Ocala National Park: Surviving the St. Francis Trail During Hunting Season🦌

Описание: Orange vests ON! 🧡 We took on the historic St. Francis Trail in the Ocala National Forest right in the middle of HUNTING SEASON, and this adventure did not disappoint!

SPOLIER ALERT: Hiking during a hunt was a complete accident!

Join our group as we navigate one of the most diverse and rugged trails in Florida. In this video, we tackle the famous log suspension bridge (it’s bouncier than it looks!), trek through muddy river floodplains, and hike through the stark, charred beauty of a recent controlled burn section.

👀 HIGHLIGHTS IN THIS VIDEO:

The Suspension Bridge (Dolan's Bridge): Crossing the iconic log bridge over the creek.

Hunting Season Reality: We encountered a hunter and had a close-up (and safe!) interaction with hunting dogs right on the trail.

Terrain Changes: Navigating the shift from pine scrub to river swamps and burn zones.

Group Safety: How we stayed safe and visible while sharing the woods.

Despite the activity in the forest, we had an incredible, safe day exploring the "Saint." If you are planning to hike Ocala during the season, this is a must-watch!

🌲 ABOUT THE ST. FRANCIS TRAIL: Located in the southern section of the Ocala National Forest, the St. Francis Trail is known for its challenging terrain and history.

Length: Approx. 7.8-mile loop (Yellow Blazes)

Difficulty: Moderate (Expect roots, mud, and uneven terrain)

History: The trail leads to the ghostly remains of the old town of St. Francis on the St. Johns River, which was a thriving port in the late 1800s before fading away.

Ecosystems: You get a mix of everything—sandhill scrub, oak hammocks, and river floodplains.

⚠️ SAFETY TIP: When hiking in the Ocala National Forest during General Gun Season, always wear bright orange and be aware of your surroundings!

👇 DROP A COMMENT: Have you ever hiked during hunting season? Let me know your experience below!

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