Local Directory
Restaurants, bars, venues, and more across the region
7 Mile Loop Trailhead Crystal River Preserve State Park
Crystal RiverHiking & mountain biking on an unpaved loop trail amid tidal creeks, marshy flats & woodlands.
Baseline Road Trailhead
OcalaTrailhead providing access to the Santos mountain biking and hiking trail system. Parking, restrooms, and trail maps make this a convenient starting point for riders and hikers.
Baseline Trailhead Park
OcalaPark and trailhead along the Cross Florida Greenway with access to paved and unpaved trails for biking, hiking, and horseback riding. A gateway to some of Ocala's best outdoor recreation.
Carney Island Recreation & Conservation Area
The VillagesOver 750 acres of sandhill islands, wetlands, and lakeside beaches on Lake Weir. Four miles of hiking trails, boat ramps, swimming, and picnic pavilions — plus regular sightings of deer, turkeys, and bald eagles. Entry is $7 per vehicle.
Chassahowitzka Wildlife Management Area
Crystal RiverSet on 24,243 acres, this scenic area boasts hiking trails, kayaking, a gun range & wildlife views.
Flat Island Preserve
LeesburgA 2,300-acre botanical preserve protecting the islands and wetlands of the Okahumpka Marsh, with over 5 miles of hiking trails through oak and magnolia hammocks, plus canoeing and camping by permit.
Float in the Forest at Lake Idamere
TavaresA unique outdoor art and nature experience on the shores of Lake Idamere, Float in the Forest combines floating sculpture installations with hiking trails through native Florida woodland. The site features rotating art pieces that float on the lake surface, a boardwalk through cypress wetlands, and curated nature paths. It's a one-of-a-kind attraction that blends art, ecology, and tranquility.
Florida Scrub-Jay Trail
ClermontFree nature preserve in Clermont showcasing over 135 bird species including Florida's only endemic species, the Florida Scrub-Jay, plus beautiful gardens and easy hiking trails through sandhill and wetland habitats.
Hidden Waters Preserve
Mount DoraNature preserve near Eustis with hiking trails through wetlands and hardwood hammock. A quiet escape for nature lovers and birders.
Lake Griffin State Park
LeesburgThis 620-acre park has canoe/kayak rentals, hiking trails, 40 campsites & a mammoth live oak tree.
Lake Louisa State Park
ClermontHiking, swimming, kayaking, camping, and guided eco-tours across 4,300 acres of pristine Florida landscape. Lake Louisa proves that Central Florida isn't all flat -- the rolling terrain here is genuinely surprising and beautiful.
Sabal Bluff Preserve
LeesburgA 55-acre nature preserve on the shores of Lake Griffin in Leesburg with 2 miles of hiking trails, scenic bluff overlooks, and excellent birding and wildlife viewing. No pets allowed.
Salt Marsh Trails - Crystal River Wildlife Refuge Complex Trailhead
Crystal RiverTrailhead for hiking through the Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, offering boardwalks and paths through coastal salt marsh habitat with opportunities for birdwatching and wildlife viewing.
Santos Trailhead
OcalaWorld-class mountain biking and hiking trailhead with over 80 miles of trails. A nationally recognized riding destination just outside Belleview.
Silver Springs State Park, Campground and Museum Entrance
OcalaThe campground entrance to Silver Springs State Park, providing access to the Silver River Museum, hiking trails, and campground facilities. A quieter entry point away from the glass-bottom boat crowds.
Troy Samuel Cumming Nature Preserve
Crystal RiverNature preserve along Yulee Drive in Homosassa offering trails through native Florida habitat for hiking and wildlife observation.
Yulee Nature Preserve
Crystal RiverNature preserve offering hiking trails and wildlife viewing through native Florida habitats.