ATV Florida Forum

Hey Everyone,

This is the new thread for 2016 for the Centennial OHV Trail on the Ocala National Forest!  If you haven't been to Big Scrub Campground and the Centennial Trail in the recent past you may have missed some improvements.  We have finally added a Youth Training Area in the campground.  This is a step in the right direction for encouraging children to feel safe around and while operating OHVs.  We are planning on adding a small shade structure and possibly a playground set near the Youth Training Area to have an all inclusive child area.  Hopefully this makes it easier for parents to keep an eye on their kids while giving them a chance to relax in between rides when the kids want to keep going at "100mph"!  We also are in plans to expand the track to make it a bit larger.

(https://scontent-dfw1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpt1/v/t1.0-9/1613939_561011914046415_4115997759600941644_n.jpg?oh=66ad98e4d8f91aa18a54ea4e1c8caa34&oe=5711C2D7)

Using our trail equipment, we are trying to widen the tread of the trail to accommodate larger side-by-sides, and allow for safer maneuvering when you encounter other riders.  We have already gained almost two feet in some sections of the Scrub Jay loop.  The trail-dozer will be taking out brush for miles in sections to also allow for better passing when necessary.  we aren't looking to have a large width because we still want to have a "trail feel" to the Centennial, but do want to make everyone feel safer when they ride.  As always, we are continuing to trim out corners as we go to keep visibility and safety up! 

John and Yvonne have returned as campground hosts again this year.  They do an amazing job and truly care about each and every one of you during your stay in the campground.  Trust me, I get notified when campers haven't returned at dark, just so I know whether to come in and help look for you guys!  They are some of the best volunteers I have ever been around.
Roy and Sharon are also back as OHV volunteers and have begun raking, dragging and trimming the trail as usual.  They have strict visions to how the trail should be:  groomed nice and flat, trimmed back and open, signed well and efficient!  I couldn't ask for better trail volunteers. 
We will also add a SCA Intern in Chanell in mid-January who is looking forward to being part of the team and working on projects to make everything better.  She excelled while on her last internship and was asked to stay on and move to the Centennial Trail area!

Thanksgiving and Christmas weeks have been the busiest since I came on board in 2008 when the trail was built.  It is an awesome sight to see so many people enjoying the trails and the campground!  We are looking forward to New Year's Weekend, where almost the entire campground has been reserved already.  We are planning an event for MLK weekend, hopefully to include grilling hotdogs, or even a chili cook-off, with some music and games.  We are also looking into giving individuals free or reduced camping/riding for that weekend just for helping us trim some corners from 9am-noon on that Saturday.

We truly want to make Big Scrub Campground and the Centennial Trail into the best recreation opportunities they can be through good operation and smart, efficient changes...even to include installing electric in the near future!  (We may make the two host sites available as electric sites this Summer just to start!)

Check out the Centennial Trail Facebook Page at:  https://www.facebook.com/CentennialOHVONF/?fref=ts (https://www.facebook.com/CentennialOHVONF/?fref=ts)

Check out how to reserve a campsite or pay for riding online at: 
Camping http://www.recreation.gov/camping/big-scrub-campground/r/campgroundDetails.do?contractCode=NRSO&parkId=75398 (http://www.recreation.gov/camping/big-scrub-campground/r/campgroundDetails.do?contractCode=NRSO&parkId=75398)
Riding http://www.recreation.gov/wildernessAreaDetails.do?page=detail&contractCode=NRSO&parkId=74048 (http://www.recreation.gov/wildernessAreaDetails.do?page=detail&contractCode=NRSO&parkId=74048)

Come see us soon and let's have a great time!  I have made this post where it will notify me of replies so I can attempt to answer questions and respond to comments more often!

Thanks for taking the time to read this post, and to comment!
-Kris
 

Thanks for the update. Everything you've done so far looks great!

Thanks for posting. I haven't camped out at big scrub in probably 8 years. I know the bathroom facilities they built were really nice then it just seemed to die for atv usage. Is there still water spigots there? Thanks again for posting a worth while read lol.

Nice!

Kris,

Went to the Centennial Trail acouple of times over the Holidays and really enjoyed how nice the trail is now. Good job to everyone who worked on it.

