Silver Springs Connector Trail

 

Location and Hiking Trail Maps with Nature Viewing Information and Photos

Marion County

Fort McCoy, Florida

Entry Fee: None

Offical Websites:

• Florida Department of Environmental Protection, Florida Geenways and Trails
• Florida State Parks

Traffic: Light

 

Part of the Marjorie Harris Carr Cross Florida Greenway, this short, 3-mile there and back trail is great for a hike, jog, or a run any time of the year and not far outside of Ocala, Florida. The look and feel of this subtropical forest of sabal palm and laurel oak will make you wish it were raining with its organic and earthy feel.

 

Just two and a half miles from Silver Springs Forest Conservation Area, in case you want to make more of a day of it, you'll find the entrance with an easy to spot sign and ample parking just off of Fort Brooks Road (FL-40) on NE Highway 315 in Fort McCoy, just outside of Ocala. The trail is easy to follow, and you will find yourself alone among the cabbage palm, laurel oak, and southern magnolia. Once you reach a bridge overhead, Ray Wayside Park is just in front of you with a closed gate. Then it is time to turn back or have your entrance fee ready.

 

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Silver Springs Connector Trail - PDF map of trail hike

 

Interactive Map of trail at AllTrails - Web and Mobile App

 

Find below pictures and a Google Map.

 

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Entry and parking before a nice hike from Florida 315, just off 40, in Fort McCoy

 

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Silver Spring Connector Trail

 

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Trail hiking through an abundance of dense palm at Silver Spring Connector Trail in Fort McCoy

 

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Shaded wildflowers such as wild petunia await the eager eye

 

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A splash of cabbage palm

 

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This southern magnolia was magnificent enough to add as a waypoint on the AllTrails map

 

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Bridge overhead at Fort Brooks Road - time to turn back

 

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Silver Springs Connector Trail, Marion County Hiking

 

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Live Florida BeautySites for hiking and other outdoor activities with maps and pics from Florida's subtropical forests