Planning a trip to Ocala National Forest this weekend - Any tips?

I was thinking of taking my wife and two kids (7 and 5) up through some of the Ocala National Forest this weekend. I would be sticking to the marked trails, come in from the south, maybe stop by Lake Dorr, then head a little north to the Alexander Springs Rec Area. There we would swim and fish!

1. Any tips or suggests to make the most of this day trip? (it's about 1 hour from my house)
2. Is there much to see while on the trails in terms of wildlife to keep the kids entertained and interested?
3. Any area in particular with good views or a nice drive?


Thanks!

 

Alexander Springs and Salt Springs have some really good swimming areas. I used to casual-dive at Alexander.

 

Awesome! Does it stay pretty busy?

Also, will any of these roads be a problem for my truck (Pre-Runner) or me (ZERO off-roading experience)?

 

It is really a hit or miss. I have been there when crowded, and been there when empty. There are a lot of trails that are 2wd friendly, you just have to be careful. That sand makes it easy to get stuck. I would suggest AGAINST doing ANY trail alone because there is no cell service in 90% of the area.

 

well when are you planing to do this if i can get my bumper welded back on id be more than happy to ride out ive got a few ppl that might be interested as well

 

I didn't go this past weekend as the wife and kids got sun burnt at the beach and I didn't want to add to it via a day at the spring. I'll be looking to go soon though.

 

I was just there this weekend going around the bombing range is always fun especially when it's wet also if you want to go swimming there's blue sink

 

well i would say lets go this weekend and that would be fun but it would be too short of notice for some ppl so wen you have a time and date when you want to ride out ill see what happens i know Si hes not going to be available after october fyi and we also have a Meet and Greet in St. Auggy and where you coming from if your an hour away from ocala. Michale lives out that way as well so if you want to do a little camping thing or want to know were some good spots are he prob knows the place well so get with him if your wanting to know more info of the area and he drives a 2x4 as well as me and if hes going out there you should have no problem we went to Hard rock which was a bad idea since it rained and rained lol for me attest lol but we had killer fun. so yeah if you want to cornet with some of the ppl that might go you can talk to me and Michaelrussell he'll prob go knowing him

 

I am in East Orlando so the south end of the Ocala National Forest is about 1 hour away. I'd love to go out with others that have an idea of where to go and what to do as my experience level is ZERO!

 

Bombing range

Blue sink

 

like we know what that mean if im going to get bombed im going to shot back fyi

 

I was out at the bombing range with Blueitrgsr this past weekend. There were definitely some areas that required 4x4 though...

 

You go around it not in it

 

I don't remember seeing any tacomas out there but if you seen a black xterra that was me and my buddy

 

I had made it through that "puddle" about twenty minutes before without a problem

 

That was aimed at jake and I was referring to the bombing range but I know what you mean there are some places that 4x4 is required

 

A few pics from previous trips

 

i really want to go out to ocala now i feel like sattling up and doing a night run as well i was thinking we could grab a few ppl from the citrus run and trail a little after setting up camp get some nights shots and or hell we could do a trip out to ocala for a night run or hell just cruse up the coast and chill i dont care kicking in this house fucking blows and i cant go off roading all the mud holes are on lock down and im just bord lol thank mike for the picks and you know me from hard rock i dont go around

 

Hmm, what about this Sunday? Morning/Early Afternoon

 

again that might be to early of a notice for some ppl me im fine with it otheres i dont know