K_Man

Just got back over the holidays road the North Trails.  Need to widen all the trails.  Head on CRASH almost 3 times and I was going slow around corners.   And with the red trail going back to Lake Oklawaha Campground its one trail with many people going both directions.   

Its supposed to be a relaxing ride in the forest but its tense all day due to what's around the next corner. 

My wife and I agree! John and Yvonne are best volunteers that you could have! Before Roy and Sharon got back, John and Yvonne dragged the trails besides doing their regular jobs at the campground. Now that Roy and Sharon are back, they are doing a great job dragging the trails and taking out stumps. These four people are making the Centennial Trails a nice place to ride. We really enjoy riding there!

My one and only complaint is that the blind turns on the north trail up by the TH at US40 needs to be trimmed down so that you can see around the turns. The upper and lower Blue Jays are OK for now. I keep hearing about a bulldozer and a tractor with a side mower blade that will clear those turns, but I'm afraid that I might be dead before that ever happens. The Forrest Department wants us to be safe and not ride double, but yet every blind turn is an accident just waiting to happen. Kris, I know that you are trying to get those blind turns trimmed, but please try harder. My wife and I both have been in trail accidents and we go during the week when there are fewer riders out there.

Other than the blind turns, we love riding at the Centennial Trail ! Thanks to you and all of the volunteers it's a great place to ride !

Larry and June

How can you find out what days the trail work will be on and what part of the trail? I will be down in the ONF for a week at a time once or twice a month and would like to help out some.

K_Man

They usually do the dragging of the trails and trimming on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, but I have seen them out on other days too. They can be anywhere on the trail, so you have to watch out for them.

Are you going to camp at Big Scrub? I just bought an RV and also will be going there a couple of times a month for three  or four days at a time. I would love to clear some of those blind turns.

Larry

I'm sorry for your experience.  This thread is only for the Centennial Trail on the south side of HWY 40, but I will pass this message along to the guys who manage the North Trails.  I agree, they need to be cleared for visibility and then possibly widened.  Safety is important and I would rather have someone have a good time than spending the whole ride worried.  Again, I'll pass this along and try to influence the maintenance done.  Thank you for riding the Ocala!
-Kris

Will do Larry!!!

-Kris

centennial trail is hands down the best trail in the ONF.it is highly maintained and just a great ride.and the campground hosts at big scrub are the nicest people you ever wanna meet.i love riding there.GREAT JOB!!!!!!

any future news on working on the road to get to big scrub?  Back in the day when I had a $2500 pick up truck, it wasn't an issue.  The last time we went out there with my friends new Tahoe, the road was so rough, he rattled a part out of his radio and the whole thing needed to be replaced. Coming from Tampa, we always drive the extra 45 minutes to the TH on US40 because of the awesome job they did on the parking area. You would think with all the land, there could be more campgrounds with ease of accessibility.  I'm just not pulling my new toyhauler down that road to big scrub for miles.

They are actually out there as we speak, laying down more material and mixing Forest Raod 13 from HWY 40 south to Big Scrub.  It is in pretty good shape right now.  Hopefully they look to improve both FR 14 from east to west and the south half of FR13.  Both really need it and I agree with you completely.  I'm pushing for it.  But for the time being, your best road in is f4rom the TH at HWY 40, they really have done some great work up there so far.  Thanks!

Kris

Thanks for coming out and enjoying it!  I will pass on the compliment to John and Yvonne at Big Scrub!  Come out and ride anytime!

Kris

Just talked to John at Big Scrub and he said the Centennial Trail will be closed starting tomorrow for two weeks do to the bombing range.

This is incorrect information, I received more info this morning.  Currently Tuesday and Thursday of this week (22nd and 24th) and Thursday and Friday of next week 31st and 1st) are the only days, and it will only be closed until the Navy has wrapped up their exercises.  Tentatively 8am until hopefully 2pm or so on those days.  Currently all the other days the Centennial Trail will be open.

-Kris

Thanks Kris, John called me back while we were shopping and gave me the corrected info. It still messes up our plans to camp there this week, so we are going to Delancy West instead. Larry

The Navy cancelled their exercises today requiring us to close the trail, so the Centennial Trail will be open today TUESDAY, March 22nd.  Next scheduled days for it to be closed due to the Safety Zone for their exercises are THURSDAY, March 24th, THURSDAY, March 31st, and FRIDAY, April 1st.

