The Florida Trails "Ross Prairie State Forest"

 Let's take a hike!

I've taken so many photos this summer and I know I can't share them all.

But I wanted to take you all on a hike.

Let's hike the Holly Hammock trail in the Ross Prairie Forest.

These photos are all taken on the same trail....

one right after another.

You can see how the trail changes as we walk.

This is all in about 2 miles of the trail (before we make the turn and loop back around).

It's always changing and one of the reasons you never get tired of hiking in the forest.

Let's take a drink of water now and keep going!

This is a good spot to look at the prairie!

Back into the brambles!

And since most of you follow my blog, you know all of the interesting things I see along the way.

So I'll go back in time and share these bear photos with you.

Black bears live in the forests here in Ocala, Florida.

Getting out in the forest is an experience you never forget.

The weather is changing and I'll be spending more time out there.

Who...Who? Me! Me!

I’m joining Saturday’s critters HERE

  and Mosaic Monday HERE !

Ross Prairie Forest "Holly Hammock Trail"

 I have so much to share but it's such beautiful weather for camping and hiking that I'm still not sitting at the computer as much. It will get HOT here in Florida soon and then I'll catch up. I guess! lol

This is right at the halfway point and you really have to look to see the turn. 

Sparkleberry bush

Link for the ID is HERE! And thank you so much to my blog buddy "Tom the backroads" for help with identifying it! These bushes are in full bloom and smell so sweet! 

We've camped at Ross Prairie State Forest Campground twice now and I hiked different trails both times. I did hike the Holly Hammock THREE times though because it's my favorite.

For locals, the trail is in the best shape I've ever seen it. And when you take the loop you come to a pond at the halfway point. The pond is full of water with lily pads in full bloom.

With the bonus of wetlands beyond the pond with so much to see. 

It took me about 2 hours to hike it because I spent 20 minutes at the pond taking photos. 

But it's an easy hike. Just watch out for roots and stumps in the trail. Lift your feet when you walk!

This is a popular trail and I've met a couple of hikers that leave little trinkets along the trail.

A dragon on the trail? 

They are fun to find.

When I say it's popular, I still only saw 1 other person hiking it on this 2 hour hike. I just wish more people got out to enjoy a nature walk. There are so many rewards.

Mourning Dove

And WHAT is this little critter?

Have you walked outside this week?

I’m joining Saturday’s critters HERE

  and Mosaic Monday HERE !