St. Francis Trail (Ocala National Forest) Hiking Guide
West of DeLand, just across the St. Johns River, the St. Francis Trail leads into the southern edge of the Ocala National Forest to the site of St. Francis, a river port that thrived in the late 1800s and then disappeared. The town is long gone, and the Forest Service sends hikers in search of what it left behind. The route itself is a long, quiet loop through flatwoods and dark floodplain forest that fills with standing water whenever the river runs high.
Loop Options
The Forest Service describes loops of about three and seven miles, and calls out a 2.8-mile short loop that covers the highlights of the floodplain section. AllTrails measures the full loop at 7.9 miles with about 72 feet of gain, and rates it moderate mostly for length and footing rather than climbing. Volunteers from the Florida Trail Association built the trail and still maintain it. AllTrails reviewers say the blazing is easy to lose in places, so carry an offline map.
The Ghost Town
St. Francis grew up as a stop for steamboats working up the St. Johns from Jacksonville toward Sanford, trading household goods for the area's citrus and timber. When railroads took over that traffic the town faded away. The Forest Service frames the hike as a search for that past through floodplain forest and pine flatwoods, at the south edge of the Alexander Springs Wilderness. The damp hammock along the St. Francis Dead River is also, according to the Forest Service, one of the better places in the forest to photograph fungi.
Water, Mud and Bugs
This is floodplain country. After a wet summer or a tropical storm the low sections along the river can be ankle-deep or worse, so plan the full loop for the drier months and turn back at standing water rather than wading blind. AllTrails reviewers report ticks and spiders and recommend long pants and repellent. Summer brings heat, mosquitoes and frequent afternoon thunderstorms; the long walk back to the car leaves little room to dodge one, so watch the sky and start early.
Trailhead and Hunting Season
The trailhead is free and open sunrise to sunset for day use, with parking but no restroom and no drinking water, so bring everything you need. To get there from downtown DeLand, AllTrails directions follow SR 44 west across the St. Johns River to SR 42, then a right turn onto SR 42 to the signed trailhead. The Ocala National Forest is a traditional deer-hunting destination, and the Forest Service tells everyone on this trail to wear a safety-orange shirt or vest during hunting season.
Dogs
The Forest Service lists no pet restriction for the St. Francis trailhead, and AllTrails tags the trail for leashed dogs. Keep a dog leashed and well back from the river and any standing water; FWC advises keeping pets away from the water's edge in alligator country. Bring water for the dog as well, since there is none at the trailhead.
Hiking tips for St. Francis Trail (Ocala National Forest)
- Pack all your water; the trailhead has none and no restroom.
- Wear a safety-orange shirt or vest whenever hunting season is open.
- Take the 2.8-mile short loop when the river is high or the day is hot.
- Tuck pants into socks and use repellent for ticks.
- Save an offline map; reviewers report faint blazes.
Nearby trails to explore
- Pine Island Trail (Blue Spring State Park)
- Black Bear Wilderness Area Trail
- Rock Springs Lake Trail
Hike this trail with TrailMates
A remote eight-mile loop with no facilities is a good one to share. Use TrailMates to find Orlando hikers heading to the St. Francis Trail. Download the TrailMates app to connect.