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| Home > Florida > Wandering Wiregrass |
Wandering Wiregrass OHV Trail
Saturday, November 2, 2024
| Other Names | Ocala National Forest, Lake George Ranger District |
| Last Known Status | Temporarily Closed |
This 17 mile trail loop winds through a longleaf pine forest. The trail mainly consists of sand with a few sections of hard pack but it is smooth and mostly flat. The area is open year-round but the most popular time to visit is during the fall and winter months.
The main staging area offers level parking and space for large trailers or RVs but there is no shade and canopies are permitted only in certain areas. This area is open for day use only and a trail pass is required to ride which can be purchased on site at the self pay kiosk.
Primitive camping options can be found at nearby Alexander Springs Recreation Area which also offers some hiking trails, canoe rentals, and year-round 72 degree swimming holes.
For campsites with RV hookups check out Nelson's Outdoor Resort.
REGULATIONS
| Permit Required | Yes | OHV Trail Pass |
| Dates Open | daily dawn-dusk | |
| Other ATV Stickers Accepted | Unknown | |
| Spark Arrestor | Yes | A spark arresting exhaust silencer or end cap is required for all vehicles. |
| Noise Limit | Yes (96 dB) | |
| Whip Flags | Not Required | |
| Maximum Vehicle Width | Yes (50 inches) | has entrance gate or posts |
 Motorcycles & Dirt Bikes | Permitted | |
 ATVs | Permitted | (maximum width 50 inches) |
 UTV & SXS | Permitted | (maximum width 50 inches) |
 SUVs & Jeeps (registered) | Prohibited | |
| Dune Buggy & Swamp Buggy 4x4 (unregistered) | Prohibited | |
| 2 Stroke Engines | No Restriction | |
| MX Helmet Required | Youth Only | required for persons under 16 by state law (RiderPlanet strongly recommends helmets for all riders.) |
 Camping | Prohibited | |
 Campfires | Prohibited | |
| Night Riding | No | |
| Trail Blazing | Prohibited | stay on the trail |
| Rule Enforcement | ||
| Comment | Florida law requires OHVs to be titled when operating on public land. Proof of ownership is required when operating machines. | |
TERRAIN
| Miles Of Trail | 17 | |
| Climate Type | Forest | |
| Elevation | 75 to 120 ft. | |
| Trail Maintenance | Marked, Not Rated, Lightly Maintained | |
| Loose Dirt |  None | |
| Hard Pack |  Little | |
| Sand |  Mostly | |
| Mud | None | |
| Dust | Little | |
| Rocks | None | |
| Trees |  All | |
| Steep Hills | None | |
| Water Crossings | None | |
| Small Jumps | None | |
| Large Jumps | None | |
| Berms |  Some | |
| Sand/Gravel Pits | None | |
| Single Track | None | |
| Roads | None | |
| Intersections |  Few | |
| Rider Traffic | Few | |
| Shade | Some | |
| Ranges/Gunfire | None | |
| Hazards | None | |
 Novice | All | |
 Amateur | None | |
 Expert | None |
TYPE OF AREA
| Area | Motorized Trails |
| Land | National Forest |
GPS POINTS
KEY SERVICES
 Gasoline | 5-20 Miles (SW) | Kangaroo Express (352) 669-1311 |
| Diesel | 5-20 Miles (SW) | Kangaroo Express (352) 669-1311 |
 Water | 5-20 Miles (SW) | Nelson's Outdoor Resort (352) 821-3474 |
 RV Hookup | 5-20 Miles (SW) | Nelson's Outdoor Resort (352) 821-3474 |
 RV Disposal | 1-5 Miles (NE) | Alexander Springs Recreation Area (877) 444-6777 |
| Campground | 1-5 Miles (NE) | Alexander Springs Recreation Area (877) 444-6777 |
 Conv Store | 5-20 Miles (SW) | Kangaroo Express (352) 669-1311 |
FEES & PASSES
| Parking | (None) |
| Entry | (None) |
| Riding | Yes ($10.00 per rider) Three Day Pass - $10; Kids 15 and under - $5 |
| Camping | (None) |
| Comment | Annual OHV Trail Pass - $75/person |
RATINGS
| Pros | large and flat staging area, very scenic forest |
| Cons | day use only |
| Our Rating |  Good |
| Recommended Stay | Full Day |
| Comments | (Scroll Down For Rider Reviews & Comments) |
DRIVING DIRECTIONS
| Nearest City | Umatilla, FL | ||
| From: Umatilla, FL
1) Take SR-19 north about 7.5 miles 2) Turn right (east) on SR-445, continue about 2 miles 3) Trailhead is on the right (east). |
OFFICIAL CONTACTS
| Contact Info | Ocala National Forest - Lake George Ranger District 17147 E. Hwy 40 Silver Springs, FL 34488 (352) 625-2520 mailroom_r8_florida@fs.fed.us www.fs.usda.gov |
Wandering Wiregrass Trail Photo
The main loop is flat and sandy. It is an easy day ride with the gentle curves, so riders tend to go fast. Use some caution because the trail allows two-way traffic.
Wandering Wiregrass Trail Photo
The trailhead is at the back of the parking area and has vault toilets, trash receptacles and a self pay service station. Street vehicles are not permitted beyond this point.
Wandering Wiregrass Trail Photo
There is a 5mph speed limit in the high traffic areas near the trailhead.
Wandering Wiregrass Trail Photo
The trail is marked and is open to vehicles that are up to 50 inches wide.
Wandering Wiregrass Trail Photo
Wandering Wiregrass Trail Photo
Wandering Wiregrass Trail Photo
Wandering Wiregrass Trail Photo
Wandering Wiregrass Trail Photo
The main staging area has a large flat parking area but no shade and no water.
Wandering Wiregrass Trail Photo
These are the rules and regulations for the main parking and staging area.
Wandering Wiregrass Trail Photo
Wandering Wiregrass Trail Photo
This peewee track is located at the trailhead. It was overgrown from lack of use in the summer.
Wandering Wiregrass Trail Photo
Wandering Wiregrass Trail Photo
This is another view of the trailhead. The staging area is a loop with two large lots.
Wandering Wiregrass Trail Photo
Wandering Wiregrass Trail Photo
Wandering Wiregrass Trail Photo
Wandering Wiregrass Trail Photo
Wandering Wiregrass Trail Photo
Wandering Wiregrass Trail Photo
Wandering Wiregrass Trail Photo
Wandering Wiregrass Trail Photo
Wandering Wiregrass Trail Photo
Wandering Wiregrass Trail Photo
RIDER COMMENTS & REVIEWS