The Florida Trail - Ocala National Forest

[@jonussmith7404]

Your videos are good but seeing it in- person can't be beat. I went through Ocala once while on vacation and I saw about 30 deer spread out on highway 40. There were only two other cars on the road and it was nighttime. It was scary and amazing at the same time. They just looked up from eating then went back to eating. There were bears signs too; I wanted to see a bear but I would've put my foot down if I did, a 20 second look would be enough. LOL They had horse riding signs too but I've seen that in the state where I live. Your hike looks so fun. I can't walk like I used to because I was in an accident; I know I couldn't walk briskly or run like I used to in the woods, if I could this video would make me go further into the woods. This is such a beautiful country hike.

[@Oldsparkey]

You were talking about the frost on the foliage being Florida Snow. In my 74 years here in Central Florida ( Orlando area ) I have seen actual Snow three separate ( years ) times. Enough snow to gather and make snow balls. The Ocala ( East ) Section is my favorite section for a get away and enjoy being out there. .

[@madratter]

I was one week behind you on this same hike. Only difference was I camped at the Rodman campground and hiked to the locks the next morning. I stayed at 88 store also. The whole day hiking into the Rodman campground it was cold and wet. I was close to hyperthermic and thankfully they had one site available. The next morning hiking to the Buckman Locks was beautiful along the canal. Hitchhiked all the way back to the beginning 50+ miles away

[@bereantrb]

Good job. You captured a lot of Florida’s beauty. A lot of people who move here from out of state look at me funny when I mention hiking. They have no clue what’s beyond the cities, suburbs, and off the roads. Thank you for showing it off.

[@tigerpisces5506]

Amen, bro. Born and raised in Idaho and lived for a year in Hell's Canyon.. Lived Oregon, Washington, Arizona, and Caloco. Wild places are where you can find reality and get in touch with natural man and nature

[@ag4389]

That long on sand is tough. Awesome job guys

[@xXTopher2010Xx]

As someone who grew up in Florida and hiked every trail I could find, I can tell you that yeah there might not be as much terrain as say the AT but man deep sand, heat, and humidity make these trails challenging in their own right. Man I miss hiking through the ONF.

[@chefcocoasadventures8794]

I use to hike that section all the time when I lived in Ocala. My fav by far... Thanks for sharing your hike.

[@skawizzard02]

I just did the section of the Florida trail that goes threw the cross Florida green way. From Pruitt trailhead to the 49th ave trailhead was by far some of the best trail I have hiked. The hills, boulders, and caves offer amazing views. There is a small camp site on the top of a 25-30 ft hill that provides a 360 deg view of the surrounding forest that is just amazing. The top of the hill is only big enough for 2 maybe 3 tents however. I highly recommend that section, it was such a joy to hike.

[@gingersnap9756]

Beautiful. I have been watching so many videos of the Stampede Trail in Alaska so I figured I would check out some Florida trail video’s too since I live just south of the Ocala Forest. Love the drone video.

[@FLtrailblazer]

Great video saw some of your content just browsing KZbin here, love exploring Florida!

[@rumblechick73]

Thanks for sharing this one! I love that area and Juniper Springs has a beautiful canoe trail as well.

[@adamkwiatkowski4107]

looks like some damage from the hurricane Irma. Quite a few chainsawed trees that had fallen on the trail. Hats of to the people that maintain the trails for you.

[@FLCMAA]

Beautiful hike! My wife and I just finished this same hike today. The FTA did an amazing job cleaning up the trail after a heavy summer of hurricanes. Thanks for sharing the pictures and drone shots.

[@davewalters9843]

You introduced me to the A.T. I never knew it existed. I watched all your A.T. videos. We are prepping for our attempt at the A.T in march of 2018. Thank you for inspiring us to backpack.

[@RedBeard0924]

Excellent! Glad you enjoyed my videos. Good luck on your hike!