-Kris

Is there anyway to ask the Navy to be allowed to watch with their observers some of the bombing practice?

K_Man

The best I can do is say try one of these numbers and ask them?  Would be cool if they let you!
-Kris

Frequently Called Numbers on Base

If the impact noise gets too loud, residents are asked to call (800) 874-5059.

For more information, call (904) 542-5588.

Rode the centennial trail 2 weeks ago.  had a great time and it was not too hot.  Unfortunately, it will probably be the last time  due to the suicide TWO WAY TRAIL. When riding this trail with my friends, its always picking straws to see who will lead since nobody wants to.  I was the lucky one who got to lead on this ride.  I just purchased a can am maverick sxs and some parts of the trail are tight for this machine, but as a seasoned rider and being careful, I made it work.  It's been over a year since I rode this trail and I can tell the difference on how much the brush has grown since my last ride.  About 3/4 of our ride around the loop, I almost completely flattened and ran over a 10 year old or so riding with his family coming across one of the suicide blind turns.  Picture a mammoth sxs coming up against a small 90cc quad with a child no less.  Luckily I was able to launch my machine by inches into the brush before seriously hurting this child.  This has prompted me to sell my sxs and give up on this trail.  I support atv riding hugely and commend the state for allowing the few and far between trails that are offered in this state, but safety should always come first.  When somebody eventually gets very hurt, especially a child, maybe the forest service will wake up and make this a one way loop trail like it should be.  I know many on here disagree since they only want to ride the loop partially then turn around and with one way trails, you can not do that, but come on...  Somebody is eventually going to get real hurt, damage a very expensive ATV and God knows what else.  I know this post will do nothing, but I think more people need to be vocal about the safety concerns so families of all ages can enjoy this trail.

One way to improve the trails would be to hire somebody with a machine to clear the blind turns. The key word here is "Machine". Volunteers are clearing them now, but it takes them forever and if they ever complete the job, they will have to start over again as it grows right back. If you can see other riders coming at you, then you have time to react. I love riding there, but being in the lead is very dangerous. My wife and I go during the week when there are less riders out there, but we still have had crashes.

   I agree 100% with you I have stopped riding Ocala as it is a death trap demo derby waiting to happen.   I also stopped riding Croom as they stopped maintaining the trails and are getting ready to increase the permit to 80 bucks per machine.  Where does all the money go?    I have been lucky enough to have access to 2200 acres in N. Fl for the last 2 years and its next to Osceola NF.   Just have to make it a full weekend as it takes three hours to drive to but well worth it for me becasue I make a weekend out of it and have a trailer at the proper to stay in.    I chose to make longer trips out of state, Hat Field McCoy WV, Windrock Park TN, Durhamtown Ga, or Wayehutta in NC.  These places are one-way and maintained trails, just some thought if you love to ride its worth the trips up north, just need under armor for the rocks!

I hope Kris does not get upset by my post because he works extremely hard as a volunteer to try his best to keep this trail up, but as said on here, you need more than volunteers to keep this trail the way it needs to be. I would rather park my truck on a dirt field vs a nice blacktop lot with handicap spaces of all things then have to ride a trail not knowing if I am leaving it for a hospital. I know they put some time and I guess money into big scrub campground, but why?  It's a hot, dusty dirt field that I would never take the road to get there with my toyhaluer. You have acres and acres upon land with much shade and vegetation and they sink the money and volunteer work into big scrub. I guess camping is more important than safety on the trails.  If this post will do anything, it will probably make the Forrest service close the trails rather than fix them.  My "almost" accident made me really rethink the whole sport if places like Ocala is the only place to ride in the state.

Hey Starbuc come on up to Windrock park this summer  7/16-7/23 for some wild riding.
http://www.windrockpark.com/ (http://www.windrockpark.com/)

