Centennial Trail - Ocala National Forest

[kdclere]

The new paved Centennial Trail Head is nearing completion.  I will be working tomorrow to actually install the finishing touches and get it open for use.  It is located just south of FL HWY 40 on National Forest Road 13.  The old temporary THs will be going away.  The Temporary North TH (on FR09-gas pipeline) will close immediately due to the proximity of the new one.  The Temporary South TH will close probably in the next few months.  An idea is being kicked around to designate a parking/unloading area at Big Scrub campground to allow those who wish to park there to ride and only pay the rider fee, not the campground fee.  I will notify when that change is in effect.  Currently to park and ride at Big Scrub campground, you are required to pay the rider fee and the campsite fee due to occupying a site in the campground while parked.

I hope to do a Grand Opening on the new Centennial Trail Head on Saturday, April 28th, 2012.  I will be there to answer questions, check children for proper riding gear and certificate, and promote volunteer and visitor opportunities on the Ocala National Forest!
Please ask away if you have any questions and I will attempt to answer them in a timely fashion!  Also check out the Centennial Trail facebook page at www.facebook.com/pages/Ocala-Adventure-Trail-Centennial-OHV-Trail/215649611865753

-Kris

[mulemedics]

I haven't been to onf since my son was born. I have a 4 year old and a Polaris ranger crew. Aside from permitting what gear is required. Last I was there helmets were not required on side by sides. Thanks

[kdclere]

I haven't been to onf since my son was born. I have a 4 year old and a Polaris ranger crew. Aside from permitting what gear is required. Last I was there helmets were not required on side by sides. Thanks

According to the Florida State Statutes, only the operator, if under 16, must wear a helmet, eye protection and over-the-ankle boots.  I would then assume that on a side-by-side, as a passenger, a child would be legally allowed to ride without helmet.  However, I advise strongly against it due to the unknown skill level of other riders and possible hazards you may encounter on the trail.  Ultimately it is your responsibility as the visitor to the National Forest for safety and knowing the rules.  If you would like to know exactly what the Statute says: http://www.leg.state.fl.us/Statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&Search_String=&URL=0200-0299/0261/Sections/0261.20.html

I hope you do come out soon and that you have a great time!

-Kris

[kdclere]

The New Trail Head, located on Forest Road 13 (old 588) just south of HWY 40 is now open for riding.  A Grand Opening will likely occur on April 28th.  The Fee Kiosk is in place next to the bathrooms and has all of the regulations, map, important info and other tidbits of information.  Please take a second to read the board before going out.
Also, prior to next Saturday's proposed "Grand Opening", I will be making an entire ride of the trail to clear any downed trees...of course it never fails, as soon as I finish, another falls the next day!

Please remember that "double-riding" is against the law and carries a fine, (unless your machine specifically states it CAN carry a passenger)!

Have Fun!
-Kris

[mulemedics]

I haven't been to onf since my son was born. I have a 4 year old and a Polaris ranger crew. Aside from permitting what gear is required. Last I was there helmets were not required on side by sides. Thanks

According to the Florida State Statutes, only the operator, if under 16, must wear a helmet, eye protection and over-the-ankle boots.  I would then assume that on a side-by-side, as a passenger, a child would be legally allowed to ride without helmet.  However, I advise strongly against it due to the unknown skill level of other riders and possible hazards you may encounter on the trail.  Ultimately it is your responsibility as the visitor to the National Forest for safety and knowing the rules.  If you would like to know exactly what the Statute says: http://www.leg.state.fl.us/Statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&Search_String=&URL=0200-0299/0261/Sections/0261.20.html

I hope you do come out soon and that you have a great time!

-Kris

Thanks a bunch. As soon as we can get some time off from work we will be making a trip

[dieselbeef]

sweet..farther than croom but...my 6 yr old can ride his with the course cert right!

[kdclere]

sweet..farther than croom but...my 6 yr old can ride his with the course cert right!

That's correct...certificate, helmet, eye pro, boots and let him have fun!
-Kris

[dieselbeef]

so basically the same as croom then..we''re gold

[zephyr]

Kris I just got home from a ride on Centennial and parked at the new trailhead and all I can say it is AWESOME !!!!!!!! I renewed my yearly pass and after seeing the new trailhead I am glad I did it. It is the nicest trail head i have seen in FL. Way to go Kris and your team.
 