[@johnsongrounds6734]

I love the Ocala Forest. In the words of “JJ Grey and Mofro” “That’s where I go to get back to reality!” He’s singing about Lockloosa but the same principle applies lol

[@dianevanderlinden3480]

Yep JJ is awesome

[@familyadventures6168]

We have some videos of Ocalla we weren't too happy about camping there but we love the spring in the forest 🌳

[@hikewithmike4673]

I love this section of the Ocala NATIonal Forest too......i liketo camp at clearwater camp and then hike in from there for a day or 2

[@punkwood333]

Got to meet you on this trip,was the older of the two guys just north of Hidden pond Saturday afternoon when you turned back, great weekend for a hike and thanks for the video!

[@RedBeard0924]

yes! great to meet you guys. Really glad I saw you otherwise me and my two friends would have camped alone. Instead we just got to hike an extra 3 miles or so on that day! Hope you guys ended up finding a great camp spot.

[@punkwood333]

Glad we could help,there is a nice little pond about a mile north of Hidden Pond east side of trail that is great if you don't want to use Hidden we camped there and loved it. BTW ordered an Arc Blast Monday true to my word to Joe!..Enjoy your trip to Tasmania!

[@scotbush283]

Thank you for sharing the Florida Trail with so many! Although we do not have the majestic mountain views, hiking in Florida is just as challenging and rewarding, with the added benefit of being able to hike in the winter months! With you living near Gainesville (like myself) Will, I would suggest you try hiking the section of the Florida trail from White Springs to the Suwannee River State Park, my personal favorite section of the Florida Trail!!!

[@powellr3]

Great vid and fun commentary. Loved the drone shots. Those pockets of live oak with relatively little underbrush are called hammocks and great places to camp because they are out of the wind and remain a bit warmer than the surrounding pine and palmetto scrub. It can be tough walking through sugar sand. I feel your pain.

[@tigerpisces5506]

Hike 900 miles in 40 days..3.2 mph---25 miles a day awesome. Hiking in the mountains of Oregon and Washington is hades.

[@hiker-trash]

Love the drone footage allows the veiwer to see more scenery from an awesome veiw.

[@PumasProjects]

This actually gets me stoked to hike the FT at some point.

[@CoachBill315]

Keep rockin the drone... definitely adds another feature to your vidz. Great vid

[@alexanderweaver4838]

Thank you, Will, for an incredible video and views of the Florida Trail through Ocala National Forest. My wife and I are planning to retire in Clearwater and now I have a venue for hiking and camping...primitive at that. Not much primitive camping where I live in Virginia. Great to know about the 88 Store, too. Best wishes and good luck in Tasmania.

[@GW-gz8jh]

I imagine the over blazing is helpful in the years we’ve been hit hard by hurricanes. We lose a lot of trees and sometimes the areas can look completely different after a particularly bad storm. Parts of the panhandle that were heavily wooded look unrecognizable in areas after Michael went through.

[@edwardvillate2112]

Great VIDEO !!! it's very inspirational for me to whatcha, because I live in MIAMI, and I'm starting to do FLORIDA TRAILS , and at least know what to EXPECT !!!! THANKS !!!

[@DnSAdventures]

What a great hike! Thanks for sharing the adventure!

[@lincolnmunch2135]

Great video man , I grew up a mile from Rodman Dam and been on all kinds of expeditions in those woods , a very beautiful and special part of Florida alot of people will never see , keep on with the good work

[@YellowDogWelding]

Great video Will! Loving the aerial shots!! Keep em coming. Will- try the John Z trick of not lacing back and forth the first couple holes. You gain lace and toe box opens a little more. Love my Altras even more after trying this.

[@tide1539]

The key difference between Florida and the desert in the summer is the humidity. The humidity is terribly high in the summer in Fl, often 90-100%

[@perrythorvig6446]

Love the Sony AND the drone shots. Tasmania next! Wow, it's usually those guys who come here to hike the AT. Thanks for the video.

[@ArbitraryLifestyle]

So cool to see down jackets in Florida!

[@mickkae3704]

Beautiful area .. thanks .. needed some inspiration before my hike in the snow :) Happy Holidays !!

[@NoloPrime]

Just did section 7-5 a month ago. Absolutely loved it! Panthers near Salt Springs.

[@NoloPrime]

@@johnconstantine2639 no I didnt see one. It definitely saw me and it wasnt happy. It spent about 2hrs watching me in the dark at my camp as i kept my fire going. It did a lot of growling and i had Florida Fish and Wildlife come out to save my ass. They scared it off with lights and siren and i got the hell out of there for the night.

