Anyone looking to make the most of their time in the outdoors knows that the best place for it is Florida. Specifically in Ocala and Marion County, there are many diverse options for people wanting to engage in some physical activity while appreciating nature. Be it urban trails, wild spaces, or any specific activity you are eager about, Florida has it all. Here are a few things you can expect to enjoy when visiting the counties.
Go Hiking
If you want to head out to spend a good part of your day in town, the Historic Downtown Ocala is just the place. A fun hub for food trucks, public art, markets, and restaurants, this town is the ideal place to go exploring on foot or bike. Popularly known as the OTrak among the locals, The Downtown Ocala Osceola Trak also connects two central parts of the city. A mile-long pedestrian walkway connects the Ocala Downtown Market with Tuscawilla Park.
Cycle Through the Wilderness
The best place for mountain biking in the area is the Santos Mountain bike trails. Created on an old limestone quarry, this park has more than 80 miles of singletrack swampland bike trails of all levels. With limestone features and unique wooden features, the area also has access to the Florida National Scenic Trail which extends 1,300 miles across the state. So, the next time you are in Florida, head on to the Santos Bike shop, pick up a rental mountain bike, and explore the wonders within that also include a spiral Corkscrew and a network of bridges in Ken’s corner.
Become an Equestrian
Also called the Horse Capital of the World, the region has the highest concentration of horses in the USA. With a 200-foot landbridge along with an assortment of equestrian trails, the park is perfect when explored through a guided horseback ride across the 110-mile-long Cross Florida Greenway. The area also boasts rich wildlife including bobcats, wild turkeys, occasional black bears, and coyotes.
Zip-Line Through the Wilderness
Providing a rare aerial view of the landscape, the Canyons Zip Lines and Adventure Park has become a favorite among tourists. With a zip lines series along with a 160 feet high long super zip line with a length of 1600 feet, the partakers are guaranteed a trip through the enchanting landscape featuring 15-story cliffs and four spring-fed lakes where kayakers are seen paddling. If you want a truly memorable experience, go on a full-moon zip-line tour that takes place once a month after dark.
Explore Public Places
The 47 square miles comprising the region have a lot of options for people wanting to go hiking on public land. Be it the 5.7-mile Rainbow River, the Rainbow Springs State Park, Silver Springs State Park, or the Ocala National Forest, there is no dearth of attractions ranging from waterfalls, glass-bottom boat tours, rivers, springs, and swamps to spend your day at. Whether you want to spend the whole day there or just an afternoon, this is the place for you.
A Traveler’s Guide on How to Explore Egypt’s Red Sea Like a Pro
One of the greatest pleasures in the world is finding the perfect scuba diving spot. It’s no secret that diving enthusiasts are always on the lookout for the next destination to explore. The Red Sea in Egypt is far from a newly popular divers’ hub, but it is still vastly unexplored.
Fancy a Trip to Egypt?
Aside from the obvious landmarks like the pyramids of Giza, Egypt actually has so much more to offer, especially if you’re in for a scuba adventure. All you’ll need to enjoy a diving trip are some Egyptian Pounds or Euro, preferably a local guide for sightseeing and to help you negotiate prices and loads of sunscreen.
Explore the Clear Waters of the Red Sea
If you ask an experienced scuba diver why the Red Sea is the perfect destination, they’ll have a straightforward answer. On a good day, you get visibility of around 230 feet with dives ranging from 15 to 140 feet in clear waters. The best part? Its topography is so versatile that it offers great spots both for beginners and professionals. Plus, given the climate, there’s never a bad time to visit Egypt and its Red Sea.
The Hotspot to Visit
The Small Giftun Drift dive site is probably the most famous spot in Egypt. Also known as the Police Station, this place is right off the shores of Hurghada. It offers sheer coral walls, crystal clear waters, and iridescent plateaus. You’ll see passing clusters of fish in bright and alluring colors, and you’ll pass by small caves and pinnacles. Who knows what other treasures you may find?
Be sure to also check the Ras Ghazlani dive site to catch a glimpse of its large population of manta rays and the amazing surrounding ecosystem. The entire Red Sea is practically wriggling with marine life, and you can explore sunken ships, like the Thistlegorm near Ras Mohammed, together with the breathtaking underwater views of rich ecosystems worth exploring.