[Starbuc71]

unless the weather is terrible on Sunday, I plan on riding the centennial trail.  Couple questions:
1.  I have been down 40 before and stopped at FR13.  I thought that was a trailhead with the bullitin boards but when I turned in one day I could not find the pay station.  Is this where the new trailhead is?
2.  How far down a dirt road do you have to drive to get to the new trailhead?
3. We usually park at the trailhead down the road from Big Scrub.  Is this the one that will be going away soon?

Thanks

[kdclere]

unless the weather is terrible on Sunday, I plan on riding the centennial trail.  Couple questions:
1.  I have been down 40 before and stopped at FR13.  I thought that was a trailhead with the bullitin boards but when I turned in one day I could not find the pay station.  Is this where the new trailhead is?
2.  How far down a dirt road do you have to drive to get to the new trailhead?
3. We usually park at the trailhead down the road from Big Scrub.  Is this the one that will be going away soon?

Thanks

Yeah, you wanna go down HWY 40 again and turn south onto FR13.  The new trailhead is now complete (minus a few signs).  If you have been on FR13 before, you remember it is paved for about a half-mile then turns to clay as it continues south to Big Scrub.  The new trailhead is on the left before the pavement ends...bout a 1/4 mile from HWY40.  The North temporary one on FR09 off of HWY40 is already closed.  The South one on FR09 will stay open for awhile (maybe 90-180 days) before closing it.  So, basically, the New TH on FR13 and Big Scrub will eventually be the only ways to access the Centennial Trail, barring any change in plans.  Hope this info is helpful.

-Kris

[kdclere]

Kris I just got home from a ride on Centennial and parked at the new trailhead and all I can say it is AWESOME !!!!!!!! I renewed my yearly pass and after seeing the new trailhead I am glad I did it. It is the nicest trail head i have seen in FL. Way to go Kris and your team.
 

Zephyr,

Were you the one with the single truck and quad there on Friday?  If so, I pulled up with another employee to inspect the fee tube...the jets were flying over.  Anyways, glad you enjoyed the new TH!  Throughout this summer, I will be getting days to be on the trail to continue to groom it and trim it.  I have a few volunteers that will also be on it every week or so.  I hope to make the trail mirror the nice new TH is quality!  We have already trimmed a lot back near Big Scrub (about 5.5miles or so).  Its a slow tedious process to trim the way we are, but the reward is well worth it.  Please continue to come out and support us, and pass the word along.  I plan on being out at the New TH next Saturday the 28th with a lot of information and such as sort of a Grand Opening!

-Kris

[zephyr]

yes that was me. and thanks for your hard work the fly by was neat

[kdclere]

Just a reminder, the State of Florida Double-Riding law has been in effect since July 2008 and is enforced on the Ocala National Forest.  You are restricted to one person per ATV unless the manufacturer's plate on the ATV specifically states that you can carry a passenger.  An aftermarket seat alone does not qualify your machine for this exemption.  Please plan accordingly!  Being caught by an FPO or LEO on the forest more than likely will result in a ticket somewhere in the vicinity of $75...along with an end to your passenger's day.  We don't want to ruin anyone's fun time on the Forest so please know and follow the rules!

-Kris

[08Honda400EX]

The last time I was out there there were 2 A-10s doing straffe runs with there 30mm cannons.  It was freakin awesome

[zephyr]

No to mention to safety factor of riding double. It changes the center of gravity and responsiveness of the ATV. Lets keep it safe at that will help in keeping the riding areas open

[pault]

What is the best way to get to Big scrub coming from Jacksonville. Also, does anybody know what what the rules are for generators there.

[kdclere]

What is the best way to get to Big scrub coming from Jacksonville. Also, does anybody know what what the rules are for generators there.

You can run generators at Big Scrub until 10pm (quiet time).  If no one else is in the campground, or if you are far enough away from other campers AND if they do not mind, you may run them later.  Be a good camper though and check with your fellow campers.  If they complain after 10pm, the correct thing to do is shut it down. 

From Jacksonville, you will want to get onto HWY19 anywhere between Jax and Palatka and continue south until reaching HWY 40.  If coming from I95, continue south until reaching HWY 40.  From either you will want to travel west on HWY 40, past HWY 19 for about 5-8 miles.  Forest Road 13 will be on your left and there will be a couple Forest Service signs for Big Scrub.  If you pass the fire observation tower you have gone about a mile too far.  Turn left (south) on Forest Road 13 and continue for about 12 miles.  Big Scrub campground is on your right just before the intersection of FR13 and FR14.

For any other questions about Big Scrub, shoot me a message.

