Featured photo of Salt Springs from the Florida Scenic Byway
If you love chasing springs and wandering forest trails, the Florida Black Bear Scenic Byway is a drive to add to your list. This route winds through Ocala National Forest and connects some of Florida’s best spots for swimming, paddling, and hiking. Along the way, you’ll find spring runs, quiet boardwalks, and even sections of the Florida Trail. It’s not just a road, it’s a journey through wild Florida.
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Table of Contents
- What is the Florida Black Bear Scenic Byway?
- Things to Know Before Exploring the Byway
- Springs Along the Byway
- Hiking Opportunities
- Paddling Adventures
- Florida Black Bear Scenic Byway Itineraries
- Ready to Explore?
What is the Florida Black Bear Scenic Byway?
The Florida Black Bear Scenic Byway (FBBSB) was state-designated in 2008 and became a National Scenic Byway in 2009.
It is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization whose mission is to preserve and protect the area and its wildlife through advocating for the Florida black bear. The FBBSB works with FDOT on safety projects along SR 40 to reduce wildlife collisions through signage, crossings, and education.
The byway is a 123-mile National Scenic Byway through Ocala National Forest. It runs along State Road 40 from Ormond Beach to Silver Springs and State Road 19 from Palatka to Umatilla.
Unlike many of the places I talk about, there is no one address, just these four gateway cities: Ormond Beach, Silver Springs, Palatka, and Umatilla.
Visitors to FBBSB can experience wildlife, remote scrub habitat, and unique stops.
All along this scenic route, there are opportunities for paddling and hiking as well as lots of springs and history.
Things to Know Before Exploring the Byway
All the places here are sensitive areas that are under protection and conservation. Human actions have an incredible impact.
Before you visit any of the springs or the paddle and hiking opportunities on the route, make sure you know the following things:
- What you can and cannot bring (disposable containers are not allowed in some places).
- Whether reservations are needed to visit.
- The local wildlife and how to behave around it.
Consider reading my blog post: Everything You Need to Know about Visiting Florida Springs.
Springs Along the Byway
Along SR 40 West to East
Silver Springs State Park
Address: 5656 E Silver Springs Blvd, Silver Springs, FL 34488
Address: 5656 E Silver Springs Blvd, Silver Springs, FL 34488
Byway Connection: Closest gateway city is Silver Springs. Located on SR 40 at the eastern start of the byway.
Once you arrive, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped into classic Florida. Take a glass-bottom boat tour, rent a kayak or canoe, or paddle the Silver River at your own pace. There are gardens, a museum, shaded hiking trails, an environmental center, and plenty of spots for a picnic with a view.
Juniper Springs
Address: 26701 SR 40, Silver Springs, FL 34488
Byway Connection: Closest gateway city is Silver Springs. Located on SR 40 between Silver Springs and Ormond Beach.
This shady, scrub-forest retreat has historic charm thanks to its 1930s Civilian Conservation Corps-built mill house and spring pool. Swim in the turquoise water, enjoy a picnic, camp overnight, or paddle the famous Juniper Run for a winding, wild adventure.
Fern Hammock Springs
Address: Within Juniper Springs Recreation Area, 26701 SR 40, Silver Springs, FL 34488
Byway Connection: Closest gateway city is Silver Springs. Located on SR 40 inside Juniper Springs Recreation Area.
Fern Hammock is one of the most picturesque springs in the forest. You can’t swim here, but you can enjoy the view from the footbridge over the water, where you’ll see dozens of bubbling vents across the spring’s sandy bottom. It’s a quiet spot for photography, wildlife watching, and just taking in the beauty.
Along SR 19 South to North
Alexander Springs
Address: 49525 CR 445, Altoona, FL 32702
Byway Connection: Closest gateway city is Umatilla. Located on SR 19 in the southern section of the byway.
It’s all about simple, peaceful fun here. Paddle a short, scenic route that is perfect for floating slowly, watching wildlife, and maybe slipping in for a quick swim. You’ll also find camping, shaded picnic tables, boardwalk hikes, snorkeling, and even scuba diving (if you’re certified)—all within a short walk of the main spring.
Silver Glen Springs
Address: 5271 N Highway 19, Salt Springs, FL 32134
Byway Connection: Closest gateway city is Palatka. Located on SR 19 near the northern end of the byway.
This spring is known for its wide, sandy swimming area and the incredible clarity of its water. It’s a popular boating and snorkeling spot, with manatee sightings in cooler months and hiking trails that lead into the forest. Bring your snorkel gear, a picnic, and plenty of time to explore both the water and the shoreline.
Salt Springs
Address: 13851 N Highway 19, Salt Springs, FL 32134
Byway Connection: Closest gateway city is Palatka. Located on SR 19 at the northern end of the byway.
Salt Springs has a large, shallow swimming area with crystal-clear water flowing up through the sandy limestone floor. It’s a great family spot with picnic areas, a campground, and easy access to paddling routes that connect to the St. Johns River.
Hiking Opportunities
Since the FBBSB goes through so many untouched wild spaces along its route, there are plenty of hiking opportunities along the way. I’ll be highlighting just a few here.
Along SR 40
The Florida Trail – Southern Segment
The southern segment of the Florida Trail runs about 28 miles from Clearwater Lake to SR 40, winding through sandhills, pine flatwoods, prairies, and the Big Scrub.
It is well marked with road crossings and offers both designated campsites and dispersed camping in the off-season.
During hunting season, use only the designated sites and wear blaze orange. Side trails lead to Alexander Springs and Juniper Springs.
Trailhead: Clearwater Lake Recreation Area, 24511 County Road 42, Paisley, FL 32767
The Florida Trail – Northern Segment
The northern segment of the Florida Trail continues for just over 50 miles from SR 40 toward SR 20, passing through longleaf pine forests, oak hammocks, and scrub habitat that is home to gopher tortoises, scrub jays, and black bears.
