Ocala National Forest

The Ocala National Forest, one way: from Umatilla the route rides SR-19 north, takes CR-445 to Alexander Springs, rejoins SR-19 past the SR-40 crossing to Salt Springs and ends at the bridge over the old Cross Florida Barge Canal. It's 50 miles of sand pine, lakes and springs. Salt Springs is the only fuel along the way. The forest's sand roads and off-road trails are not part of the route; watch for bears, deer and trucks on SR-19 and SR-40, and the springs charge to get in.

Established in 1908, the Ocala National Forest is the oldest national forest east of the Mississippi and the southernmost in the continental United States. From Umatilla the route rides SR-19 north into the forest and takes CR-445 to Alexander Springs, one of the forest's swimming springs, with a day-use area and a fee to get in. It rejoins SR-19, crosses SR-40 and continues north through sand pine scrub and past lakes.

Salt Springs, near Lake George, has the forest's other big spring and the only fuel on the route. North of it SR-19 runs to the bridge over the old Cross Florida Barge Canal, now part of the Marjorie Harris Carr Cross Florida Greenway, where the route ends. It's a one-way ride of 50 miles, flat, through a forest of sand. The forest's dirt and sand roads and its off-highway vehicle trails are not part of the route. Black bears and deer live here, and SR-19 and SR-40 carry trucks.