|
Andrea Boliek |
Ocala WMA is part of the Ocala National Forest,
the oldest national forest east of the Mississippi River. The
forest contains the largest concentration of sand pine in the
world as well as some of the best remaining stands of longleaf
pine in central Florida. Its nearly 400,000 acres are located in
Lake, Marion, and Putnam counties, and contain several hundred
lakes, as well as Salt Springs, Silver Glen Springs, Alexander
Springs, and Juniper Springs. Salt Springs and Alexander Springs
are part of the
Great
Florida Birding Trail. There are many
black bears in the
area, as well as
wild
turkey,
bald eagles,
scrub jay,
white-tailed
deer,
gopher tortoise,
alligators,
and
eastern indigo snake. Look for
red cockaded
woodpeckers in the longleaf habitats. Migratory songbirds are seasonally
abundant along the wooded trail to Salt Springs. On the drive to
Alexander Springs you may see scrub-jays perched on the electric wires. Swimming,
boating, water skiing, kayaking, and paddling are popular
activities. Camping opportunities include group sites, RV/tent
sites, and primitive camping sites. There are visitor centers,
nature trails, and a more than 50-mile section of the
Florida
National Scenic Trail. The Paisley Woods Bicycle Trail is a
challenging 22-mile-long ride through live oak hammocks, grassy
prairies, and pinelands. The Ocala One Hundred Mile Horse Trail
consists of three sections through sand pine scrub, longleaf
pinelands, and grassy prairies. Hunting, fishing, wildlife
viewing, picnicking, hiking, off-road riding, and a shooting
range offer additional recreational opportunities. There are
also several wilderness areas for visitors seeking primitive
conditions and solitude. Of these wilderness areas,
Juniper Prairie Wilderness is the only one with foot trails.
The other three wilderness areas are mostly inaccessible. |
