Activities

Bicycling

Florida Black Bear Scenic Byway is home to a remarkable array of scenery specializing in lush forests, abundant bodies of water, and breathtaking scenery, resulting in some truly great motorcycle and bicycle rides.

Mountain Biking Highlight: Paisley Woods Bicycle Trail

This 22-mile Loop is beautiful. Marked with yellow diamonds, it intermittently intersects the hiking-only orange-blazed Florida Trail. Blue-blazed connector trails connect the loop with the Alexander Springs and Clearwater Lake trailheads. The Ocala Mountain Bike Associate (OMBA) frequents and maintains this trail. This trail is the only major destination for mountain bikers along the byway.

Paisley Woods Bicycle Trailheads:

• Alexander Springs – Park at the Recreation Area. Trailhead is across the street from the entrance.
• Clearwater Lake Trailhead

Boating

Florida has over 1700 streams and 20 major waterways, so it’s no surprise that boating is a hugely popular pastime in the Sunshine State. The lush vegetation, abundant wildlife, and tranquil silence create a sublime boating experience. There are many exceptional destinations that you can explore while visiting our state.

Motorized Boating Areas:

• Ockalwaha River
• Johnson Field Boat Ramp – St. Johns River
• Astor Boat Ramp
• Volusia Wharf Boat Ramp
• Silver Glen Run
• Salt Springs Run/Salt Springs/Salt Springs Marina
• Wildcat Lake
• Mill Dam Boat Ramp
• Lake Dorr Boat Ramp
• Halfmoon Lake
• Farles Prairie Recreation Area
• Buck Lake Group Use Area
• Lake Kerr

Botanical Study

The Big Scrub is the world’s largest contiguous sand pine scrub forest and home to various rare and endangered plant species. Whether you’re looking for unusual shrubs on the high, dry, longleaf pine islands of the scrub forest or rare trees in bottomlands along our creeks and rivers, you’ll find a diversity of flora in every season – with peak wildflower blooms in spring and fall.

Distinctive Plants of the Byway Region

• Ashe’s calamint (Calamintha ashei)
• Florida bonamia
• Saw palmetto
• Longleaf pine
• Bald cypress
• Rusty lyonia – “Crooked Wood”
• Sand pine (pinus clausa)
• Florida rosemary
• Sand live oak
• Deer moss
• Slash pine

Camping

Camping is popular in the byway region, which features major swaths of the Florida Trail, The Ocala National Forest, and numerous conservation areas. This is wild Florida at its most pristine!

For information on camping, see our regional resources.

Equestrian

Come out and enjoy a day of horseback riding with family and friends, with over 100 miles of horseback riding trails from the Silver River to the Ocala National Forest, to Tiger Bay and beyond.

Caravelle Ranch WMA

Over 20 miles of multi-use trails; expanded area for parking trailers. Children under the age of 16 are required to wear a helmet when riding on public lands. For more detailed information go to Nicole’s Law. All horseback riders must have proof of current negative Coggins Test results for their horses when on state lands.

Dexter Mary Farms Unit, Lake George State Forest

Lake George State Forest is made up of three tracts of land and primarily comprised of slash pine, longleaf pine, bottomland hardwoods, and interspersed cypress and bay depressions. In 1998 nearly half the acreage of Lake George State Forest was damaged during the Firestorm wildfires. Restoration efforts included harvesting salvage timber and reforestation with longleaf pine and slash pine.

Heart Island Conservation Area

This conservation area is part of the 35,380-acre Lake George Wildlife Management Area. Natural communities include basin swamp, floodplain swamp, basin marsh, baygall, blackwater stream, hydric hammock, mesic flatwoods, and scrub. Slash pine, cabbage palms and an undergrowth of saw palmetto and gallberry can be found in nearly all the upland areas. Wetland areas contain various hardwoods, cypress, sweetbay, red bay, loblolly bay and wax myrtle thickets.

