Stretching 110 miles from the St. john's river on the east to the Gulf of Mexico at Inglis to the West, the Cross Florida Greenway has something for everyone when it comes to nature-based recreation.
Thanks to Richard Nixon halting construction on Cross Florida Barge Canal in 1971, state leaders were provided with the opportunity to persuade the federal government to give the state the land for a vast recreational area, and let the state reimburse the counties for the property they bought from the private landowners. It took 20 years to get the deauthorization of the Canal through Congress and the plan implemented, but today the Cross Florida Greenway is a reality!
Florida's Greenways & Trails Program manages the Greenway and has been developing the many individual components that make up this incredible playground. Protecting a variety of natural habitats and providing numerous recreational opportunities across 11 counties, it is the place to go to enjoy Florida's natural areas.
Marshall Swamp has a lush nature walk. There are miles of river for scenic paddling. Mountain bikers will be challenged to their heart's content at the Santos trail site, and equestrian trails can be found in multiple locations.
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The first ever Land Bridge built over six lanes of I-75 traffic for people and wildlife complete with shrubs and trees and proved immensely successful (animal tracks indicate they use it all the time!).
And a perfect place to stay: Silver River State Park located in Silver Springs, Florida, 10 minutes east of Ocala. The park has campsites AND luscious cabins. it is located in a great place to provide a jumping off point for enjoying all the Greenway has to offer!
For more information check out the Office of Greenways and Trails Website:
http://www.dep.state.fl.us/gwt/cfg/default.htm
**Map and signs courtesy of OGT.
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