Getting Oriented
Ocala National Forest covers about 387,000 acres across Marion, Lake, and Putnam counties, between the city of Ocala and the St. Johns River. Designated in 1908, it's the oldest national forest east of the Mississippi and sits on the largest contiguous sand pine scrub in the world. The Lake George Ranger District manages the northern half of the forest, where the Ocala North OHV Trail System runs. A separate 47-mile network, the Ocala Centennial OHV Trail System, occupies Big Scrub farther south under the Seminole Ranger District.
Trail Overview
The system totals 125 miles split by vehicle class: a 14-mile motorcycle-only loop, 35 miles open to motorcycles, ATVs, and UTVs under 50 inches wide, and 76 miles of mixed-use trail where OHVs share the route with licensed highway vehicles. Named components include Delancy Loops (16 miles, six tight interconnected loops built for motorcycles and ATVs), Longleaf (25 miles, wide enough for vehicles up to 65 inches), Pipeline (19 miles), Tobacco Patch (18 miles), Hog Valley (13 miles), and the Motorcycle Loop (14 miles of stacked loops, motorcycles only).
Surface is flat and sandy for most of the mileage, with a few twisting, root-cut sections and deep berms. After rain, low spots hold water and turn to soft mud; some sections cross standing water outright. Riders should carry a way to air down and a recovery strap, since deep sand catches stock tire pressures fast.
Points of Interest
- Rodman Reservoir (Lake Ocklawaha), reached from the Rodman Trailhead past Kirkpatrick Dam, for a break at the water and a look at the dam
- Salt Springs, a spring-fed swimming and snorkeling site a short ride from the Delancy Loops Trailhead on SR 19
- The Florida National Scenic Trail, which crosses the northern part of the forest; it's foot traffic only, so treat any crossing as a stop, not a route
Where to Camp
Dispersed camping is allowed at several trailheads, including Lake Delancy West on FR 66, the only trailhead with designated OHV camping. Developed options nearby include Salt Springs Recreation Area (162 sites, full hookups) on SR 19, and Fore Lake or Lake Eaton for a quieter, tent-focused stay. Camping past 14 days in one spot isn't allowed anywhere in the forest.
Tips for a Safe and Enjoyable Trip
- Buy the OHV pass online before arriving; cell coverage thins out well before most trailheads
- Riders under 16 need a completed state OHV safety course and must carry proof of it
- Alligators use flooded ditches and the margins of Rodman Reservoir; keep clear of the water's edge where visibility is poor
- Sand catches stock tire pressures fast; carry a way to air down and a recovery strap or winch
Fuel and Water
Salt Springs, a small forest community on SR 19 about 4 miles south of the Delancy Loops Trailhead, has a gas station, a Dollar General, a small cafe, and a post office. It's the last reliable fuel stop before entering the trail network from the north. Water sources inside the forest (springs, lakes, the Ocklawaha River) aren't for refilling drinking water; carry what you need.
Nearby
Rodman Reservoir (Lake Ocklawaha) and Kirkpatrick Dam sit at the trail system's northwest edge, popular for bass fishing. Salt Springs Recreation Area offers spring swimming, snorkeling, and the forest's largest campground. Silver Glen Springs and Alexander Springs, both within the forest, add two more spring-fed swimming stops. The Ocala Centennial OHV Trail System, a separate 47-mile loop network out of Big Scrub Campground under the Seminole Ranger District, is about 25 miles south for riders who want a second system on the same pass.
