Discover The Great Outdoors In Ocala, Florida!
Are you on the market for a new home or horse farm in Ocala, Florida? While the Ocala region is well known as ‘The Horse Capitol of the World’, our region also offers a multitude of outdoor recreational activities for those who enjoy nature. Now more than ever, having access to wide open spaces and gorgeous waterways is an attractive way of life, and Ocala offers an abundance of choices!
While visiting Ocala Horse Properties during your tour of Marion County real estate, we encourage you to take in all the sites of our region. So plan to take a few extra days to explore the area and you will understand why we choose to call Ocala home.
Natural beauty of Silver Springs in Ocala National Forest! Photo credit Ocala Horse Properties
The Natural Wonders of Ocala National Forest
Ocala is within easy proximity to many natural wonders within the massive Ocala National Forest, which is 602 square miles (383,000 acres) of protected land located three miles east of Ocala and 16 miles southeast of Gainesville. The Ocala National Forest including more than 600 freshwater springs and lakes such as Rainbow Springs, Silver Springs, Juniper Springs, Silver Glen Springs, Paradise Springs, Alexander Springs, Ocklawaha and Withlachoochee rivers.
Rainbow Springs State Park is over 1000 acres of natural perfection, with crystalline springs that remain 72 degrees year-round. The park is the perfect place to take your family for the day to hike, swim, snorkel and picnic. Visitors can float or paddle along Rainbow River via tube, canoe or kayak – which can be rented through the Marion County Parks Department.
Juniper Springs, which is located approximately a half hour east of Ocala, is also another popular spot for camping, swimming and canoeing. In fact, it was voted one of the top 25 canoeing destinations in the United States by ReserveAmerica, a leading resource for all outdoor recreation.
If you’re a certified diver, Alexander Springs is the only location within the Ocala National Forest to offer scuba diving to visitors. There are also numerous native species in the forest for nature lovers, include turtles, alligators, deer, raccoons, black bear and a multitude of birds.
If you’re in town for just a few days, a popular and easy introduction to the Ocala National Forest is to rent a kayak or take a glass bottom boat tour at Silver Springs!
The Mill House at Juniper Springs. Photo credit Ocala Horse Properties
Riding In Ocala National Forest
Equestrians are welcome to ride nearly 100 miles of designated trails throughout the Ocala National Forest, with pack-it-in, pack-it-out camping opportunities in remote spots in the forest. The Swim Pond horse trailer parking area serves as the main trailhead for all equestrian trails in the Ocala National Forest. It is between Moss Bluff and Umatilla, just east of Doe Lake. For access and trail availability, please visit the Forest Service Website for details.
When making your plans to explore Ocala’s great outdoors, The Marion County Visitors Bureau suggests the following links are also a great resource for information.
- The Ocala National Forest Website
- Florida State Parks Information about Rainbow Springs
- Rainbow River Tubing
- Scuba Diving in Paradise Springs
- Silver Springs Information
Fishing and kayaking in Ocala. Photo Credit Matt Varney
The Visitor’s Bureau website is also a fantastic guide for all outdoor entertainment in our region such as kayaking, horseback riding, bird watching, hiking, biking and zip-lining as well.
Ocala Horse Properties welcomes you to our gorgeous countryside, where your new backyard will provide endless outdoor adventures!
Contact Us for a tour of Marion County today. We are happy to show you properties in our region, and you will quickly understand why we choose to call Ocala home!
Call our offices to arrange a tour: (352) 615-8891
