Experience the National Forests in Florida, 1.2 million acres spread across the Apalachicola, Ocala, and Osceola National Forests. Each of the three separate forests provides visitors with a unique experience of the state’s natural wonders, from the gentle rolling terrain of the Apalachicola National Forest to the crystal-clear springs of the Ocala National Forest.
The Apalachicola National Forest, which stretches across the Florida Panhandle, is one of the last remaining large areas of swamps, savannahs, and pine forest in the state. Its wet lowlands abound with cypress, oak, and magnolias, while stands of slash and longleaf pines cover the sandhills and flatwoods. In addition to hosting water activities, its rivers and streams provide a steady freshwater flow to coastal bays and estuaries known for shellfish and other commercial seafood.
In central Florida, the Ocala National Forest is famous for its sand pine scrub, freshwater springs, and over 600 lakes, creeks, and rivers, making it a haven for paddlers, anglers, and hikers. The cool crystal-clear water of Juniper Springs, Alexander Springs, Salt Springs, and Silver Glen Springs are spectacular swimming holes. Snorkelers frequently find a thrilling underwater view of fish, swaying vegetation, and cavernous springs.
The Osceola National Forest, east of Jacksonville, has 200,000 acres of pine flatwoods, swamps, and the scenic Black Creek, where canoeing and wildlife watching are popular. All three forests offer year-round recreation, with hundreds of miles of trails that offer hiking, biking, off-roading, and horseback riding.
Pitcher plants, Apalachicola National Forest. Photo by Linda Wilinski 
Ocala National Forest. Photo by Linda Wilinski 
Silver Glen Springs, Ocala National Forest. Photo by Linda Wilinski 
Pine forests of Ocala National Forest. Photo by Aleksiya Nikolova 
Shady path through the palms of Ocala National Forest. Photo by Jessie Bernhardt What is the History of the National Forests in Florida?
Once heavily logged and cleared for agriculture in the 19th and early 20th centuries, the Apalachicola National Forest was established in 1936 as Florida’s largest National Forest. Ocala National Forest was designated in 1908 as part of early forest reservation efforts and later expanded, and Osceola National Forest was created in 1931 after widespread deforestation and erosion from logging and farming.
For thousands of years, Native American groups—including the Apalachee, Timucua, and Seminole—relied on the rich forests, rivers, and wetlands for food, shelter, and trade. They built villages along rivers like the Apalachicola and St. Marks, utilized controlled burns to manage land, and left archaeological sites that mark their enduring presence.
How to Get to the National Forests in Florida
From Tallahassee, U.S. Highway 319 and State Road 12 leads directly into the Apalachicola National Forest. Apalachicola and Blountstown serve as nearby gateway towns.
The Ocala National Forest, located east of Ocala and north of Orlando, can be accessed by Interstate 75 to State Road 40, which leads to trailheads, campgrounds, and popular sites such as Juniper Springs, Alexander Springs, and Lake George.
The Osceola National Forest, northeast of Jacksonville, spans parts of Clay, Baker, and Bradford counties. Interstate 10 runs west-east through nearby Lake City, while U.S. Highway 90 and State Road 23 lead to trailheads and campgrounds.
- Tallahassee, Florida: 1 hour by car from the Apalachicola National Forest
- Jacksonville, Florida: 1 hour by car from the Osceola National Forest
- Orlando, Florida: 1.5 hours by car from the Ocala National Forest
- Gainesville, Florida: 1 to 1.5 hours by car from the Ocala National Forest and the Osceola National Forest
This unique karst landscape in the Apalachicola National Forest was shaped by the dissolution of limestone over thousands of years. More than five miles of trails allow visitors to explore the area—dotted with sinkholes, underwater caves, and springs—without harming it.
A 67-mile section of the greater 1,500-mile scenic trail crosses the Ocala National Forest from north to south, passing through longleaf pine forests, sandhill habitats, and cypress swamps.
This designated Wild and Scenic River is the crown jewel of the Osceola National Forest, winding through pine woodlands and cypress swamps. It’s a blackwater river, meaning it has unique tannin-stained waters that host a variety of wildlife. Launch points and primitive campsites along the creek make multi-day trips possible.
Wiregrass With slender wiry leaves, this is one of the most foundational plants across the forests, fueling natural fire cycles, providing food to birds and small mammals, and creating habitats for reptiles and insects. 
Cypress This iconic conifer is integral to Florida’s forests, providing critical wildlife habitat through its dome-like growth and helping stabilize soil in swamps, floodplains, and blackwater rivers. 
Red-cockaded woodpecker This endangered species, known for its black-and-white striped back and, in its males, a red streak on its head, relies on longleaf pines for habitat. 
Gopher tortoise This endangered species, which reaches up to 15 inches in length and weighs 8 to 15 pounds, relies on longleaf pine habitats, where it creates extensive burrows. 
Alligator This keystone species controls prey populations, creates “alligator holes” that make for important habitats for other wildlife, and is most active in the warmer months. 
Florida black bear While this species looks the same as other black bears, it has adapted to warmer climates, including “torporing” in the winter instead of fully hibernating. What’s the Best First-Timer’s Adventure in the National Forests in Florida
If you only have time for one experience in Florida’s National Forests, make it a day trip to Silver Glen Springs Recreation Area. The spring forms a large swimming area with water so clear that you can see the bottom—and the many fish and turtles that inhabit it. The area also features picnic spots, boardwalks, and shaded trails through pine and oak forest.
Where to Find More Information on the National Forests in Florida
For more information or questions, visit https://www.fs.usda.gov/r08/florida.
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