Rima Ridge Unit, Tiger Bay State Forest

The Rima Ridge Unit of Tiger Bay WMA is a tract of uplands that was named after an extensive wetland of the same name in central Volusia County, near Daytona Beach. This unit of the Tiger Bay State Forest consists of more than 11,000 acres between SR 40 and US 92 and is primarily pine flatwoods, hardwood hammocks, and hardwood swamps. Tiger Bay State Forest is a critical recharge area for the Floridian aquifer, a wildlife corridor for black bears, and a potential habitat for bald eagles.

Silver Springs State Park Equestrian Trail

The entrance to the equestrian trails can be found on State Road 40 near the intersection with State Road 326, 1.3 miles east of the main entrance. The trails open at 8 a.m. and close one hour before sunset. 

Fishing

The information below was graciously provided by:
ERIC FLYNT (Bubba) Thomas is a biological scientist III with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. Thanks for an expert’s opinion on where they bite around here!

Lake Bryant

Bryant offers a diversity of angling opportunities. Anglers can catch largemouth bass, bluegill, and redear sunfish in abundance. Hybrid striped bass (sunshine bass) were stocked into the lake in the spring of 2012 and will reach catchable size by 2013. Fishing for bass is best in the early spring. Bluegill fishing is best from late spring throughout the summer. Redear sunfish fishing is best in late spring. Lake Bryant is the most easily accessible lake along the byway, with a free public ramp. The ramp is located on SE 183rd Avenue Road, 2 miles south of SR 40.

Wildcat Lake

Wildcat Lake is an excellent place to target trophy largemouth bass. Wildcat Lake has a catch and release only regulation for bass, so all bass caught must be immediately released. This regulation has allowed Wildcat Lake to maintain good numbers of big bass for people to enjoy. A very convenient ramp is located on SR 40 just east of the intersection with SR 19. There is a launch fee to use this ramp.

Lake George

Lake George is one of the largest lakes in Florida. It is an excellent place to catch a variety of fish species. Lake George routinely has excellent fishing for largemouth bass, bluegill, crappie, and redear sunfish. Some times of the year are also good for sunshine and striped bass. The unique thing about Lake George is its connection to the ocean. Some anglers have caught stingrays, redfish, and even sharks fishing on Lake George!

Lake Kerr

Lake Kerr presents an opportunity to catch large numbers of bass. Lake Kerr has an abundance of small bass, making catching bass on Lake Kerr relatively easy. A special regulation is in effect on Lake Kerr. All bass between 15 and 24 inches must be released immediately. Only three bass may be kept per person per day, only one of which may be over 24 inches in length. Free public access is available at Moorehead Park on the west side of the lake (off Forest Service Road 11).

St Johns River

The St Johns River is a large river that has diverse year-round opportunities for fishing. Anglers can readily catch largemouth bass, bluegill, redear sunfish, crappie, hybrid striped bass, striped bass, or mullet along this river. The two major access points for the river are in the city of Palatka and the town of Astor. The river is especially popular with bass anglers and has a history of producing high-quality largemouth bass.

Ocklawaha River

The Ocklawaha River is a popular spot for people seeking to catch fish in the Ocala area. Springtime allows anglers to catch redear sunfish, bluegill, and redbreast sunfish in abundance. Summer can be a good time to catch channel catfish in the deep holes, especially at night. The best place to access the river is at the bridge at SR-19. The ramp is steep, so caution must be exercised.

Hiking

With more than 100 miles of the Florida Trail, Florida’s own National Scenic Trail, running through the region, hiking opportunities abound. All the public lands along the Florida Black Bear Scenic Byway offer a variety of hiking opportunities.

The Florida Trail

The Florida Trail in the Ocala National Forest is certified as the Florida National Scenic Trail and has been called the “crown jewel” of the Florida Trail System.

Explore maps and more at https://floridatrail.org/

Silver Springs State Park

Silver River has almost 15 miles of biking and hiking trails meandering through various habitats. From wetland and swamp to oak hammock and pine forest – the trails offer a glimpse of the wide variety of ecosystems that Central Florida offers. Silver Springs State Park does not encompass the entire region that used to be Silver River State Park.

Silver Springs State Park

Tiger Bay State Forest

Tiger Bay State Forest was named after its largest physiographic feature, Tiger Bay, an extensive wetland that provides a critical aquifer recharge for the local area.