That place looks awesome. Wish it was closer

All,

Your posts will never upset me.  I used them as constructive feedback and criticism so that I can try an improve the trail for everyone.  As for two-way, it's here to stay.  That argument has been brought up and promptly shot down many times.  So my only way to make it safer for two way is to make room to avoid crashes and clear corners.  I have been begging for equipment and personnel to get this done for years, and I continue to do so.  The volunteers do an outstanding job, but it is a lot to handle and green stuff grows.  I should have the dozer a lot over the summer and I plan on making some real headway on the trail.  I was on military duty all summer last year and missed my chance.
Big Scrub will continue to get work as well.  It is the only accessible campground the Forest Service has that connects to an OHV trail and has working bathrooms.  Use has increased substantially over the past 3 years both in the campground and on the trail.  I'm hoping that begins to translate into machinery and funding.  They have also spent more time working on Forest Road 13 and 14, but 13 has been improved substantially.  I will keep trying to improve all of these areas for use and safety, but it takes time and sometimes it isn't fast enough to keep someone using it.  All I can say is I'll do my best.  Keep me posted like usual if you do happen to ride the trails and if not, have fun and be safe where you do ride.
-Kris

who shot down a proposal for a one way trail?  just about every trail system in the US including the Hatfield McCoy trail system is a ONE WAY trail system for safety.  Whomever shot it down, I can't wait till they ride the trail and hurt themselves then lets see what happens.  STUPID...  Kris, who can I write to or email to tell them my concerns on how I almost killed a child head on.  There are minimal places to ride to begin with in FL and the ones we have are suicide rides.  Somebody needs to wake up.  I know you and your volunteers bust your buts trying to make the trails wider and clear back the blind corners.  To be honest, you are right.  Green grows.  By the time you get to every hairpin blind corner and clear them, the ones you started with will be grown in thicker than you started.  To be honest even the hairpin turns that the volunteers cleared already still gives you a second or so to dodge a sport quad coming sideways around a berm at full throttle.  I still can't believe the topic of a one way trail came up and there are stupid people that said no way.  This gets me very mad since I am a huge supporter of ATV riding in FL.  Please provide some info on who I can write to.  thanks >:( >:( >:( >:( >:( >:( >:( >:(

I rode the Hatfield and McCoy trail in 2013 and I don't remember it being one way, but the trails were very wide and no blind turns.

I was told that if they made it one way, then everybody would go a lot faster on the blind turns and sooner or later, some idiot would be going the wrong way and a very bad accident would happen. I do believe that this would happen. Some ATV riders won't follow the rules and do whatever they want. I wish that it was one way traffic as I have been in trail accidents there.

We have to watch being too aggressive on this matter as I think they would just shut the trails down. I heard that a new head guy has just taken over or is about to take over and it would just be like him to shut them down. Nobody wants those blind turns cleared more than me, but I think that would solve most of the problems. I love riding there and don't want to loose it.

How come this thread has been so quiet?  Has anything changed on this trail?

My wife and I haven't rode up there for 7 or 8 weeks, but we are going there tomorrow. Since it rained all over the state, we are hoping for no dust.

If anything has changed, I will post when I get home.

Larry

My wife and I rode the Centennial Trail yesterday and nothing has changed. The dangerous blind turns are still there !  I was hoping to see some dozer work done by Kris, but nothing, and now John told me that Kris is going for military duty again starting next month for five weeks. So if nothing is done in the next three weeks, then it will be towards the end of August, if at all. My bet is " not at all".  I get so pissed that they won't let us ride double, unless the vehicle is designed for two, cause it's not safe, and yet they won't clear the blind turns which is the most dangerous part of riding there. It's this kind of government thinking that has so many people voting for Trump.

Kris, I'm not blaming you, but those blind turns need to be cleared and cleared now !!! The middle and bottom trails aren't too bad, but the northern trails on both sides are really dangerous. There's more and more side by sides running the trails and if we met on those blinds turns-- those of us on the smaller ATV's are going to be the losers.

Larry

Have not rode Ocala for years because of lack of trail up keep and deadly blind curves.  Last time I was there several years ago,  saw a SxS go head on with a quad, it was not good for either.

That's exactly what I'm talking about !  The blind turns need to be cleared now !!!   If you can see another rider coming at you, then you have time to react.

Thanks for posting that !  If everybody would post their accidents or near accidents on this thread, then maybe Kris could get the higher ups to do something.

Larry

I don't think posting about accidents and near accidents would be a good idea. Kris is already aware of the problem and if you try to involve his bosses they might use a knee jerk reaction and shut down the trails. From what I've seen the more the trails are smoothed out the faster people will ride on them. I wonder if leaving the whoops (nature's speedbumps) in and around the blind curves would slow riders down some. If I remember correctly there is a 25 miles per hour speed limit on the trails. I have seen people going faster than that in the parking lot going to the trails. Wonder how fast they run on the trails?

