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Florida Trail 49th Ave Trailhead
4.7 ★★★★★ 440 Google reviews · Running trail in Ocala, Florida · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Mixed
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Tree cover
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Florida Trail 49th Ave Trailhead's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding trails, plus picnic areas and a public restroom.
What runners say about Florida Trail 49th Ave Trailhead
“The trail was impressively well-maintained, and despite being a hilly terrain (for Florida), it offered an incredible hiking experience.”
“A map kiosk shows the location of several trailheads on the Florida National Scenic Trail/Marjorie Harris Cross Florida Greenway.”
“The shady trees, vegetation, cleanliness, amenities and numerous trail options make this an awesome trailhead!”
I took this as a there-and-back hike from 49th Ave Trailhead to the Land Bridge Trailhead, for 8 total miles. Don't be put off by full parking lot if you prefer solitude while hiking - most of the visitors are biking, and they have a separate trail.
Beautiful forested area. Nicely paved main trail with many dirt side trails. Lots of wildlife, including the occasional bear. Dogs must be leashed, maximum 6 foot leash. Potable water, bike wash, picnic area with grill and portapotty available. Bring plenty of water on your hike/bike.
This is much more than an asphalt trail (although that's great for bicycling and easier walks!). There are a number of "into the woods" trails, some are pretty flat and others have a bit of an incline. The parking lot is dirt with ample spaces for cars and a few places for horse trailers.
Had absolutely wonderful time. Great landscape of many different varieties. Saw quite a bit of wildlife even got some good videos of deer. Made it all the way down the South Trail and back will be taking the North Trail the next time and also starting at Shangri-La to continue my journey across the greenway I have…
Trail conditions & character
“They have clean restrooms, picnic tables to sit and eat or relax, and plenty of parking, which makes the visit very comfortable.”
“There are narrow trails cutting through the beautiful, lush, green woods; and, there is a very nice paved pathway for smoother trips through the woods.”
“The hiking trail was mostly flat and pretty easy to navigate, but there were a few steep hills and some areas where the tree roots could be a challenge for some.”
“They have clean restrooms, picnic tables to sit and eat or relax, and plenty of parking, which makes the visit very comfortable.”
“A map kiosk shows the location of several trailheads on the Florida National Scenic Trail/Marjorie Harris Cross Florida Greenway.”
“The shady trees, vegetation, cleanliness, amenities and numerous trail options make this an awesome trailhead!”
“The hiking trail was mostly flat and pretty easy to navigate, but there were a few steep hills and some areas where the tree roots could be a challenge for some.”
“There are two port-a-potties, a pavilion with several picnic tables, a potable water station for horses/dogs, and a bike wash station with a water fountain for filling bottles.”
“There are two port-a-potties, a pavilion with several picnic tables, a potable water station for horses/dogs, and a bike wash station with a water fountain for filling bottles.”
“The hiking trail was mostly flat and pretty easy to navigate, but there were a few steep hills and some areas where the tree roots could be a challenge for some.”
Plan your run at Florida Trail 49th Ave Trailhead
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- SurfaceMixed — more than one surface along the route, so check the segment you plan to run
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeRunners describe real tree cover here — it makes a summer afternoon workable
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms, water — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Websitefloridastateparks.org
- Phone+1 352-236-7143
Hours
| Monday | 7 am–7 pm |
| Tuesday | 7 am–7 pm |
| Wednesday | 7 am–7 pm |
| Thursday | 7 am–7 pm |
| Friday | 7 am–7 pm |
| Saturday | 7 am–7 pm |
| Sunday | 7 am–7 pm |
Running trails near Ocala
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Florida Trail Land Bridge Trailhead
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Santos Trails
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Polly Palmer Park
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