Florida Black Bear Scenic Byway
The Florida Black Bear Scenic Byway is a designated National Scenic Byway running through the heart of the Ocala National Forest. This is one of the wildest drives in Florida, passing through longleaf pine sandhills, scrub, and spring-fed rivers. The forest is home to the largest population of Florida black bears in the state, along with deer, wild turkeys, and the endangered red-cockaded woodpecker.
Route Overview
The byway follows State Road 40 and State Road 19 through the Ocala National Forest from Silver Springs east to the St. Johns River. The route passes crystal-clear springs for swimming, hiking trailheads, and scenic river crossings. The landscape transitions from pine flatwoods to scrub to hardwood hammock as you travel through the forest.
Stops Along the Way
1. Silver Springs State Park
Start at the headspring of the Silver River, one of the clearest bodies of water in the world. Glass-bottom boat tours have operated here since 1878. The spring produces 550 million gallons of water daily.
2. Juniper Springs Recreation Area
A beautiful spring-fed swimming area with a historic stone bathhouse built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s. The Juniper Springs Run is a 7-mile canoe and kayak trail through subtropical forest.
3. Alexander Springs
A first-magnitude spring producing 76 million gallons of clear 72-degree water daily. The spring pool is perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and scuba diving. A canoe and kayak trail runs downstream.
4. Salt Springs
A unique mineral spring with slightly salty water that maintains a constant 74 degrees. The springs feed into Lake George via Salt Springs Run, a popular paddling trail. Manatees visit in winter months.
5. Lake George Overlook
Views of Florida's second-largest lake from the eastern edge of the national forest. Lake George is part of the St. Johns River system and is surrounded by wild, undeveloped shoreline.
6. Yearling Trail
A 1-mile interpretive trail near the home site of Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings, who wrote The Yearling based on life in the Ocala scrub. The trail passes through the landscape described in the novel.
Driving Tips
- Watch for Florida black bears crossing the road, especially at dawn and dusk - they are large and dark colored
- Cell phone service is limited or nonexistent through much of the national forest - download maps in advance
- Bring cash for spring recreation area entrance fees ($5 to $8 per vehicle at most sites)
- The forest roads are mostly two-lane with no shoulder - drive carefully and watch for wildlife
- Summer afternoon thunderstorms are intense in the forest - plan spring visits for the morning
Official Resources
Group Road Trip? BusBrother provides charter bus service along this route. Let a professional driver handle the road while your group enjoys the scenery. Get a free quote.