It ends at Rodman Reservoir, where manatees can sometimes be spotted in the canal.
Trailhead: Hopkins Prairie Recreation Area, 15200 E Highway 40, Silver Springs, FL 34488
Silver Springs State Park Trails
Silver Springs has nearly 15 miles of hiking and biking trails through wetlands, swamps, oak hammocks, and pine forests, offering a variety of Central Florida ecosystems.
Trailhead: 5656 E Silver Springs Blvd, Silver Springs, FL 34488
Tiger Bay State Forest Trails
Named for its large wetland that provides critical aquifer recharge, Tiger Bay State Forest trails are a mix of forest and water views.
Trailhead: 4316 W International Speedway Blvd, Daytona Beach, FL 32124
Along SR 19
Caravelle Ranch Trails
Caravelle Ranch has more than 20 miles of multi-use trails. The Florida Trail passes through here and intersects with the Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail.
Trailhead: Caravelle Ranch WMA, 2303-2301 FL-19, Palatka, FL 32177
Yearling Trail
A hike with history, the Yearling Trail takes you past old homesteads and into the landscape made famous by the novel The Yearling.
Trailhead: Yearling Trailhead, 520 County Road 316, Salt Springs, FL 32134
Paddling Adventures
Silver River (Silver Springs – SR 40)
This float is iconic: fast-paced or slow, you choose. Rentals and shuttles make it easy, including glass-bottom boat tours for added adventure, and the clear water means you’ll see wildlife everywhere.
Juniper Run (SR 40)
If the Silver River is serene, Juniper Run is whimsical with a twist: log-lined canoe paths, winding bends, deep forest shade. Get there early if you’re planning to rent.
Ocklawaha River (SR 40)
Wide, calm, and wild, this river feels decades away from the road, even though you’re right next to it. Paddle campsites, tall pines, and quiet views make it deep-woods Florida. Unlike the spring runs I have described, the Ocklawaha River does not have crystal clear water.
Alexander Springs (SR 19)
This spot is perfect when you just want to float, spot wildlife close-up, and skip the hard work. There are rentals on site, an easy launch, and short to longer route options.
Silver Glen Springs (SR 19)
Silver Glen is a favorite spot for paddling and snorkeling. Just know it’s also a motorboater’s hangout since it connects to Lake George, so expect pontoons and motorboats on busy days.
Salt Springs Run (SR 19)
Easy access makes it ideal for families or lazy float days. Rentals at the marina make it no fuss. The current is slow-moving. There is motorboat traffic along the run, so you’ll want to be aware of that.
| Road | Paddle Spot |
|---|---|
| SR 40 | Silver River (Silver Springs) |
| Juniper Run | |
| Ocklawaha River | |
| SR 19 | Alexander Springs |
| Silver Glen Springs | |
| Salt Springs Run |
Florida Black Bear Scenic Byway Itineraries
Itinerary 1: SR 40 Corridor — Silver Springs to Tiger Bay
- Silver Springs State Park
- Start your day paddling the Silver River, hiking trails, or taking a glass-bottom boat ride.
- Drive ~20 minutes east
- Juniper Springs Recreation Area
- Swim, picnic, or paddle Juniper Run. You can also connect to the Florida Trail here.
- Drive ~15 minutes east
- Hopkins Prairie (Florida Trail access)
- Stretch your legs on the Florida Trail across wide prairie views filled with birds and wildflowers.
- Drive ~30–35 minutes east
- Tiger Bay State Forest
- End your trip with a hike through wetlands and pine forest at this large aquifer recharge area.
Total driving time: about 1 hour 15 minutes (not including stops).
Itinerary 2: SR 19 Corridor — Alexander Springs to Palatka
- Alexander Springs Recreation Area (between Astor and Altoona)
- Swim, paddle the spring run, or enjoy the shaded boardwalks and short trails.
- Drive ~20 minutes north
- Silver Glen Springs
- Stop for a paddle, swim, or snorkel in the wide sandy basin surrounded by forest.
- Drive ~15 minutes north
- Salt Springs
- Take a dip in the large spring pool, or rent a canoe and paddle down Salt Springs Run.
- Optional detour: 15 minutes west
- Caravelle Ranch
- Hike or bike more than 20 miles of multi-use trails, where the Florida Trail intersects with the Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail.
- Drive ~35–40 minutes north
- Northern Florida Trail (near Palatka)
- End your journey with a hike through sandhills and pine forest near the St. Johns River and Rodman Reservoir.
Total driving time: about 1 hour 15 minutes (without Caravelle Ranch) or about 1 hour 30 minutes (with detour).
Ready to Explore?
This is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to exploring the Florida Black Bear Scenic Byway. I didn’t even mention any of the historical markers and sites along the byway. Additionally, there are many more unique things about the places I have mentioned.
I hope this overview gets you excited about all the possibilities on this route. Before heading out, make sure you have done your research. Some places require reservations to enter and have rules I have not detailed here.
If you have been on the byway and go to any of these spots, please make sure to let me know in the comments.
Here are some helpful links for adventures along the Florida Black Bear Scenic Byway:
- Florida Black Bear Scenic Byway
- Silver Springs State Park: Must-Know Tips for Your Next Visit
- Juniper Springs Recreation Area
- Fern Hammock Springs – The Florida Guidebook
- Visiting Alexander Springs
- Silver Glen Springs Recreation Area
- Salt Springs Recreation Area
- Hiking the Florida Trail
- Tiger Bay State Forest – Florida Hikes
- Caravelle Ranch WMA
- Paddle Ocklawaha River