Byway Map
The Florida Black Bear National Scenic Byway was designated a national scenic byway on the merits of its natural and recreational resources. This area has managed to preserve the “old”, real, natural or “wild” Florida. The preservation of forest lands and lack of urban sprawl have kept this area removed from condos, strip malls and the Disney/Universal attractions that have claimed much of the old Florida. This Byway and its corridor’s greatest strength is this expanse of natural recreational lands and waterways. The corridor and surrounding area are rich in existing attractions, which provide travelers a variety of experiences. The greatest resources of this byway are best experienced by stopping and getting off the byway to visit the springs, forests, trails, rivers, and lakes.
The Florida Black Bear National Scenic Byway is a 120-mile corridor along SR 40 and SR 19. It was designated as a National Scenic Byway in 2009, becoming one of five corridors in the state to hold this designation. In a time when ecotourism and especially ecotourism is on the rise, this is a fascinating destination in the heart of the Big Scrub with hidden treasures in every direction off the roadway.
Silver River Museum
Barberville Pioneer Settlement
Four types of travelers will guide our visitors through the eyes of those who first discovered the magic of this unique area. There is an amazing collection of Springs, each with its own personality, the world-famous Yearling Trail, many horse and bike trails, and great fishing areas. People come from all over the world to experience this piece of “authentic Florida”. This is one of the most pristine spots in Florida and preservation is the heart of this Byway, whether it’s the preservation of the ecosystems, the forests, the rivers, the springs, the culture, or the history.
Preservation of the ecosystem of the Ocala National Forest, to the maintenance of the delicate waterways of the St. Johns River, the Ocklawaha River, the Cross Florida Greenway and the numerous freshwater springs that define the area. The Barberville Pioneer Settlement and the Silver River Museum have put extensive investment into preserving the buildings and culture of historic pioneer and tribal Florida.
St. Johns River
Florida Black Bear
The byway is not cluttered with franchises and strip malls. Instead there are older, more modest establishments that have been here for some time, and land and wildlife with an ancient history.
Ecotourists are attracted to areas so unspoiled and non-commercialized, and many other people are starting to hear the call of the authentic, and want to experience this Wild Florida.
The name Florida Black Bear Scenic Byway is an appropriate name for this byway. Florida black bears were designated as threatened by Florida and placed on the state’s Endangered and Threatened Species List in 1974. In June 2012, the state removed the subspecies from the list following strong population numbers and protections and conservation measures are put into place. The name of the byway represents all endangered species and habitat of this area.
Florida Scrub Jay