Name: Florida Scenic Trail through the Ocala National Forest
Start: 2026-02-27T08:00:00-05:00
End: 2026-03-08T09:15:00-04:00

Florida National Scenic Trail thru Ocala National Forest 67 miles.

Feb 27/28- Arrive at my home. 14211 NE 208th Court Fort McCoy FL 32134. I live in a rural area and have an Airbnb house, pet friendly, next to my own. It has 6 beds and 2 baths. Here is the link: https://www.airbnb.com/hosting/listings/editor/48513022/details/custom-link
I also have 2 bedrooms in my own house that are available but you would share with me, my two pigs and cats.
I have blocked the calendar so everyone is welcome here. There is also plenty of room to hang or pitch a tent if you prefer. If you would like to stay earlier of later to explore the area, just let me know. I live alone here so I would love the company!

Orlando is the cheapest airport to fly into but is close to 2 hrs to my house. Gainesville or Daytona are 1 hr. away but more expensive. I can pickup people from the airport if I can coordinate it. Otherwise, you would have to rent a car.
The drive from Penn/Ohio is 14-15 hours and I have plenty of parking if you want to bring a trailer or boat. It is prime bass season.

Feb 28th- Shuttle car(s) to Buckman Lock
Feb 29th- Drive to Clearwater Lake Rec Area to start hike. Hike 14 miles past Alexander Springs to primitive site just south of Buck Lake Group Camp. Water available.
March 1st- Hike 13.6 miles through Faries Prairie to Juniper Springs Rec Area. May camp there for a fee or hike further North and find a primitive site with water availability.
March 2nd- Hike 13.7 miles through Juniper Prairie Wilderness and Hopkins Prairie to primitive site with water.
March 3rd- 11.9 miles to Grassy Pond. If open, we can stop at the 88 store and pub. This is also the closest the trail gets to my house so we can resupply there.
March 4th-Hike 13 miles past Lake Delancy to Rodman Reservoir and Campground. Camp there for a fee or search area for primitive site.
March 5th-Hike 4.3 mile to cars at Buckman Lock. Drive back to my home.
March 6/7th- Home or stay longer. I live on Lake Kerr so fishing is always good. Manatees are still in the springs nearby so that is always fun to kayak among them. You can also check out Silver Springs State park to see a full variety of wildlife, including monkeys. I have two single kayaks and one double sit upon kayak for use.
Things to note:
1\. Happy Camper is fatter\, older and slower\. This will be a relaxing hike to soak in the area\. Mileage can be adjusted based on the needs of the group\.
2\. The water out on the trail is generally surface water\, not creeks\, unless we are near a spring\. Make sure you have a water filter\.
3\. The trail is packed sand and FLAT\. No mountains in FL\. This should make the mileage workable\. Since I haven't done this trail in its entirety myself\, I'm not sure if there are swampy areas\. There appear to be several boardwalks along the way to traverse them\.
4\. The springs we will pass are cold springs that maintain a year\- round temp of 72 degrees\. If you want to take a dip\, have at it\.
5\. Be aware that black bears and snakes are numerous here\. I have bears in my yard weekly\. Bear cannisters are not required\, but do plan accordingly\.
6\. AllTrails has the hike on the app\-Florida Trail\-Ocala National Forest\. You can also purchase a paper map on The Florida Trail Association website\, Maps 19 & 20\.
7\. Trail dogs welcome\!
8\. PLEASE\!\!\!\! Leave your politics and firearms at home\.
9\. If you are flying in\, map out a stop to get backpacking food\, camp fuel or bear spray along the way since there is not close availability at my home\.
10\. Avg temps are highs of 70 and lows of 40\. Pack accordingly\.
Hope you can join! Questions? Message Kathy here or text me at 440-759-2086

Kathy Werner

The Phoenix Backpacking Club

Florida Scenic Trail through the Ocala National Forest

The Phoenix Backpacking Club

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