Caravelle Ranch

Is available on over 20 miles of multi-use trails. The Florida National Scenic Trail traverses the area and intersects with the Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail.

Learn more at floridabirdingtrail.com

The Yearling Trail

Hunting

Hunting is popular along the byway. All hunters must have a valid Florida hunting license and follow all regulations outlined by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC).

Wildlife Management Areas:

• Caravelle Ranch
• Lake George State Forest
• Ocala WMA
• Ockalwaha Small Game Hunting Area
• Tiger Bay – Rima Ridge Unit
• Tiger Bay State Forest

OHV Riding

With nearly 200 miles of ATV / motorcycle trails and another 81 miles of off-road trails for Jeeps and other 4WD vehicles, the Ocala National Forest is Florida’s top destination for off-roading.

With its clear, blue skies and moderate temperatures, Florida winter is the best time of the year to hit the trails on an off-road motorcycle, Jeep, or ATV. The Ocala National Forest within the Florida Black Bear Scenic Byway offers some of the most enjoyable places to ride. Trails are designed for slow speeds so riders can view and appreciate scenery and wildlife and highlight the importance of conservation, forest management, and history.

OCALA NORTH OHV TRAILS:

• Delancy Loops 16 miles (Motorcycles and ATVs only)
• Hog Valley Trail 13 miles (Motorcycles, ATVs, and UTVs)
• Longleaf Trail 25 miles (Motorcycles, ATVs, and UTVs)
• Motorcycle Loop 14 miles (Motorcycles only)
• Pipeline Trail 19 miles (Motorcycles and ATVs only)
• Tobacco Patch Trail 18 miles (Motorcycles, ATVs, and UTVs)
• Salt Springs OHV Connector Trail
• Rodman Trailhead

Learn more about Ocala North OHV Trails

Delancy Loops

For ATV and motorcycle riders in the Ocala National Forest, the Delancy Loops – 16 miles in six tightly interconnected loops – provide challenging twists and turns for riders to enjoy.

This trail system is accessible from the Delancy Loops Trailhead along SR 19 north of Salt Springs or via the Longleaf Trail from either the Rodman Trailhead or Delancy West Trailhead of the Ocala North OHV Trail System.

Hog Valley Trail

The 13-mile Hog Valley Trail is a loop open to ATVs, motorcycles, and UTVs, connecting to the riverside community of Hog Valley via a linear trail.

There is no specific trailhead for access to the Hog Valley Trail. Still, it interconnects with the Tobacco Patch Trail and the Motorcycle Loop and connects via unnamed connector trails to the upper and lower portions of the Longleaf Trail.

Longleaf Trail

Traversing a steeply rolling landscape of longleaf pine and wiregrass atop some of the tallest hills in the Ocala National Forest, the Longleaf Trail is one of the most beautiful routes along the Ocala North OHV Trail System.

Access this 25-mile stacked loop system from either the Rodman Trailhead, Delancy West Trailhead and Campground, or the OHV Center off FR 11. The trail system is open to motorcycles, ATVs, and UTVs.

This lengthy loop forms the backbone for connections throughout the trail system by connecting to the Hog Valley Trail, Motorcycle Loop, Tobacco Patch Trail, Pipeline Trail, and Delancy Loops.

Motorcycle Loop

With twisting, winding, and narrow trails through longleaf pine and scrub forest, the Motorcycle Loop is a physical challenge and is open to motorcycles only.

Access this 14-mile stacked loop system from the Motorcycle Loop Trailhead along FR 66 west of Lake Delancy or from several connecting trails – the Hog Valley Trail, Tobacco Patch Trail, Longleaf Pine Trail, and Pipeline Trail.

Pipeline Trail

The 19-mile Pipeline Trail is one of the easiest OHV trails to access within the Ocala National Forest, with a prominent trailhead along SR 316 between Salt Springs and Eureka.

Open to motorcycles and ATVs, the trail includes some sharply banked curves through the scrub at the north end of the northernmost of the three stacked loops. Use the Pipeline Trail to access to the Tobacco Patch Trail, Hog Valley Trail, Longleaf Pine Trail, and the Motorcycle Loop.

