Ocala National Forest

Welcome to the southernmost National Forest in the Continental United States and the world's largest contiguous scrub pine forest, Florida's majestic Ocala National Forest located in north central Florida between the Ocklawaha and St. John's Rivers.

Forest History: The Ocala National Forest was first established by President Theodore Roosevelt in 1909 making it one of the first National Forests east of the Mississippi River.

Flora and Fauna: Ocala National Forest helps protect the home of numerous plant and animals species. Some of the plants that grow inside the forest boundaries include palms, pines, and cypress. Some of the wild animals who call this place home include black bears, deer, raccoons, squirrels, alligators, ospreys, wild turkeys, and bald eagles. Please treat their home with respect.

For the lover of the outdoors the Ocala National Forest boasts over 600 lakes, rivers and springs, many miles of dirt roads and multipurpose trails, and so much more. As the owner of RecPlanet I would like to tell you about my many personal experiences here. This forest is located near the town where my parents went to high school, Umatilla, so I have been here numerous times while visiting family members. The dirt roads are a real blast if you have four wheel drive, the lakes are clean, and the magnificent Alexander Springs, well words will not do justice for her. Come on out and explore!

This was RecPlanet place of the day on June 15, 2015 and again on June 24, 2016.