I would like to meet up with others who post here once a month, ride the trail and note where the worst parts of the trail are. After a lunch break, go back and try to fix some of them.  From what I understand volunters are only allowed to work on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday for their safety.

 Not to sound like a Debbie downer, but if the blind curve do not get fixed, I could really care less if they closed the trail down. Safety should always come first with ATVs or SXS. Like I stated earlier I almost went head-on with 1000cc SxS and a 50cc child.  I don't know how they can continue to advertise this trail system with it being so un safe.  But, once again, we're talking about Florida who could care less about the off-road world.  I commend Kris for all he does for the trails, but as stated before, even when you clear some of the blind corners from the start, by the time you get the whole trail system done, you have to start from the beginning again. It's too much upkeep for just volunteers.  Again, make it a one-way trail system and you would not have to trim back the blind corners. I would love to know who in government always shoots down the one-way trail system. They must be a total idiot. I'm sorry for the families that only want to ride on 3 miles of the trail then turn around.  if you want to do this, ride the north trails, not the 50 Mel centennial loop.  I refuse to ride this trail anymore. The only way would be if i were in a group and did not lead.  I have way to much money in my machine to wreck it or worse injure someone

I disagree with you on the postings. Kris has probably known about the danger from the blind turns for many years and nothing has been done about them.

I believe the posted speed limit is 20 MPH, not 25. Having smooth trails is why my wife and I go there. I get enough of the whoops at 5A on Saturdays. The smoothness of the trails on blind turns has nothing to do with it. If you can't see somebody coming at you till two seconds till you crash, it doesn't matter how smooth or rough the trails are. Some riders are going to speed no matter what, so we need to be able to see them coming.

As for the work party, sounds good but you may clear one blind turn. It will take years to do it that way and not many people will volunteer. Machinery is what we need. Get a guy with a good bush hog or get the dozer Kris was talking about and things will get better quickly.

The worst part of the trails are when you leave the TH up at US40 and go down 12 miles on either side. No trail work ever gets done in this area cause they want to fix the blind turns down at Big Scrub Campground for those people who stay there. In the winter time they do drag that area up there, but no trimming on the turns is ever done.

Larry

FYI I have Rode Every Hatfield McCoy Trail (8Trail Systems) All Trails are 2 Way There is not Not a single 1 way Trail @ Hatfield McCoy

4 days ago I sent Kris a PM and asked him to give us an update on this thread, but no reply yet. I hope he hasn't abandoned us. Larry

But, if they are 2 way, I bet they are not as near tight or dangerous. From the pics they look great. I also saw a pic from there with a rider standing in front of a one way sign...huh

I am @ Ashland Atv Resort Right Now Riding Hatfield McCoy's Indian Ridge-Pocahontas & Pinnacle Creek Trail Systems Our 2nd Trip this year & been Here 10 or more times,I Never seen a 1 way trail & have ridden every system they have excepting their brand new Devil Anse Connector,Most trails are fairly wide but there are a few tighter sections & lots of steeper uphills/downhills & curves/switchbacks& they have a few Single Track Trails (Dirt Bikes) Most Riders burn their headlights on the trails to improve visibility for oncoming riders & ,Most will use hand signals as to how many riders are following them,Traills are rated to difficulty Green=Easier,Blue=More Difficult,Black=Most Difficult & Red/Black=Exterme Difficult & Most of The Red/Black are restricted to 4x4 Atv's Only (No SxS Machines) Wv. is a great place to ride & quite a few areas allow Atv's on local 2 lane roads for access to Gas/Food.

Thanks for the info, I am going to Twin Hollow Campground next month.   They are in Gilbert WV and will be riding the Rockhouse trails.

Patches you better not let new guy find out where you'll be. He may find you with his lightning fast fists lol.

NO NO NO NO NO !!!!!

Please don't bring that crap over to this thread !!!

Long time no see. How have you been.  Still camping at the fort

 Hey D. Yes going 4th of July. How have y'all been?



:)

Hey gmiller0737 - I stayed near Ashland Atv Resort in early May and rode  Indian Ridge-Pocahontas & Pinnacle Creek Trail Systems We got there Sunday afternoon and stayed until Sat morning. I was wondering how many people do you come across daily on the trails. We would run into 1 to 3 folks a day (mon thru thur) we did 80-110 miles each day until Friday then we ran into/passed close to 12-18 different groups. Just wondering is the resort full as it was only 1/4 full in May and how much traffic do you pass daily as schools out now and it's family vacation time.

