Clearwater Trailhead, FT

Beautiful Woods lovely Trail, excellent for walking or bike-riding. However if your bike riding be aware that the sand is very difficult to pedal and particularly going uphill. We were there in early March and it was quite dry and the sand was a problem. Much of the trail is covered by pine needles and leaves and those you can pedal over quite easily it's just the bare spots that caused the problem.

Great place to access the Florida Trail and the Ocala National Forest. Close to Orlando. Nice 8.8 or 10.6 mile hike/run to Alexander Springs Trailhead. Not much shade make sure you are prepared if sunny. Also carry adequate water and nutrition not many people on the trail. This area is also shared with hunters, check the hunting bulletins to make sure you are not planning a hike during open gun. Plenty of wildlife to see if you tread lightly. Definitely a must do hike if you want to encounter unspoiled Florida.

I have used the 20 mile bike loop a couple of times. It's a very well marked trail. I found the terrain very interesting and diverse. I enjoyed the ride a LOT. It is not a difficult off-road bike trail as far as jumps and roots, but there are little sections at which these bike enthusiast can enjoy a few thrills.

I would say the place is nice, but there are some neighborhoods and houses and roads going close to the trail or through the trail. Which was not really cool because I was looking for a super quiet National Forest experience. I'm not sure how there are big neighborhoods right in the middle of the National Forest. I don't know how that works. But there were a lot of cars and it was not easy to find a quiet time.