[@poppayeti211]

My first long-distance hikes... I had a big, BIG problem with ticks. I've used Sawyers clothing treatment every since, and never had another tick (>>1000 miles.)

[@srockguitar]

redbeard awesome hike.i live in Ocala and have been wanting to hike for years im still researching it lol.i would like to hear about it from you the hiker what is the attraction to hiking what do you really like about hiking.thanks redbeard!

[@kevinbungles]

Awesome walk and trail

[@emmytolkein3320]

The trees down there are amazingly beautiful. But I love the mountains. Will, you got me interested in long distance hiking with your first videos on the AT.

[@hurleystowing]

Love Clearwater! Live 11 mins from and try to stay here alot

[@andrewlaverllc]

Absolutely great video, Two thumbs up brother! THANK YOU FOR SHARING!!! Do you have any detailed info on the starting/end points on this hike??? I would like to thru hike, as you did

[@BackpackingFlorida]

I've been trying to figure out where to start on the FT. I think you just made up my mind. Thanks!

[@dougrobertson8364]

Awesome video, I live in SRQ and am planning this hike for January. Loved Highline, and pretty much all your videos.

[@MrPhins]

I live in Tampa Bay and haven't hiked any of the FT because whenever I mention it, critics always tell me it's all road walking then a few miles of trail. Obviously, not the case and should teach me to find out these things for myself. I have a bad knee and when I went from a standard drop to the Altra LP 3's my knees were killing me because I didn't ease in to the miles like Altra recommends. Keep up the great work and thanks for the view of our backyard.

[@downundasvideos6402]

Will, if you are coming in/out of Tasmania via Melbourne we have a bed here if you need it and want to spend a few days looking around. We do a bit of RV travel however if we are home you are most welcome. Downunda - Melbourne Australia

[@bobfradette937]

Great video. Drone shots were awesome. I am planning to do this hike this section in January 2020 as the trail head is just an hour from my home. Was there any bear activity when your group hiked?

[@selenajones1712]

Thank ya Red Beard ,,it's a great & informative,,, Swamp gal here ,, ,,I'm thinking of starting the whole fla trail in Oct 2019 & the Pinhotie trail Jan 2020 & then stait to the AT March, & maybe on into Canada,,

[@sofakingtired9839]

Still planning on doing this

[@selenajones1712]

Yes I've made my mind up ,,I an starting ECT in Oct

[@selenajones1712]

Want a come do a section with me ,,but you'll have ta slow your pace for an old swamp gal here ,,lol

[@sofakingtired9839]

I won't be able to start it in October but I'm shooting for Nov. Still got gear to buy

[@sofakingtired9839]

@@selenajones1712 hopefully I'll be able to catch up to you on the trail. I followed you to see if you upload any videos. Goodluck and God speed

[@pattontrimborn9707]

Have you ever hiked down near Chandler Slough and Hickory Hammock WMA? That's a great section!

[@downundasvideos6402]

Thanks Red Beard, Its great to hear that you are hiking Tasmania next, I expect that you will probably do the overland track (which is a real tourist hike). I hope you do the southwest as well as I believe its really tough and remote and very interesting. Downunda - Melbourne Australia

[@flashmanv3260]

Great to see another hiking video. Well done, love the drone shots. Not a big fan of FL hiking, from the north east, I spent 5 years in FL during college. You did see a little more verity then I expected, a bit of FL is scrub land but you did go through some nice spots.

[@user-nq3xj9ne7q]

sick video man! How were the tics out there this time of year? I am hitting the trail after Christmas. Love the hidden pond campsite out there. Cheers!

[@johnphillips3526]

My very first backpacking trip was the 88 Store to Rodman. I love that section! You should hike the full Citrus Trail next. It’s 33 miles or so and in the same general vicinity. Thanks for the video!

[@hikewithmike4673]

John Phillips love the citrus tract i hike it all the time

[@janicemccann2089]

Withlacoochee State Forest Citrus Tract. 42 mile loop trail bisected by three crosstrails to make a series of loop trails. Several campsites but NO WATER. Only three miles from an Appleby's and a liquor store to a developed RV type campground in the State Forest. Lots to see: caves, sinks. Highly recommended.

