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ForestMatters, LLC

Salt Springs Island Trail

Ocala National Forest, Florida · 3 min read

Distance
5 mi
Elevation Gain
50 ft
Difficulty
easy
Route Type
Out-And-Back
Best Season
October through April
Dog Friendly
Yes
Difficulty Score
2 / 10
Trailhead Amenities
Restroom
Flush Restroom
Parking
Fee Required
Cell Service
Limited
Water
At Trailhead
Camping
Developed
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Conditions, regulations, and fees change frequently. Verify with the local ranger district before your trip. Full disclaimer

At a Glance

  • Salt Springs: a unique brackish spring in a freshwater forest
  • Island trail through scrub oak and flatwood habitats
  • Year-round warm spring water swimming area
  • Good birding for wading birds and waterfowl at the spring run
  • Popular base for exploring the northeastern Ocala

Overview

Salt Springs is one of the larger recreation areas in the northeastern portion of Ocala National Forest, combining a swimming spring, a campground, and lake access with a network of trails into the surrounding scrub and flatwood habitats. The Salt Springs Island Trail provides a 5.0-mile out-and-back exploration of the upland habitats surrounding the spring, offering a hiking option that complements a day of spring swimming and picnicking.

Salt Springs is ecologically unusual among Ocala's major springs. The slightly brackish character of its water creates a transitional habitat in the spring run that supports both freshwater and salt-tolerant species, making it a distinct stop for naturalists interested in Florida's aquifer hydrology. The spring has attracted wildlife for centuries; deer and other animals historically used the spring as a mineral lick.

The trail itself traverses classic Ocala habitat: scrub oak and saw palmetto on sandy upland ridges, longleaf pine flatwoods, and the wetland margins where scrub and flatwood meet. The out-and-back format allows hikers to set their own distance based on conditions and available time.

The Route

Miles 0 to 1.5: Spring area and initial trail. Departing from the recreation area, the trail heads away from the spring run through scrub vegetation. The tread is sandy and soft. Gopher tortoise burrows are present from the early sections.

Miles 1.5 to 3.0: Upland scrub and flatwood. The trail reaches the island upland area with open scrub vegetation and then transitions through flatwood pine. This section provides the best habitat for Florida scrub-jays and is also productive for sandhill cranes in the more open sections.

Miles 3.0: Turnaround. The out-and-back format allows flexible distance. Mile 3 represents a natural turnaround for a 6-mile round trip.

Return: Retrace the route to the trailhead.

When to Visit

October through April: The recommended season for comfortable hiking in Ocala.

December through February: Best for birding with the spring swimming area providing an additional wildlife watching opportunity (manatees sometimes enter the spring run during cold snaps).

Summer: Hot and exposed. Early morning hiking only. The spring provides a cooling option after the hike.

What to Bring

Many hikers on this route carry:

  • 1.5-2 liters of water (individual needs vary; short trail with no water sources)
  • Insect repellent (recommended from March through October)
  • Sun protection for the open scrub sections
  • Swimwear if using the spring swimming area

Practical Details

Flush restrooms at the Salt Springs Recreation Area. Day-use fee as of 2026; America the Beautiful passes accepted. Verify current rates at fs.usda.gov/ocala.

Dogs are allowed on the hiking trail but not in the designated swimming area.

Cell service is limited. Download maps before departure.

The Salt Springs Recreation Area campground provides 158 sites and is one of the larger campgrounds in the forest. Reserve well in advance for winter weekends.

For context on planning a national forest trip, see the camping permit guide.

Getting There

From Ocala, take US-40 east to FL-19, then north to Salt Springs. The recreation area entrance is on the right side of FL-19 in the town of Salt Springs, approximately 50 miles from Ocala.

From Palatka, take FL-20 west to FL-19, then south to Salt Springs. The drive from Palatka takes approximately 35 minutes.

USFS Ocala National Forest: fs.usda.gov/ocala.

Trailhead Parking

Salt Springs Recreation Area off FL-19 near Salt Springs, FL; day-use fee applies (as of 2026). Developed parking at the recreation area.

← Back to Ocala National Forest

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why is it called Salt Springs if it is in a freshwater forest?
Salt Springs is one of the more unusual springs in Florida. It discharges a slightly brackish water from a different aquifer layer than most Ocala springs. The salt content is low but detectable, and the spring historically attracted deer and other wildlife that came to lick the mineral deposits. The spring run supports a mix of fresh and brackish water species as a result.
Can I swim at Salt Springs?
Yes. The Salt Springs Recreation Area has a designated swimming area. Day-use fees apply as of 2026. The spring runs at approximately 68 degrees year-round.
What is the 'island' in Salt Springs Island Trail?
The trail name refers to a relative upland area surrounded by lower, wetter terrain that gives it an island-like character in the landscape. The trail explores the scrub and flatwood habitats on this elevated sandy area.
Is this trail on the Florida National Scenic Trail?
The Salt Springs Island Trail is in the vicinity of the Florida Trail corridor but is a separate USFS trail specific to the Salt Springs area. The Florida National Scenic Trail also passes through the northeastern Ocala but on a different alignment.
Are there facilities at Salt Springs?
Yes. The Salt Springs Recreation Area is a developed USFS facility with flush restrooms, a campground, swimming access, and a launch area for motorized and non-motorized watercraft on Lake Kerr.