Ocala

Ocala NF https://www.fs.usda.gov/ocala https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ocala_National_Forest The Ocala National Forest is located three miles (5 km) east of Ocala and 16 miles (26 km) southeast of Gainesville, Florida. It is the oldest national forest east of the Mississippi River and the southernmost national forest in the continental U.S. The word Ocala is thought to be a derivative of a Timucuan term meaning "fair land" or "big hammock". The forest is headquartered in Tallahassee, as are all three National Forests in Florida, but there are local ranger district offices located in Silver Springs and Umatilla.

Ocala Enjoy Your National Forest Safely N at i on a l F o res t In contrast to the abundant water resources, the central portion of the Ocala is dry and sandy. This area, known as the Big Scrub, is the largest contiguous block of sand pine scrub ecosystem in the world. The scrub is host to numerous species such as the Florida scrub-jay, sand skink, scrub lizard, gopher tortoise, black bear, white-tailed deer, wild turkey and numerous plants. A Recreation Guide S D IC LE OU T he Ocala National Forest, located in central Florida, covers approximately 385,000 acres and is the southernmost national forest in the continental United States. This unique, subtropical forest is rich in water resources with more than 600 lakes, rivers and springs. Four major natural springs of crystal clear water are located in the popular recreation areas of Juniper Springs, Salt Springs, Alexander Springs and Silver Glen Springs. CE A NO TR Florida OOR ETH n Many recreation areas prohibit the use of alcohol. Signs are posted where alcohol is prohibited. T The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination in all its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, and where applicable, sex, marital status, familial status, parental status, religion, sexual orientation, genetic information, political beliefs, reprisal, or because all or a part of an individual’s income is derived from any public assistance program. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs.) Persons with disabilities who require alternative means for communication of program information (Braille, large print, audiotape, etc.) should contact USDA’s TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TDD). To file a complaint of discrimination write to USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, S.W., Washington, D.C. 20250-9410 or call (800) 795-3272 (voice) or (202) 720-6382 (TDD). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer. VE When planning a trip to the forest, keep safety in mind. The most effective way to prevent accidents is to prepare for the trip. Learn about the area you are visiting, the weather and the terrain. Know your physical limits. Your safety is your responsibility. While visiting the Ocala National Forest please remember the following rules and safety information: 2010 Forest The Ocala National Forest provides a variety of recreation, scenic and historic areas. The recreation activities are as diverse as the environment: canoeing in wilderness waterways, swimming in crystalclear spring water at a constant 72 degrees, year-round camping, picnicking, fishing, birding, hiking, bicycling, horseback riding and exploring trails with off-highway vehicles. Come explore your Ocala National Forest. R8-RG355 Service There are several different OHV trail opportunities available to riders: The Ocala North OHV Trail offers 125 miles of trail: n 14 miles of trail for motorcycles only n 35 miles for motorcycles, all terrain vehicles (ATVs) and utility vehicles (UTVs) less than 50 inches wide n 76 miles of classified “mixed use” trail, which means OHVs share the trail with licensed vehicles The 16-mile Wandering Wiregrass Trail is a great family day ride through a longleaf pine wiregrass ecosystem. Motorcycles, ATVs, and UTVs less than 50 inches are allowed on the trail. The Ocala Adventure Trail, currently 47 miles, offers a unique opportunity to view the Big Scrub ecosystem. This globally impaired ecosystem is the largest contiguous block of sand pine scrub in the world. The trail offers various day-use opportunities. Riders may park at one of the OHV parking corrals located at Farles Prairie, Blue Sink or Big Scrub Campground to access the trail. Available 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. The Tread Lightly! Four Wheel Drive Way is an 81-mile system of Forest Service roads available for licensed vehicles only. The trail encourages the study and enjoyment of nature and the exploration of the Ocala National Forest’s unique ecosystems. When using the Ocala National Forest’s trail systems users should remember the following: n All trails are two way and are designed for slow speeds. n Riders must comply with the state of Florida’s OHV title law and possess proof of ownership. n All riders 15 and under must possess a certificate evidencing the completion of an approved OHV safety course. n All riders 15 and under must be supervised by an adult and wear a helmet, goggles and boots. n It is a violation of state law to carry a passenger on an OHV, unless the machine is specifically designed to carry an operator and a single passenger. n Payment of a per operator fee is required to ride these trails. n Riding is prohibited at night. n Resource damage is