[@dirty2643]

Great vid. I’m looking to hike that same trail I’m about 4 weeks with my 15 yr old son. We’re both in fairly good shape however It’s out first time. Would we be able to do 10 miles on the first stretch and camp out with our tents or is the only camp site at the 20 mile marker where you camp the first time in this video? Greatly appreciate the feedback.

[@NoloPrime]

That prairie section is awesome. I stopped under the same oak tree. 😎

[@birdmanandfriendsoutdoorad9554]

Great hike. The Eglin sections in Northwest Florida can rival the beauty and probably even exceed the diversity of this section you shared. I’ve got 5 videos on my channel if you want to check some of those sections out. Thanks for the video.

[@mrmrwebb]

Let us know about the Lone Peaks. Been using Hoka Speed Goat 2's. The Cascadia's were getting a little narrow in the toes for me.

[@underdogontheappalachiantr9646]

Great part of the Fla trail. Nice drone work. Weather couldn't have been better for u guys. Love my 3.5's but needed a full size bigger and i switched laces out to saloman speed laces.. redbeard i stumbled on your site in 2016. With your motivation and mentorship, through your channel. You have given me the tools to start an AT thru hike starting on Feb 18th 2018. Id be jazzed if u subscribed to my channel and spread the good word. Keep on keeping on...

[@RedBeard0924]

Subscribed. Good luck on the journey! Really glad my channel has been helpful. You are gonna have a blast on the AT for sure.

[@nathanielavoures1596]

I think this might be the best way to hike! Im hiking without walking! Ive done all this anyway florida trail is incredible starts in the everglades then goes up thru the middle of the state across the old ancient sand dune ridges up to the pan handle and ends somewhere ok?

[@doubled5037]

Thanks for sharing The FNT is over blazed all the way! Over zealous volunteers but they are still valuable assets for the trail.

[@booshwaa2]

Hey cool video. I live in ocala. And have done i think the same section. About 8 years ago

[@MrJoebmxer]

WOW! I never thought I’d say this but I really can’t wait to do a hike in Florida! Fantastic video and definitely diggin the drone shots. You enjoying the drone?? Quick little story. Earlier this year I had bought a pair of the Brooks Cascadias because “ Will Wood “ talked very highly of them, hahaha! Anyway, I instantly wasn’t feeling them and went with the Ultra Loan Peaks which I absolutely love!!! Just curious if you wound up liking them or not? I’m guessing you’re gonna go back to the Cascades.

[@RedBeard0924]

This hike really is worth doing. no doubt you will love it. This was the first hike with my new drone and I really loved it. My total weight with food and 2 liters of water was 24lbs and my drone was about 4.5 total pounds with all the cases etc. It was definitely worth it. I will be bringing it along on most of my hikes for sure. I liked the Lone Peaks from just the 70 miles of use. My body was really hurting after the hike but i think it was from the flat terrain and not the shoes. I still like the way the Cascadias fit and will be switching back to them before I hike the BMT. But I will probably use the Lone Peaks in Tasmania in January.

[@MrJoebmxer]

Will Wood A good friend of mine who does professional wedding videos for a living has the same drone and absolutely loves it! He also takes it with him when we go on hiking trips, definitely adds a great angle to the videos. I look forward to your up coming adventures. Have fun out there!

[@NoloPrime]

Rice Creek Hilton was a sight for sore feet. 😎😎

[@karenjanes1669]

Awesome video; what time of year, again?

[@twobuckchuck7355]

If you like the Ocala section then you should do the Apalachicola section. If you want hills hit Torreya State Park and do the 13 mile Torreya Challenge

[@Brunette84]

Thanks for this..💕💕 looks amazing, I've never been. What do you do if a bear comes at you though? I know I'd crap myself and just cry.

[@alexmarchica5264]

If it’s black fight back, aka make noise and try to look bigger.

[@brandonclaro4116]

awesome cant wait till i go up

[@bryanhikes7248]

Ever been to myakka River State Park in Sarasota? Great backpacking trails and campsites.

[@hikewithmike4673]

I have hiked the hopkins prairie in the summer....the sun was brutal.....even in winter out on the prairie can be rough

[@punkwood333]

Made the mistake of hiking it in September a few years ago, the heat and ticks were rough.

