Ocala National Forest — Attraction in Belleview

Love this place! Although, it's Florida's version of a forest, but it's definitely got it's charms. It's way bigger than you would think with a variety of things to do...you just have to know where to find stuff. So plan ahead, check out what's offered and/or available. The people are amazing & very friendly. Pet friendly & our dogs approve! Shout out to Ft. McCoy, this is one our top places to top off the fuel & get supplies. Not very many gas stations & long distances between places so be sure to fuel & get supplies when available. We stay in Hog Valley (towards the main part of the forest) & we spend an average of 30 mins driving one way. However, this to me adds to the appeal. It is very much about the nature & not disturbing the natural landscapes that is the Ocala National Forest. During the summer months, I definitely suggest visiting one of many springs they have. There are small fees or you can purchase passes. Juniper & Salt Springs are so far my favorite. Beautiful & picture perfect. The Florida Trail is also a big part of it, lots of hiking opportunities as well as riding off road vehicles. They offer a lot of great roads just for your off roading needs! It is very much designed for camping so stay closer to Ocala city or outer cities if looking for the hotel/motels. The river offers wonderful canoeing & many campsites through out plus fishing galore, our personal favorite is Rodman Dam. Deer & other animals spotted often (unless it's hunting season) but even then they are out there especially late into the night so PLEASE drive with caution & stay alert all times, enjoy the drive & scenery at a safe speed. We spotted a wild turkey several times recently! Food is mainly mom & pop type restaurants found scattered through out so again, the cities are your safe bet if looking for the bigger type chains or your more everyday type restaurants. The city of Ocala offers a great selection though almost everything seems to close at around 9 or 10 PM. The smaller, side of the road diners do offer good home cooked food so do support local businesses & check out the mom & pop type places. The service, for me has always been friendly & welcoming. Cell service is also very spotty if at all. Again, to me this is a plus! It's an awesome place to disconnect from the chaos of everyday life & just immerse yourself into mother nature. We get actual quality family time when visiting! Even our dogs seem SO much happier here. So bring lots of bug spray, unplug from your busy life, slow down & enjoy all that is the Ocala...

I was a little surprised that I would get this opportunity to review the great Ocala National Forest. I happen to call it home and I've lived here for 33years. I can remember when there would only be a car or two coming down SR40 about every hour and a half, that's how quiet this area was back in 1977, when I first moved up here. Nowadays, I spend my time doing little things like gardening and training my monstrous 7 month old pittie Bailiegh. The Forest is a haven to we who need to get off the paved parts of Marion County roads to maybe find our tranquility here in Nature's obscure paths among the pines and oaks. It's a place of safety and zen, but being fully aware of your surroundings at all times keeps you just as involved as observing the wildlife and avoiding being tripped up by a fallen log. There's lakes and ponds to explore and if you like to fish, stop where it strikes your fancy. The down side is running across a big pile of trash that some unscrupulous person or persons has dumped down a dirt road because they're too lazy and stupid to find out where the Marion County Landfill is. I don't want to end this on a bad note, though. The Ocala National Forest is a paradise in and of itself. It's home to countless wonders, animal, vegetable and mineral. I also call it my home and I will never leave it. I love taking walks down our dirt road in the early evening with my dog and my husband and seeing the birds and squirrels and rabbits out around the pond in front of our house. Light winds blowing across the pond as the setting sun caresses the tops of the trees making the sky look like an abstract painting. Sitting outside and watching the trees swallow up the light in the sky. Life here is still a couple steps behind city life. I like...

I love it still. Been in this area since I was 5 y.o.. I love it because I have got to work at all the springs here. I was ground maintenance. I was the assistant supervisor at Alexander springs, I have open and closed the gatehouse ,the store and I helped do everything possible at juniper springs, Nelson's fish camp, Silver Glenn Springs, Alexander springs run and juniper run. I had to go pick up all the passengers and canoes. At times one would get lost and ohhh was that fun. Not. But at times we can hear all kinds of outrageous stories. I have had my own parks and helping to build walking and hiking trails. I have worked outside in the field and I was in love with my job. I grant you being out in the field like I was if you didn't love it something is wrong. But I miss working and being alone by the creek beds, walking down the trails to make sure everything was good. Also maintaining all the parks, hiking and walking trails, boat ramps and. Answering questions about whatever they needed to know. I got my parks and trails specialist because I have done.almost everything imaginable. Also all the wildlife you get to see. Just the beauty of being alone with nature. I worked closely with forestry too and got my 2 yr diploma at the college ,state Penn university. I apologize but when it comes to working here and living here is awesome. Everything has the good and the bad and you have to decide if you love it enough to stay and endure or go back to the city life. Not me. I can live other places and will but presently...