Six Ways to Explore the Cross Florida Greenway

The Marjorie Harris Carr Cross Florida Greenway stands as one of Florida’s most important conservation victories. Spanning 110 miles from the Gulf of Mexico to the St. Johns River, this mile-wide ribbon of protected land was originally cleared for the failed Cross Florida Barge Canal. Today, it has completely transformed into a recreational corridor protecting diverse ecosystems. Find more information on the Greenway. 

Paddling at Gores Landing

Gores Landing was a historic steamboat stop and offers exceptional access to the undeveloped Ocklawaha River. A 10.3-mile paddle runs from Ray Wayside Park down to Gores Landing. Keep in mind that transportation back to Ray Wayside would have to be arranged unless an out-and-back trip is more of your speed. Gores Landing has first come first served camping, a picnic area, and a boat ramp. Find more information on Gores Landing. 

Goes Landing
13800 NE 98th St
Fort McCoy, FL

$7 Entry Fee
$10 Camping Fee

Hiking at Marshall Swamp

Located on the eastern side of Marion County, the Marshall Swamp Trailhead offers an immersive journey through a dense floodplain forest and is part of the Florida Trail. The vast majority of the trail is an immersive hiking experience through some amazing wetlands. A picnic area and restrooms can be found at the trailhead. Find more information the Marshall Swamp Trailhead.

Marshall Swamp Trailhead
8282 SE Hwy 314
Ocala, FL

Linear 3.0 mile trail
No fee required for entry.

The Marshall Swamp trail starts in a forest before descending into wetlands.

Multiple bridges and an overlook on the trail navigate the swamp.

Hiking at Santos Island

Santos Island is located where the north and southbound lanes of Highway 301 divide. It is named after the community displaced by the construction of the barge canal. The remains of an unfinished bridge is the highlight of this short hike. To access the trail, park at the Marion County Sheriff’s office and walk south to the trail. The nearby Santos Trailhead is a popular mountain biking destination, utilizing the excavated areas for over 80 miles of bike paths. Make reservations at the 23-site campground.

Santos Island
(park at Sheriff’s office)
3260 SE 8th St
Ocala FL

(Linear 3.0 mile trail)
No fee required for entry.

Construction of the bridge halted in the 1930’s when funding was exhausted.

The size of the bridge supports hits to how large the bridge was designed to be.

The trail has plenty of interpretive signage.

Exploring the I-75 Wildlife Landbridge

Completed in 2000, this was the first landbridge constructed in the United States for wildlife and recreational crossing over I-75. Instead of a multi-use trail, individual cycling, hiking, and equestrian trails occasionally intersect in the forest before converging near the landbridge. While many trail bridges cross rivers or wetlands, this one offers relief from vehicles below. Find more information on the Landbridge Trailhead.

Landbridge Trailhead:
11100 SW 16th Ave
Ocala, FL

Linear 1.4 mile trail
No fee required for entry.

Separate hiking, equestrian, and cycling trails lead to the Landbridge Trailhead.

I-75 can clearly be seen from the landbridge.

The landbridge is partially paved and is bordered by planters.

Hiking at Ross Prairie

Ross Prairie has a mix of sandhill and, of course, prairies. Depending on rainfall, the prairies may be dry or have standing water, which attracts various birds and wildlife. The Holly Hammock trail makes its way through the sandhill habitats and occasionally skirts prairies within the park. Find more information on Ross Prairie State Forest.

Ross Prairie:
10660 SW State Rd 200
Dunnellon, FL

2.4 mile loop.
$2 required for entry.

The prairies offer a distinct contrast to the forest.

Longleaf pines are a common sight in the sandhill habitat.

The trail passes through a few oak hammocks as well.

Hiking at Pruitt Trailhead

A few miles west of Ross Prairie along the Florida Trail is the Pruitt Trailhead. Some of the disturbed land offers elevation changes along the trail in addition to oak hammocks. An unusual sight along the trail is the “Stonehenge,” which is a semicircle of limestone that makes up a memorial to Mark Pruitt, and three miles of the greenway is dedicated to his memory. Find more information on Pruitt Trailhead.

Pruitt Trailhead:
15430 SW Highway 484
Dunnellon, FL

Linear trail length varies.
No fee required for entry.

A picnic area can be found at the trailhead.

The mixed use trail starts out in the open.

The Pruitt Memorial and “stonehenge” are worth seeing along the trail.

Massive oaks are a common sight along land that once was cleared for the barge canal.

Before you go:

• Check trail maps: The Cross Florida Greenway caters to a variety of activities. Read up on all of them.
• Prepare for the elements: Check weather conditions before you set out. Always bring water (at least 16oz per hour), sunscreen, and insect repellent, no matter what time of year.
• Verify trail conditions. During the summer months heavy rainfall can flood trails.

Ryan Worthington, known as The Florida Excursionist, is a Live Wildly Adventurist. He grew up in Florida State Parks and has spent his life exploring — and championing — the state’s wild places. A Florida Master Naturalist, he documents conservation areas across the state through guided hikes, social media, and his podcast The Florida Madcaps.