Cross Florida Greenway Trails

The Cross Florida Greenway is what is left of the Cross Florida Barge Canal, which was aimed at creating a canal between the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico, across northern Florida. Proposed many times, and finally started in the 1930s, the project was abandoned in 1991 after local protests on environmental grounds. The result has been a 110-mile greenway across the state, named after Marjorie Harris Carr, a leading opponent of the barge canal.

  1. Florida Trail in Ocala National Forest

    • The Florida Trail in Ocala National Forest is the state's official national scenic trail. It starts on the Cross Florida Greenway and heads south 60 miles through the Ocala National Forest.

      The trail is unpaved. The main trail is blazed with orange on trees, and side trails are blazed with blue markings. Three major locations--Salt Springs, Juniper Springs and Alexander Springs--are major entry and exit points with amenities such as restrooms, camping and other recreational activities. There are a few additional primitive camping areas along the way.

      The trail goes through heavy pine forests and toward the south has hardwood forests in swampy areas. There are a few streams, lakes and small prairies along the way.

      This is only a portion of the larger Florida Trail, which consists of 1,400 miles of trails that cover much of the state.

      Ocala National Forest

      Seminole Ranger District

      40929 State Road 19

      Umatilla, FL 32784

      352-669-3153

      Floridatrail.org

    Withlacoochee Bay Trail

    • The Withlacoochee Bay Trail / Felburn Park Trailhead is on the Gulf Coast and is relatively short, but makes up for that with scenery and activities available. The Felburn Park Trailhead is a former mine and lake, and it is linked to the Withlacoochee Trail that leads to the Gulf waters.

      A 12-foot wide paved trail goes along the canal for 2.5 miles, and the next 2.5 miles crosses the canal and goes through marshes. The second half is not paved and remains in a more natural setting, as of 2010.

      The paved area is used by cyclists, roller-blade riders and hikers, while the second half is more for hiking and mountain biking. Horseback riding and fishing are popular here as well. Canoeing and kayaking in the canal waters are available. In this area the original canal can be seen clearly.

      Withlacoochee Bay Trail / Felburn Park Trailhead

      Office of Greenways and Trails

      110 SE 25th Ave

      Ocala, FL 34471-9108

      352-236-7143

      FloridaGreenwaysAndTrails.org

    Santos Bike Trails - East

    • The Santos Bike Trails are near the Gulf of Mexico along the Cross Florida Greenway. The area has more than 30 miles of bike trials with three distinct levels of trail, from beginner to advanced. The area is best known for mountain biking, with many hills and bluffs along the way.

      Equestrian trials, and wagon trials, are also part of the local trail system and hikers also use these for travel.

      The trailhead area has campsites, picnic areas and a fenced area for staging horses. Water is available and there are restrooms.

      Santos Bike Trails - East

      Office of Greenways and Trails

      110 SE 25th Ave

      Ocala, FL 34471-9108

      352-236-7143

      FloridaGreenwaysAndTrails.org