[@raymondwade2433]

Great video! New subscriber here. I’ll be attempting to ruck the 65 + mile OCALA trail in January 2025 in under 24 hours. Starting point is the Rodman ATV trailhead; end point: Palermo Pizza in Paisley.

[@dangunn6961]

Wow. Lots of walking .. Wayy too fast for me. I go into the woods. in PA. Only travel 200 yards. I move very slow. I become the forest. I see bears, deer, snakes , squirrels, chipmunks, turtles, walking sticks. dragonflies, morel mushrooms, woodpeckers, and I see people, but they don't see me.

[@cybergypsy6380]

Well done.... thanks

[@noahlipsky6547]

Do you have to watch out for alligators on the southern Florida trail?

[@dovahhiker891]

Awesome video!!

[@Gonethinkin]

What lake did you stay at your first night on the trail? Thanks!!!

[@rb5235]

You may want to pick up some ND filters for the camera on your drone. Great video WW.

[@BARFYADAMS]

Is that north Dakota style? Haven’t been there always wanted too.

[@selenajones1712]

Yeah 3 mph,,!!!I'm old & slow ,just over 1 mph ,,you young1s can make some time ,, ,,,,,,swamp gal here,,I'm starting the E C T, in Oct, thanks for the great info & views,,

[@rb5235]

BTW a nice fun hike from your location is Cumberland Island Georgia its the most southern island in GA. From the south end of the island you can throw a rock and hit FLA, if you could find a rock, LoL. Take the ferry boat over and hike from south to north and back very fun 3 to 5 day trip check it out on the NPS.gov website. You want be disappointed if you did and the sun sets at Brickhill Bluff campsite can be unmatched this time of the year with all the pinks, reds, grays and oranges. It was one of my test hiking spots for the AT in 2014 for my AT2015 hike.

[@adamtedder700]

Great video

[@georgelapierre7274]

Slow down .why are you all going so fast ? enjoy your surroudings !!!

[@mikeghost7788]

I am trying to plan the same trip next winter. How did you go about getting anywhere? I am at a loss with FS website. I am in need of guidance please.

[@hoh4368]

Central FL is the shit. Go a little further south past Orlando into Sanford/Oveido. You get the perfect mix of the Oaks of north FL and the palms of south.

[@BritneyStinson]

Sanford is kinda between Ocala and Orlando fam. Oviedo is out towards the Northeast of orlando, South East of onf. Go a bit further east of Oviedo, out towards tosohatchee and econ forest. Beautiful country out that way.

[@scottfarrar3441]

In the GEAR USED TO FILM THIS VIDEO - what Microphone did u use for the Narration (like at the end of the video)? Also, I currently hike in Merriell Moab but I'm thinking of switching to a Trail Runner such as Altra Lone Peak 3.5 (local Hiking Store sells them) so I'm definitely interested in your review (perhaps after hiking 100-200 miles in them). I run Marathons in HOKAs (and L-O-V-E them)...but I'm afraid they would not last long on any kind of rough terrain/trail).

[@RedBeard0924]

I used the microphone from the Sony Action camera. Its microphones are great for the purpose of these videos. I even used the same camera to film the music from the piano. As far as trail runners, i recommend the Brooks Cascadias, but to each their own. The Lone Peaks were good but way too tight for my feet. Brooks will last you about 500 miles, you can go longer but an expert would tell you not too as the tread will already negatively impact your body, Lone Peaks last even less.

[@mrfknamazing]

hey @willwood what month was this I am looking to get into hiking florida and this looks amazing! are there any months you don't advise hiking this? Thanks!

[@RedBeard0924]

This was December. You would only want to hike in Florida in the winter time.

[@backpacker3421]

Did part of that section in January. It's awesome - but dry as a bone in January....

[@christianstiltner1104]

Kinda reminds me of the swamp fox trail, but there's actually water on this trail!

[@strollersofthecodyscarp7557]

Will, great video!

[@southerntrekker]

Were you able to hang bear bags easily there or did you use a bear canister?