We Just Returned Home Yesterday from Ashland Had a Great Time as usual & much cooler than here especily in The early am & evening Got To Meet Brian Fisher (Of Fishers Atv World TV Show) He pulled into Ashland Wensday Afternoon,There were Quite a few Folks @ Ashland This Trip Including a Group of around 30 Riders From Arkansas/Missouri So We did see a bit more folks on the Trail than Normal Besides That Group (Nice Guys By The Way) We Likely Passed maybe a dozen of so others each day,We Normaly go Up on Sunday & Leave Thursday Am To avoid the weekend Crowds,We are Going back 7/31 to 8/3 but staying @ Wild Willys Atv Rezort Then Nothing at all wrong with Ashland but I stay @ Willy's sometimes (Super Nice Guy) & smaller place so less people around (Just down the road from Ashland) & Will Likely go Back again in September or October,We Rode all 3 systems & Rode about 200 Miles in The 3 days

Three weeks and will be at Twin Hollows campground, Rockhouse trail system cannot wait and thanks for the info!

Doing good we will be there on Sunday the 10th

Alright,

Here's the deal with the trail.  It takes time.  I was not allowed to start trimming the corners out for visibility until late 2011.  I'm sure the Hatfield & McCoy is very nice, but it belongs on another thread.  I have heavy equipment cutting timber on the north end of the trail, mainly in that area that there have been complaints near the top of HWY 40.  They will be taking trees and brush all the way to the edge of the trail and should be starting later this week.  There was no smart way to do the work once, then have it done again a month later with this timber harvest.  What they miss, I will be getting.  The corners are not the problem, users speed is.  I can't control what idiots do, but I can try to do as much as one person can.  To say we do nothing is an huge understatement.  If anyone went out to the trails in the last month, you would see that the tread of the trail is still nice and that most of the trail is pretty safe.  I concede the north end of the trail needs corners cleared and we will get there, but the majority of the accidents were occurring, and still occur on the scrub jay loop, which is where I focus. 
If the lack of work keeps you from the trail, I'm sorry.  We will do our best, and it will get done, probably not fast enough for some, but for the majority, they will enjoy it.  I really want this to be the best trail in Florida...with work and PATIENCE it will be.  I will be out there off and on over the next two months.  It was posted that I would be gone for 5 weeks at some point, that is incorrect.  I will be gone for 5 days, which is nothing.  I invite and enjoy your feedback on here, but realize I actually rarely get on the computer because I am usually out working on the forest.  The Centennial trail is just one of over 13 areas I supervise and work on, including swim areas, which occupy my time a lot in the summer. 
The timber work will be going on from the crossing at Forest Road 37 (runs south from Juniper Springs area at HWY 40) east along the trail, all the way to the crossing at Forest Road 30, right above FR 57.  So if you are out riding, watch out for the equipment. 
Be safe and be patient,
Kris

John told me that you were going to be gone for 5 weeks. He also was the one that told me the trail was going to be closed for 2 weeks a while back. Both of those statements are wrong. Sorry ! I guess I better not listen to him anymore.

I thank you for the update on the trail. It would be nice to get updated every 2 weeks or so.

Larry

John was not wrong on the two week closure, that was the last info we got and then the Navy cancelled bombing.  He misunderstood the 5 weeks thing, (5-10days over 5 weeks was actual statement).  He was just trying to give you the best information is all.  Like I said, I'll try my best to keep this updated and work on clearing vegetation.
Kris

I know that blind corners can be a problem  but I agree that the big part of the problem is the fact that a lot of riders use the trails as a speed way and far exceed the posted speed limit. There are some of us who actually like to just ride the trails and enjoy the scenery. If all some people want to do is use the trails for as a speed way maybe they should just go to a MX track. Then we could enjoy the trail with out worrying about some one blasting down the trail 60 miles an hour.

