and gets busy when the weather is hot.
Site Information
Admission Fee Required for Entry
Managing Agency
US Dept. of Agriculture, Forest Service
Operational Hours: Daily, 8:00am-8:00pm
Size: 8,039 acres
