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An OffRoad Outing
Whether new to ATVs or well-versed, the Ocala National Forest is an adventure worth embarking on. // B Y M E L I S S A P E T E R S O N
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he wind in your hair, the earth under your tires and mud, well, everywhere— ATVing in the Ocala National Forest is like no other experience. With almost 200 miles of ATV and motorcycle trails, the Ocala National Forest is one of our state’s top off-roading destinations. “The Ocala National Forest offers a variety of riding opportunities for Off Highway Vehicle (OHV) enthusiasts. Trails are designed for slow speeds for riders to view and appreciate scenery and wildlife as well as to highlight the importance of conservation, forest management and history,” according to the USDA Forest Service’s website on the Ocala National Forest. If you’re new to ATVing and want an introduction to the Ocala National Forest or you don’t have ATVs of your own, a guided tour might be just the ticket. World Adventures ATV Tours offers a fun, relaxing and educational tour for all levels. “All of our ATVs are new with the best technology and safety measures,” says Paul Moyo with World Adventures ATV Tours. “The tours are guided by trained personnel to provide trail guidance, fauna and flora education, and basic ATV driving courses. Our clients are guided through the forest at all times, and prior ATV experience is not required.” You’ll check in with your tour at Black Horse Resort Ranch and will depart from the Big Scrub Campground. The tour lasts approximately two and a half hours, and morning and afternoon tours are available. “The forest is a magical place that really disconnects people from stress and provides a unique experience,” says Paul. “The terrain varies, and the forest is full of beautiful wildlife, such as deer, turtles, birds, bears and snakes.” ATVing can be a family-friendly activity, but kids with the supervision of an adult are allowed 20
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to ride only selected vehicles on the tour. To drive an ATV within the Ocala National Forest you must be at least 16 with a driver’s license. “The tour requires reservations, which can be done online or via phone,” says Paul. “Because it’s a forest, we always recommend comfortable clothing, bug repellent and sunscreen.” If you have your own ATVs and are looking to make a weekend of it, there are campgrounds conveniently located within the forest, including Big Scrub and Lake Delancy West. They offer tons of space for loading and unloading your ATVs, plus corrals for when they’re not in use. In order to ride on the OHV-designated trails you’ll need to purchase either a three- or seven-day trail pass meant specifically for ATVs and other off-road vehicle use. The threeday pass is $10 per person and is good on the Apalachicola and Ocala National Forest trails.
Passes can be purchased at recreation.gov. On the homepage, search for “Florida OHV,” pick the pass you want and when you want it, and print it at home. All riders 16 and under must take and pass an online course in OHV safety before using the trails in the National Forests in Florida. These courses are administered by several stateapproved agencies and can be taken in person or online. All riders 16 and under must carry with them a certification card of the ATV safety course they have completed. World Adventures ATV Tours // worldadventures.us // Learn more about ATVing in the Ocala National Forest by visiting fs.usda. gov/main/ocala and then clicking on the Recreation tab and then the OHV Riding & Camping tab