An Exceptional Florida Park Experience

Fall is here! Now is the perfect time for outdoor activities with cooler temperatures and stunning sunsets. Marion County is rich with all of the things we love about Florida and our hometown of Ocala, including parks and a variety of recreational activities. Large sprawling oak trees, great trails, cool springs and scenic lakes perfect for paddling offer experiences that can be hard to find in other areas the country.

Named after Marjorie Harris Carr, an American environmentalist raised in Florida, the Marjorie Harris Carr Cross Florida Greenway is the perfect example of Ocala’s rich recreational lifestyle. It’s a great way to experience Florida, covering 110 miles of Florida’s native flora and fauna. The Greenway crosses Central Florida from the Gulf of Mexico to the St. Johns River. Transformed from its original purpose as a barge and ship canal project, the Greenway is a part of a 1,400 mile Florida National Scenic Trail, which stretches over to the Florida Horse Park in Marion County.

One of the many enjoyable features of the Greenway is the opportunity to explore the breathtaking beauty of Florida on horseback. There are several multi-use trails along the Greenway for hikers, bikers and equestrians alike. The Pruitt Trailhead provides scenic views of ancient oak trees, encounters with wildlife and an equestrian staging area. There are 60 miles of equestrian trails, many of which are concentrated in Marion County.

The Ocklawaha and Withlacoochee Rivers provide a peaceful experience to enjoy the natural landscape along the river banks. Each end of the trail provides a fishing area, and recreational spots, perfect for freshwater and bass fishing. The Greenway allows you to extend your nature experience with campgrounds and horse wash racks so you to bring your horse along for the adventure.

To learn more about the Marjorie Harris Carr Cross Florida Greenway, visit Floridaparks.org. For information on parks and outdoor activities in and around the Ocala area, see our Parks and Outdoor Life page.

If you are looking to purchase home for your family in Marion County, consider a location near one of the counties 38 recreational parks. Parks can provide a great space for families to connect and have something to satisfy everyone in the family. Our knowledgeable agents can help you find the perfect place for your to call home, contact us today!