Florida Black Bear Scenic Byway

State: Florida
Length: 123 miles / 197.9 km
Time to Allow: Allow at least 3 hours to fully see this byway.

On the Florida Black Bear Scenic Byway, you can explore 123 miles of the Florida Central Peninsula. It’s a short drive to either side of the state and to Orlando as well. Tampa sits close by, too, making this the perfect location to explore the state. The area also offers the Ocala National Forest as the centerpiece with crystal-clear water in a lush subtropical location. Here you can camp, swim, boat, and even scuba dive.

The byway goes off the beaten path with several forks allowing visitors to see more of the beautiful location. Starting in Lynne, you can stay at the large Ocala National Forest with several recreation and wilderness areas. Enjoy camping, hiking, hunting, fishing, a shooting range, a gorgeous trail, and water activities. Moving up the first fork stop in Salt Spring near Lake George and Ockalwaha Lake. Stop at the Barberville Pioneer Settlement to bring the past to life with educational experience children and adults will love with exhibits and hands-on experiences along with unique decor.

The water is dense with trees and the most beautiful blue you have ever seen. At the Silver Glen Springs park, you can find trees draped in moss along with tropical flora. Take a boat tour on the river or even learn about yoga at the Amrit Institute. Stay at the Stegbone’s Fish Camp if you like getting into the water with a fishing pole. If you want a detour, you can visit Crescent Lake and St. Johns River.

Move down to Astor to the Bluffton Recreation Area and take a boat tour. The Alexander spring is nearby and offers a stunning example of the gorgeous beauty available in the state. Try out snorkeling on a limestone floor or any other outdoor activity you can imagine. In Barberville, you can take a horseback riding tour and visit a roadside art and produce stand. Find more state parks and tons of water, including the Fountain of Youth Eco/History Tour.

Continue on to Ormond Beach with a stop at the Tiger Bay State Forest with options for camping, hiking, biking, boating, and so much more in gorgeous scenery perfect for the whole family. Ormond offers crystal-clear waters lush with tropical vegetation and trees. The beachfront park offers a bustling sanctuary for water lovers. Next, at the Casements, you can visit a local state historical museum and an art museum with a garden opening soon. Several state parks and gardens nearby offer options for camping and exploring nature.

Finish the trip with some shopping at the mall Destination Daytona or an Italian meal at the Bronx house for some cannoli. Then, follow the trail up to the A1A Scenic & Historic Coastal Byway and the Atlantic Coast. Daytona Beach is nearby with an epic racetrack and incredible beaches with hotels. Spend a few nights here before finding your next Florida adventure as the town offers so many activities all centered around the ocean and enjoying the best parts of life.

More Florida Byways

You can check out additional Byways in Florida by clicking on the list of byways below, or by going to the Florida Byways home section. To find even more of scenic byways in the United States, visit our scenic byways map.