The second-largest nationally protected forest in the state of Florida, Ocala National Forest is a treasure to be savored. Hidden within 607 square miles of pristine wilderness, you'll find longleaf pine, sand-pine scrub and coastal oak copses, as well some 600 springs, rivers and lakes. Miles of hiking, biking and horse-riding trails cut through Ocala's green, woodsy heart, which also contains a staggeringly diverse range of local wildlife.
Ocala National Forest
Northeast Florida
Lonely Planet's must-see attractions
27.97 MILES
The largest spring on the St Johns River, Blue Spring maintains a constant 72°F. Between November and March it becomes the winter refuge for up to 200…
21.42 MILES
Fifteen minutes north of town, these natural springs flow into the 18,000-acre Lake Woodruff National Wildlife Refuge and were used by Native Americans…
20.66 MILES
This state park was once an amusement park – glass-bottomed boats were invented here in 1878 to show visitors the natural springs and stunningly clear…
29.05 MILES
Local drag racer Don 'Big Daddy' Garlits won 144 national events and 17 World Championship titles, shattering numerous records in hand-built breakneck…
Barberville Pioneer Settlement
17.41 MILES
Try to set aside at least an hour to fully explore old Barberville, a re-created pioneer settlement carved out of the central Florida woods. Costumed…
Rock Springs Run State Reserve
29.08 MILES
This 14,000-acre reserve located 30 miles north of downtown Orlando offers 17 miles of hiking trails, and primitive riverside camping accessible by canoe…
26.68 MILES
This historical home, built in 1886, now serves as the headquarters of the West Volusia Historical Society and a museum for the county. You'll find lots…
29.93 MILES
Philatelists (aka stamp collectors) will marvel at the collection of 'fancy cancels' (interesting postage-cancellation stamps) and vintage decorative…
Nearby Northeast Florida attractions
1. Barberville Pioneer Settlement
17.41 MILES
Try to set aside at least an hour to fully explore old Barberville, a re-created pioneer settlement carved out of the central Florida woods. Costumed…
20.66 MILES
This state park was once an amusement park – glass-bottomed boats were invented here in 1878 to show visitors the natural springs and stunningly clear…
21.42 MILES
Fifteen minutes north of town, these natural springs flow into the 18,000-acre Lake Woodruff National Wildlife Refuge and were used by Native Americans…
26.65 MILES
A slate of innovative temporary exhibitions traipses across the gallery space and attractive atrium of this energetic local museum, which has been…
26.68 MILES
This historical home, built in 1886, now serves as the headquarters of the West Volusia Historical Society and a museum for the county. You'll find lots…
27.97 MILES
The largest spring on the St Johns River, Blue Spring maintains a constant 72°F. Between November and March it becomes the winter refuge for up to 200…
29.05 MILES
Local drag racer Don 'Big Daddy' Garlits won 144 national events and 17 World Championship titles, shattering numerous records in hand-built breakneck…
8. Rock Springs Run State Reserve
29.08 MILES
This 14,000-acre reserve located 30 miles north of downtown Orlando offers 17 miles of hiking trails, and primitive riverside camping accessible by canoe…