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Hiking Silver Springs Forest Conservation AreaBryan Lindenberger2022-10-03T05:37:59-06:00
  • Sunrise in Mist at Silver Springs Forest near Ocala, Florida

Hiking Silver Springs Forest Conservation Area

Location and Hiking Trail Maps with Nature Viewing Information and Photos

Silver Springs State Forest Conservation Area
Marion County
Near Ocala, Florida
Entry Fee: None
Traffic: Light
St. John’s River Water Management District (SJRWMD) Official Page

Map of red blaze trail at silver springs state forest conservation area

PDF Trail Map – Red Blaze ^
Interactive Trail Map at AllTrails (red blaze) >

Map of White Blaze Loop at Silver Springs Forest Conservation Area

PDF Trail Map – White Blaze ^
Interactive Trail Map at AllTrails (white blaze) >

Background and Purpose of the Area

Silver Springs Forest Conservation Area main entrance and parking at FL 326 entrance, where the map below takes you. There is a rear entrance on Florida 315 as well, 29.229056, -82.010071I met a friendly guy from St. Johns River Water Management District at Silver Springs State Forest. He said that SJRWMD was working to slow the flow of water from Sawmill Creek into the Silver River. So the idea is to keep the river clearer while also preserving water to (potentially) pump back into a local, Marion County aquifer. He also said this land was recently owned by Rayonier, a timber company.

Hunting with Permit

Beginning in 2021, this area now allows hunting. Remain mindful of deer, turkey, boar hunting seasons These include archery, muzzleloading guns, general gun, and spring turkey hunts.

Whether you hunt or simply want to avoid disturbing hunters, it’s good to know the dates.
Check out this large, printable image of posted Silver Springs Forest Wildlife Management Area hunt dates for Autumn 2022 through spring of 2023.

Hiking, Biking, and Equestrian at Silver Springs State Conservation Area

Bagpod - Sesbania vesicaria

Bagpod, Sesbania vesicaria: poison, do not eat

Service roads comprise about one third of the trails. These are packed well and great for biking as well as hiking and horseback riding. In fact, following the White Blaze Loop, I was struck by how searing white the trail appeared in the sun. All trails are firm with no sweet sand and quite flat.

I also hiked the Red Blaze Trail Loop – over 11 miles starting at a white blaze entrance with way points marked at AllTrails.

Golden Sunrise in Florida, Silver Springs Conservation Area near Ocala

Golden Sunrise

You will generally find plenty of parking either from either County Road 315 or from 326. And the White Blaze Loop offers 6 miles of great hiking or biking from either end of the conservation area.

Most trails are wide and well kept, so you won’t need to swat away spider webs or worry too much about mosquitoes. The packed earth portions provide easy biking as well as hiking, and the grassy, off-loop trails rarely become overgrown.

Also, both the red and white systems are well marked. I hiked both and could hardly believe I was the only person there on a Sunday. If you want a great outdoor opportunity not far from town, this is ideal.

More than Service RoadsSabal palm and leafy brush turning to seed

The packed earth loop trails offer plenty of grassy, side trail opportunities for additional hiking. And you are sure to encounter an abundant variety of flora including wildflowers. Also, you may spot an abundance of animals. Springs, particularly on the red loop, attract a variety wildlife including feral hogs, deer, bear, bald eagles, and waterfowl such as ibis and egrets. Just be careful – I’ve spotted a Florida bobcat too!

Autumn livens up in yellow, orange and red thanks to copious sugar maple and deciduous vines.

And watch for the little things. Among the photos below is also an odd find, an Arrowhead Orb Spider (Verrucosa arenata) notable for the yellow arrowhead shape on its abdomen. I also had the good fortune to find a large flower rose gentium – Marsh Pink. See both in images below.

Trail Images Below

More Marion County Hiking Trails

Female Arrowhead Orb Weaver Spider distinguished by colorful triangle on abdomen

Arrowhead Orb Weaver Spider

Gulf Fritallary Butterfly

Gulf Fritallary Butterfly

Armadillo

Armadillo

Brush turning to seed on sunny day

Autumn

Lanceleaf Arrowhead Flower

Lanceleaf Arrowhead Flower

Trail at Silver Springs Forest Conservation Area

Wide Trails

An abundance of palms and pines

Palms and Pine

Spanish moss dangles from an arch of trees along the trail

Trail

Sabatia grandiflora - Largeflower Rosegentium is a wildflower in central Florida distinguished by 5 pink petals and yellow center with jagged, red outline here blooming in June

Sabatia grandiflora, largeflower rose gentium – Marsh Pink

More Marion County Hiking Trails

Hiking Trails

Hiking, biking, and riding trails with maps

flowering dogwood
Down South
tree in field
Live Florida Beauty
Organ Mountains
Mountain Time
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