Tobacco Patch Trail

The 18-mile Tobacco Patch Trail is a series of three stacked OHV loops on the northwestern edge of the forest, not far from the Ocklawaha River. It is open to ATVs. motorcycles, and UTVs.

Although it has no trailhead of its own, the Tobacco Patch Trail can be reached via NE 150th Ave (which leads to Hog Valley) as well as from the Hog Valley Trail, the Motorcycle Loop, and the Pipeline Trail, which has its own trailhead along SR 316.

Rodman Trailhead

The Rodman Trailhead leads directly into the Longleaf Trail. Traversing a steeply rolling landscape of longleaf pine and wiregrass atop some of the tallest hills in the Ocala National Forest, the Longleaf Trail is one of the most beautiful routes along the Ocala North OHV Trail System.

Access this 25-mile stacked loop system from either the Rodman Trailhead, Delancy West Trailhead and Campground, or the OHV Center off FR 11. The trail system is open to motorcycles, ATVs, and UTVs.

This lengthy loop forms the backbone for connections throughout the trail system by connecting to the Hog Valley Trail, Motorcycle Loop, Tobacco Patch Trail, Pipeline Trail, and Delancy Loops.

Salt Springs OHV Connector Trail

Originating in the southeast corner of the Longleaf Trail, the new Salt Springs OHV Connector Trail enables OHV riders to access facilities at the Salt Springs Plaza. The trail terminates at a corral directly across the street from the plaza. Riders must park in the corral and use the crosswalk for access to services.

The Ocala Adventure Trail

The Ocala Adventure Trail – also known as the Centennial Trail since it was dedicated in 2008, our centennial year – is a loop trail system currently 47 miles in length, offers a unique opportunity to view the Big Scrub ecosystem in the heart of the Ancient Island Scrub. This globally imperiled ecosystem is the world’s largest contiguous sand pine scrub.

Riders may park at one of the OHV parking corrals to enjoy day-use activities. Parking corrals are located at Farles Prairie, Blue Sink, and Big Scrub Campground. Activities at Blue Sink and Farles Prairie include fishing, wading, picnicking, and wildlife viewing.

Unlicensed vehicles less than 65 inches are allowed on the Ocala Adventure Trail system. A 20-mph speed limit is enforced on this trail.

Wandering Wiregrass OHV Trail

Providing a 17-mile loop for motorcyclists and ATV riders through the southeastern corner of the Ocala National Forest, the Wandering Wiregrass Trail meanders through hilly longleaf pine habitat south of Alexander Springs.

Paddling

Florida has over 1700 streams and 20 major waterways, so it’s no surprise that paddling is a hugely popular pastime in the Sunshine State. The lush vegetation, abundant wildlife, and tranquil silence create a sublime paddling experience. There are many exceptional ecotourism destinations that you can explore while visiting our state.

Just as William Bartram paddled along the St. Johns River in 1763, you can slip your kayak into the same crystalline streams that intrigued him as he followed the western shore of Lake George. Launch points (and outfitters with canoes, kayaks, and shuttle services at your disposal) can be found at the major springs, including Alexander Springs, Juniper Springs, Silver Glen Springs, and Salt Springs. The Silver River and Ocklawaha River offer jungle-like paddling, with overhanging trees and cypress-knee-lined shores.

Non-Motorized Boating Areas

Swimming/Diving

Start with the Springs along the byway for snorkeling, diving, and swimming.
Divers come from worldwide destinations to experience our springs.

Wildlife Viewing

Wildlife will always be close at hand regardless of where you decide to go along the byway. The eastern section of the Great Florida Birding Trail runs through various sections of the Ocala National Forest. With over 380,000 acres containing a mix of sand, pine, and oak scrub habitat, this national forest creates a paradise for both birds and birders alike.

See the section about Black Bears for more information about Bears.

Great Florida Birding Trail Locations:

• Caravelle Ranch WMA
• Salt Springs
• Alexander Springs
• Lake George State Forest

Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail