NGail

Two of us will be heading to Fort Myers in late February and would like to spend a few days exploring Ocala N.F.on the way down - mostly hiking, maybe some canoeing.
Would appreciate any advice as to areas to visit, places to stay, where to eat.
Thanks.

NGail

Anybody??

NGail

ttt

sweet_polly

Hi, there...

I used to live in Ocala. I'm afraid you're not getting any responses because there is really not much interesting to do in the area. I hiked in the forest a time or two...it's nice, but nothing I'd plan a trip around. Rainbow Springs is nearby if you like canoeing, and you might enjoy the vintage theme park of Silver Springs (in Ocala). It's dated and cheesy, but kinda quaint...based around the springs (which are beautiful) and teeming with monkeys, gators, turtles, and other wildlife. They have a glass-bottom boat ride though the waterway which is relaxing, and transports you to another era. There are no nice hotels in the National Forest area...mostly mom-n-pop's. However, if you stay closer to the "civilized" side of Ocala (at I-75 and SR 200), I think there's a Hilton, a La Quinta, a Courtyard, and a couple of other small chain units...as well as more dining options (mostly chains like Olive Garden, Outback, etc.). Bella Luna is one of the few independent restaurants in the area I could recommend, as well as Felix's (near the town square) for a big $ night out.

dsquared

Juniper Springs is pretty. Although you're not going to go swimming in February, there's good hiking there.

http://www.dep.state.fl.us/springs/locator/juniper.htm

Also, take a look at the florida state parks website: there are some beautiful state parks in the area.

birder

Ocala National Forest looks stunning to me, here's the official website:

http://www.fs.fed.us/r8/florida/recr...ndex_oca.shtml

You could check trails.com to see if anyone has rated any of the hiking trails.

We eventually want to go up there for some hiking & kayaking, so PLEASE PLEASE do a trip report when you get back to let us know what you thought, the best trails, etc.

Here are a few other relevant websites, you have probably already found them but just in case:

http://www.ocalacc.com/visitor-center/forestry.asp

http://gorp.away.com/gorp/resource/u...t/fl_ocala.htm

RedRock

http://www.fs.fed.us/r8/florida/recr...ndex_oca.shtml

This should give you a start, the springs in the Ocala are its biggest draw.

NGail

Thank you all for your input and
HAPPY NEW YEAR!

NGail

Hi Birder!
Just finished 4 days around Ocala N.F. so can give you some feedback.
First of all, download as much info as you can before you go, especially trail maps, and get feedback from any parks person you talk to when you arrive. We were never able to get a decent map showing all hiking trails in the park though you can get info on the big Florida Scenic Trail, which runs north-south for 67 miles. We did bits of it; also the Yearling Trail @ 6 miles. Both easy hiking, well-blazed attractive and underutilized.
There are also some loop trails @ 2 miles long - destination oriented - our favorite was Lake Eaton Loop.
Tenting or RVing in the park would be best, but we didn't. Stayed in Deland so as to get to Blue Springs SP (183 manatees on the day we went - due to the cold). It's a very nice park. Liked Deland a lot - nice walking/college town. Also stayed in Silver Springs - no great shakes. (don't stay in Ocala - its too far.
The recreational areas don't have the best hiking - Alexander Springs was the one we liked best - and they do charge admission. I guess the swimming and snorkling are ok, but I've never liked sharing my space with alligators.
Didn't get to canoing or kayaking this time, but will next time.
Yeah, we'll go again. The "not much there" is exactly what we liked about it.
Let me know if you get down there and what you think.

dsquared

<Yeah, we'll go again. The "not much there" is exactly what we liked about it.> I know!! I'm always telling people that there's SO much more to Florida than beaches and Disney. I'm glad that you got to enjoy it.

<I guess the swimming and snorkling are ok, but I've never liked sharing my space with alligators.> Gail, last week I was taking my evening walk around the lake (on a golf course) and scared the tar out of a gator who was lying on the bank about 5 feet away from me. I don't think he liked sharing his space with me!

birder

Ngail, thank you so much for posting a trip report!!! When we go, we will definitely use your tips -- and we'll post a trip report also.

NGail

Whoops! Must clarify--as far as I know, there are actually no alligators in the designated swimming areas - though there are warning signs around the park in general.

RedRock

I don't think the 'gators in the Ocala NF can read and there is nothing there to keep them out of the swimming hole.