Top Hikes in Ocala National Forest | Pat's Island and Juniper Prairie Wilderness

Pat's Island is one of the most popular historic attractions on the Ocala National Forest. The area was named after its first postmaster, Patrick Smith, who settled there in the 1840's. This area has a unique relationship of two ecosystems, longleaf pine and sand pine scrub. Pat's Island is located in Juniper Prairie Wilderness within the Ocala National Forest. Some of The Florida National Scenic Trail can be hiked here from the kiosk near the parking area for Pat's Island. Not that far from the Yearling Trail, another great hike here to experience. The area is best enjoyed during the fall through spring when the weather is cooler. There are primitive campsites along the way. The Florida Trail leads for several miles southward from the parking area where you see many scenic ponds, prairies, and pine scrub habitat. There are rolling sand hills and beautiful places throughout to enjoy. Eventually leading towards Hidden Pond which is spring fed. A nice gem out here in the middle of the forest. People often camp around the pond and surrounding areas. Come prepared and be safe along the trails. Enjoy the hike and thank you!
Trailhead Location: goo.gl/maps/ug...
Out In The Boonies info on area: www.outintheboo...
Website for Pat's Island: www.fs.fed.us/...
Website for Juniper Prairie Wilderness: www.fs.usda.go... www.fs.usda.go...
Florida Trail website: floridatrail.org
If you would like access to my hike on this video and other exclusive content check out this link: / pats-island-and-61412139
More info on the hike here: / 61412139
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[@FLtrailblazer]

Website for Pat's Island: www.fs.fed.us/wildflowers/regions/southern/PatsIsland/index.shtml
Website for Juniper Prairie Wilderness: www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/florida/recarea/?recid=83674 www.fs.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsinternet/cs/recarea?ss=110816&navtype=BROWSEBYSUBJECT&cid=FSE_003738&navid=110240000000000&pnavid=110000000000000&position=generalinfo&recid=37189&ttype=recarea&pname=Juniper%20Prairie%20Wilderness
Florida Trail website: floridatrail.org
If you would like access to my hike on this video and other exclusive content check out this link: www.patreon.com/posts/pats-island-and-61412139
Consider contributing to Florida Trailblazer it helps support this channel, thank you!
Donate with Super Thanks on this Video (Heart icon below the video)
Florida Trailblazer Merch: florida-trailblazer.creator-spring.com
Donate on Patreon for exclusive content: www.patreon.com/floridatrailblazer
Donate on PayPal: www.paypal.me/floridatrailblazer

[@slimdawgwoof]

I miss it there so much

[@McShibby10]

Just got back from Ocala today! 28 degrees tmrw morning 🤙🏼

[@Andygeofri]

Great find @ 5:13 I try to get to the national forest in search of EDB's often.

[@ramoncranert8177]

This video is a little different than the typical, with a number of still shots breaking up the action to depict nature "tableau's" where a photograph becomes more like a painting. It's like you're doing a Ken Burns thing here, FTB!🤔🧐😀

[@TerryPitman]

Thanks!

[@catherinecarnish4301]

Really enjoyed this FT
So nice with the still shots & helpful information.
Indeed beautiful day. TK you

[@ellengrabau5685]

Great video of florida trail and forest area! Those cacti are wicked 😮

[@Andygeofri]

Came over from Ocho Verde Wildlife Channel, subscribed hoping to get some ideas for my next hike!

[@silvercash64]

I finally figured out why you wear all that neon ;
Easier to find the body .

[@lilricky2515]

Hidden Pond is my favorite place on Earth. Thank you for taking us!

[@joelpaez323]

Very nice!

[@PFAM5]

Great hikes! Awesome pond and great shots of the wildlife!

[@davidgough3512]

Never been to Australia, but in my mind, The Big Scrub is our version of the Outback. However, Florida- level rainfall is holding down there below the sand, emerging as our spring hole "billabongs".

[@vvogt4252]

Great Video! Been quite a while since I hiked some of these Trails. Thanks for Sharing your Video with everyone! Enjoy the weekend.

[@ervinslens]

Awesome hikes, landscapes are simple gorgeous.

[@VeronicaWoodbury]

Wow, what a video! I always love the videos you do on the Ocala National Forest.

[@lizsworld0209]

Such a beautiful place! 😍