This is a nice area to explore. Did not see any wildlife on this trip. Very nice to see some with horses out there.

Ocklawaha River is lest familiar of the four rivers coming out of Ocala. The area now has a new bridge over the prairie, nothing motorized is being used on land. The hiking trails are used to walk, bikes (Non-motorized), horses. The Ocklawaha forms the western border of Ocala National Forest, it receives all the water from the Silver River, the water begins to darken as tannins seep into the water from vegetation.

I loved this park. I really enjoyed photography from the boardwalk. Got some great waterbird pictures out there. But was disappointed today 7/12/2018 to find the boardwalk is GONE! Dismantled! I looked so forward to going out there today. It was the BEST part of the park!

Last Winter tried to get out to the restoration area but the bridge was out and being replaced. This year the bridge has been rebuilt. The overlook is still there but they have removed the 1/4 mile boardwalk out into the marsh. Because there is no marsh. Don't know it's because of the restoration or the drought, but I suspect the latter. Still a great place to spend a few hours or the entire day on the restoration area dike and/or the white loop trail through the woods.

Great hiking trails, also used by bikes and horses. Nothing motorized allowed. The Upland trail is a 3.4 mile loop that crosses into Ocala National Forest and then loops back to Ocklawaha River and that's where the primitive campsite is. Lots of wildlife, especially deer, which was surprising since it's deer hunting season. We extended our hike by crossing the river on the new bridge. Love this bridge! Looks like a nouveau train trestle. Across the river is the Levee trail, a 10 mile loop around the prairie. We stopped at the observation pavilion and then hiked out to the end of the boardwalk. This entire area is some of the most beautiful land in all of central Florida. Buc and I really enjoyed this hike and will return again. Highly recommended! There are no restroom facilities or running water, but I've seen plans in the works. Until then, bring what you require. Don't forget your camera!