[@piercepossey]

Anyways you could send the ovation of where y’all hopped on this trail at? I tried doing the Florida trail last week but did not know where to start so any help would be appreciated

[@ademonhunter1]

I have the exact same issues with those shoes. I want to love them so badly but I can honestly hike with my Merrell Bare Access 4’s having less pain in weird spots.

[@randyfiore1311]

I was woundering how strict are they on permits on the FT. I want to hike Ft to the AT.Thanks

[@cindymorgan685]

Do you have any video on mostly harmless/ben bilemy/denim??? I'm sure you've heard about him.. if not you can find his store anywhere on KZbin or Google his name aka ben bilemy.. any help will be greatly appreciated

[@stephenasmith6625]

How do you guys avoid ticks? I'm hiking this soon. Especially the people with shorts / not covering their necks

[@Floridamanknowsbestt]

It's not as bad on the trails as if you are going thru a lot of thick stuff off trail. I trail run/ hike every weekend in shorts/tshirt up to maybe 10 miles a day and I've only gotten 1 or 2 ticks.... just check yourself at the end of the day, or have a buddy eye you over. + 100% deet keeps em away too. But If they get you they get you.... you are walking in their house after all. Dont over think it. I carry a "tick key" in my bag, you can notch a "V" Into a credit card too. Just Google gulf coast tick... that's the kind I've gotten on me. Good luck!

[@couch2trailyoutubechannel281]

Hey Will, my wife and I watched your video and enjoyed it. We're planning a trip to the ONF in late Feb for a few days of backpacking. We had a couple of questions if you wouldn't mind helping out a bit. 1. As far as scenery and points of interest, would you recommend the southern or northern portion? 2. A lot of the trail looked sandy- is it loose sand or more packed? 3. We have hiking sandals- weather permitting do you think it would be a problem to wear those in that area? Thanks for any information you can give us!

[@RedBeard0924]

I would recommend starting at Juniper Springs. The middle of the hike really was the best but the entire section was great. I’d say about 60% of this Section was sand but there was sections where it was more packed dirt. No issues with sandals. Joe the owner of Zpacks did this section in sandals too and had no problems.

[@couch2trailyoutubechannel281]

Awesome thank you Sir!

[@vibelife5133]

Have you done the Suwanee section, I saw your Osceola section, I plan on doing the Suwannee section soon.

[@RedBeard0924]

I haven't, i have heard that is a great section too. Will probably try to hit it up soon.

[@vibelife5133]

Will Wood I did a short little out and back (2 miles I think) in big shoals state park. It follows the Suwannee out to a merge point with another river where there are actually rapids, pretty cool for flat florida.

[@mikefranks8469]

Was that a blue synthetic zpacks jacket on the start of day 2?

[@RedBeard0924]

yes. still my favorite piece of winter gear. not available yet as we have been making some tweaks. hopefully soon after we release a new tent and a few other things.

[@mikefranks8469]

At least it’s close to being here... I think it’s been a few years since it was floated about putting out there for sale....I would be more than happy to test it in the cold novo Virginia/ Shenandoah area on my weekend trips each week.

[@bethratkewicz6062]

tell me your feelings on cook clothes and a cook coat. also, do you hike Florida in the summer? any tips? it's too hot for me in the summer but if there's a secret to it, I'd love to hear it!

[@janicemccann2089]

Humm... Maybe I'll treat this as a forum and venture to reply. I hike FL in summers. Be prepared for bugs (a headnet saved my life once!), surprisingly cool evenings, empty trails. Drink at least 3--4 liters water/daily! Sunscreen.

[@lukelozano4662]

Are you ever going to finish the PCT?

[@intothebackcountry2658]

Great video! It was cool that you had drone shots mixed in. How was it to hike with a drone?

[@RedBeard0924]

not bad at all. It added about 4.5lbs but still I was around 24 lbs.

[@poppayeti211]

Red! Check out Torres Del Paine in Chile... it's AMAZING!

[@RedBeard0924]

It was beautiful. Went there last January.

[@thathikingfamily6310]

We are new to the whole backpacking hobby, but knowing Florida and what is almost always in the waters....... Aren't you scared of collecting water at the little ponds?

[@augustingervasio3269]

Why didn't I experience this 20s? Maybe cause I live in Boca :I