Exploring Ocala National Forest | 65 miles of the Florida Trail
Review: Ocala National Forest exceeded our expectations!
In late February I hiked the Florida Trail Section of Ocala NF with my friend Justice. We've both been to Ocala National in the past, somewhat disappointed in it because of the contrasting worlds it displays. Cars stream into a few popular - possibly over-frequented springs, while many parts of the park are left unkempt. Jeeps roam the forest and there's even a live Naval bombing range there. We experience a very different Ocala National Forest though. Every half mile we stumbled into a new pristine wilderness. Freshly burned sandhills, pine and oak scrub, and oases of springs all to ourselves. We have been turned into believers in Ocala National, and I'd recommend everyone check out salt springs, alexander springs, juniper springs, hidden pond, and the 88 store.
If you have the time, do the entire Florida National Scenic Trail section of the Ocala National Forest, you will not regret it!!
When you can go to places and read their history - or learn their ecology, it adds so much more meaning to your travels. Luckily, Justice works in North Florida ecology and I basically had a nature tour guide throughout this trip. This trip instilled in me that I need to do more research about the flora and fauna I am passing through when preparing for trips. Quick fact - Ocala National is the oldest National Forest East of the Mississippi.
#OcalaNationalForest #Backpacking #Floridatrail
Пікірлер: 15
Man I thoroughly enjoyed this, thanks! My number one concern when I'm out backpacking is water, it's no joke down here. Awesome video.
@jacobsladder3619
5 ай бұрын
I’ve run into this a couple times. Always when I thought I had enough to start. It’s a scary factor! Luckily there was plenty of water around if we wanted to get a little mucky. Thanks for watching and glad you enjoyed!
Thanks for showing the beauty of the ocala forrest. Its often hard to tell from many of the thru-hikers videos who are just smashing miles.
@jacobsladder3619
Жыл бұрын
Thanks for watching! It’s certainly a special place 😊
I only hike a mile or two here and there. Usually by myself. A couple things I bring/have/use 1. A good pair of hiking boots/some rubber boots. If I strep on a pigmy/eastern rattlesnake, the boot can take the bite. Not my foot. 2. Cell phone and a whistle 3. Some might not like it. But a sidearm. I have holster for my Glock I tuck under my shirt. God forbid I ever need it.
my favorite section hike of the Florida Trail in the Mighty Ocala National Forest!....yes it gets hot walking in the prairie glad I had lots of water.....last time I was there it was pretty noisy because the military was using the bombing range!....Whiskey creek is where I stayed it is a nice campsite...had a bear visit too!
@jacobsladder3619
2 жыл бұрын
The bombing range was loud, but entertaining to look for the jets! Very cool you camped at whiskey creek, did the bear come in the night? We didn’t see any bears on this trip
@hikewithmike4673
Жыл бұрын
@@jacobsladder3619 no it stayed in the saw palmettos growled a couple of times then left
That is a really old map of ONF. Updated maps are cheap and reflect the newly numbered road system.
@jacobsladder3619
13 күн бұрын
Good to know! Thanks for watching
Enjoyed watching your video! It's too bad you didn't get a chance to camp at Hidden Pond we were there this past February and it's a sweet place to pitch the tent and have a nice fire even tho it was a bit crowded. There are also additional campsites on the back side of the pond accessible via the opening in the trees that opens up to the prairie. We were there during a cold spell and it got pretty chilly which was nice since it kept the bugs away. We posted a video on Hidden Pond on our channel so check it out if you're interested. Cheers!
18:40 18:46 Well...I guess yall werent that thirsty then huh. 😂
@jacobsladder3619
4 ай бұрын
Hahaha there were boggy sections before you get to the water. We definitely could have gotten it in an emergency
Enjoyed watching your video! It's too bad you didn't get a chance to camp at Hidden Pond we were there this past February and it's a sweet place to pitch the tent and have a nice fire even tho it was a bit crowded. Just FYI there are additional campsites on the back side of the pond accessible via the opening in the trees that opens up to the prairie. We were there during a cold spell and it got pretty chilly which was nice since it kept the bugs away. We posted a video on Hidden Pond on our channel so check it out if you're interested. Cheers!
@jacobsladder3619
2 ай бұрын
Thanks for the info on hidden pond! I’ll check the video out. Need to get back to Ocala National, it’s a special place