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Our Mission
We assist the Florida Trail Association in its goals to build and maintain hiking trails across the State of Florida, while providing educational and recreational opportunities for our members and the public that inspire others to care for our diverse natural spaces.
Lake Okahumpka Park
In August of last year, during a return trip from Inverness, I decided to stop and take some photos of Lake Okahumpka Park, located off Highway 44 in Sumter County at GPS 28.832798, -82.005344. Due to trees, brush, and thick vegetation along the lake shore, only a part of the lake can be easily seen from the boat launch.
The park contains a boat launch, picnic areas, and other sporting venues including a volleyball court. My favorite part though, are the extensive hiking and biking trails that meander among the pines throughout the park. All in all, a clean, orderly and well kept park that is a great place to stop when sightseeing the area.
For more information see: https://www.sumtercountyfl.gov/Facilities/Facility/Details/Lake-Okahumpka-Park-9
Map of the Florida National Scenic Trail
The Highlanders section of the Florida National Scenic Trail is between the Bear Pond section of the Seminole State Forest in the south off Highway 46 at 28.815926, -81.426277 to Highway 40 in the Ocala National Forest in the north at 29.174132, -81.692990.
Click on the link below to bring up the map of the entire Florida National Scenic Trail
https://www.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=f6a24fe0d6e94690b42a7a167900a36c
Please Note
Section of trail from the bridge over Black Water Creek to Buck Pond Trailhead is maintained by the Central Chapter of the Florida Trail Association
List of Trailheads With Established Parking
Seminole State Forest
Seminole State Forest (Bear Pond Trail Entrance)
28.819608, -81.428600
State Forest Access Fee Required
Seminole State Forest (Cassia Trailhead)
28.890285, -81.461670
State Forest Access Fee Required
Ocala National Forest
Clearwater Lake Trailhead
(Turn Right Before Campground)
28.976761, -81.550213
No Parking or Access Fee
Route 19 Trailhead
29.074083, -81.629688
No Parking or Access Fee