Established as Florida's first backpacking trail with its first blazes painted north from Clearwater Lake by volunteers of the newly formed Florida Trail Association in 1966, the Ocala segment of the Florida Trail was known as the "Ocala Trail" for many years. The trail wasn't designated a National Recreation Trail until the entire Florida Trail became a National Scenic Trail in 1983.

Now, with more than 72 miles of unbroken wilderness hiking through sandhills, prairies, pine flatwoods, and the beautiful Big Scrub, the Ocala section is a prime destination for backpackers who want to spend a week on the Florida Trail. The footpath is well maintained and well worn, and signage at road crossings helps you figure out exactly where you are.

Primitive camping is restricted to recreation areas and designated campsites during hunting season each fall. All hikers should wear blaze orange during hunting seasons.

Backpackers have access to resupply in Paisley, near Clearwater Lake at the south end of the trail, and at Salt Springs, where a 3-mile walk from the trail via a blue-blazed side trail leads into town, where there is a full-service grocery store.