-Kris

[dieselbeef]

we have been there and run them all nite ...no issues

weekends we have been invaded by people comin out to party...i dont mean people camping i just mea a bunch of people showing up at midnite being rowdy a-holes

if ya leave yer fire burning after you retire expect the sheriff to come beat on yer door..dont open it with a pistol and he wont give ya as much chit as he gave me at midnite

we rode up on a black bear sleeping in the middle of the trail once..that was cool..cept it was twice as far as we had to go to go back the way we came..but i aint messin with no bear...specially with a 4 yr old and a bunch of teenagers

gary

[Starbuc71]

All I can say is wow! The new trailhead is awesome.  We rode yesterday and had a great time.  For the most part the trails were great except for 2 down trees that we could not move but were able to get over them.  The paking lot was a huge surprised being paved.  Kris, any news on what the new trailhead at big scrub will look like?  It was a great thing not having to wash the truck after riding. I'm sure FR13 will not be paved to get to big scrub. Living near tampa, I will defiantly drive the extra miles to go to the north trailhead.  A big thank you to the department of agriculture for what they do for us riders

[pault]

Thanks for the info. I take it the main gate closes at 9 pm as specified on the website and do you recommend making reservations or can you just drive up and get a spot onsite. Have bears been an issue in the campground?

[dieselbeef]

we personally havent seen em in the campground but on the trials...fox and coons in the campground tho

i think we need to ride the new trail...whats the mileage round trip..if i missed it somewhere../

[pault]

It is around 47-50 miles. The wife and i rode it last summer while the kids were at the grandparents. It is a nice ride. We started at the north trail head, stopped at blue sink and just took our time. No (my thumb hurts) as the kids were not with us. It is enjoyable but several spots were kind of confusing due to missing markers. Highly recommend a GPS, water and spare gas can.

[mtbatvrider]

Hey Kris the sticker that is used for Kroom can it be used there at ONF? Do we have to purchase a different one? If so how much is it?

[kdclere]

So, I've missed a few posts so I'll try and catch up.

Big Scrub gate stays open - Just show up, pick a site and put your cash or check in the fee tube. $12 per night.

No bear issues in the campground in a very long time - there is a Food Storage order in effect, you must store your food properly when not around it.  Has to be in a closed, hard structure like an RV or car, not your tent and not out in a cooler...this keeps the racoons, fox, bears etc from finding any food rewards.

The total trail mileage is just around 47 miles, the bottom loop (ScrubJay loop is exactly 20).

I am working to remark the trail where it is missing markers, however, take a trail map with you from the trail head and pay attention to the worn path and the markers that are up and you should have no problems.

Starbuc71, I was actually out there the same time you were, clearing trees.  Myself and an intern cleared the entire outer loop of  impassable trees, we sometimes leave the smaller diameter ones that are on the ground there as obstacles and to slow down rider speeds...as long as they appear passable by a novice rider.  Glad you enjoyed your ride.

Dieselbeef is for the most part right, although it is in the rules to turn generators off after 10pm, if they are quiet/or do not disturb anyone it tends to go on fine, if another camper complains of noise, it should be turned off if during quiet hours.

I have a meeting tomorrow to discuss improvements to Big Scrub, and I can say that GOOD change is coming, however I doubt paving is anywhere close to one of them.  We are looking into a parking/unloading area in the campground right next the trail entrance, but it takes a ton of "approvals" to get this sort of thing done.  I am almost certain a youth training area, some corralled sites, and a small day use area is imminent...oh, and a bunch of trees, finally!

I don't really know too much about a Croom sticker.  What the National Forest requires is that your machine be titled in accordance with State regulations...most have a square green sticker on the quad somewhere that we look for.  The most important is that you pay the operator fee of $10.  This is categorized as a special-use fee and does not qualify for any discounts.  We have to have this in order to purchase signs, materials, trail head improvements, etc.; as well as maintaining the heavy burden placed on trail equipment while attempting to keep the trail as smooth as possible and trimmed back.

Easiest way to have a good day on the Ocala is to bring some cash (enough to ride, camp or both), safety gear (required for children 15 & under), a good attitude, and just a small amount of time prior to your ride to read the info on the Kiosk Board.  Follow that board and there isn't much you can do wrong!

Thanks everyone for coming out and please spread the word.  The more use Big Scrub and the Centennial Trail receive, the more improvements I can make to it.  If everyone comes out often and brings friends and family, I WILL make every effort I can to make the Centennial Trail system meet and exceed its potential.

-Kris