Kris
I want to thank you for all the work you do on the trails. I know keeping 50 miles of trails can be a lot of work and I for one am thankful for what you do.  I have to say, all my near accidents have been both vehicles going head on at what I would say well under the 20 mph speed limit. Probably more like 15   The 2 way trails are the problem Along with the over grown turns.  It's just not safe.  I would love to know the statistics of how many accidents really occur out there. Unfortunately a lot do not get reported and thankfully ambulances are not out there all the time(maybe they are). What it comes down to me is that this trail is not family friendly with the threat of a child getting hurt due to head on collisions. I will continue to ride the wiregrass trail since it's a nice open trail   Kris, please don't take this as bash on your efforts.  It's just my opinion and my safety

EXACTLY!!! 

well, I guess this thread took a turn for the worse.  What it comes down to also is that the state of Florida basically sucks for ATV riders.  There was a poll out about 8 or 9 years ago and Florida was the #2 state for ATV sales yet we were #1 for the least amount of approved riding areas and trails.  the state of Florida could pretty much care less about ATV riders.  They rather put their efforts into an annual bear hunt.  I will see if my 9yo continues to enjoy ATV riding.  If not, I think this 45yo will finally hang up his ATV riding for good.

Just returned from 2 weeks of ATV riding at Hatfield McCoy WV. and Windrock TN, they love ATV riders and cater to us.   What a great two weeks, have to agree with you Starbuc71, Fl sucks!

After an eight week break from the ONF, my wife and I went to the Centennial Trail yesterday. We got a new Can Am Max 650 2 up, so now we can legally ride double on the trails.

The trails need a lot of trimming, but I'm happy to report that on the west side some bulldozing has been done. The area is really rough because it hasn't been dragged yet, but you can now really see ahead in this area. Some people have mentioned one way trails, but if they clear the whole trails like this, two way traffic will not be a problem. If you can see others coming, you will have time to react even if these others are speeding.

Thanks to Kris for getting this done !!!  I know that sometimes we give you a bunch of crap over this, but we love riding the trails and just want to be safe. Both my wife and I have been in head on accidents there and they were with other ATVs and dirt bikes. I don't know how we would come out if we  had a head on with a side by side and there are more of them coming there all of the time. As we were leaving yesterday, they were unloading the biggest S X S that I've ever seen. If you ran into it, it would be as if you hit a car.

Thanks again Kris for all that you do.

Larry & June

Little blue

Thanks for the update.  I hope I wasn't one of the ones giving Kris crap about the trail condition. If it came across that way I apologize. Kris does a lot for this trail. Unfortunately one person cannot clear the trail like you stated to make it safe for two way traffic. Brush grows too fast and when one section is clear, the previous one is grown back again.  I sold my SXS because of this.  You are right also about the SXS's getting bigger. The new can am maverick X3 is basically a full size dune buggy/ jeep.  I still won't return to the cenential trail until I know I can enjoy the ride without worrying about getting injured in a head on collision

Thanks guys!  We are trying to keep improving it for safety.  We are also doing work in the campground as well.  John and Yvonne are doing an amazing job!  After October 1st, (new fiscal year), I have been promised more dozer work.  I also now have use of a skid steer, so this will continue.  Hopefully one day soon, I can report that the trail has no real visibility or evasion issues and everyone can come and enjoy them!  Stay on me!


Kris

POST HURRICANE UPDATE:
Centennial Trail sustained a lot of downed trees and debris.  We were not permitted to go out and begin working in the forest to reopen areas until Tuesday following the weekend of the storm.  On Thursday John & Yvonne, and myself, were able to ride completely around the 19 miles of the Scrub Jay Loop (the lower loop out of Big Scrub campground).  We cleared it of all down trees and all hazards that we saw.  Some trees and limbs could still fall down since we cleared it and in the coming weeks, just because of the stress the storm put on them.
I had NG drill this past weekend and was unable to continue to clear.  We also have a few other priorities we have to work on, but are going to get back on the trail as soon as possible.  John and Yvonne talked of riding up the west side of the trail, from Big Scrub to the Centennial TH by HWY 40.  If they do, that would only leave the large Northeast section unclear by FS people.
You are allowed to ride with chainsaw or other cutting tools along our trails and are permitted to cut anything that is down and dead.  However, we insist that you go around any obstacle if possible before cutting it for safety reasons.  This is a call you the rider has to make.  We will get it completely cleared as soon as we can, but for the time being, we recommend using the parking lot at Big Scrub campground and riding the Scrub Jay.  Thank you for you patience! 

Also, thanks Larry for communicating with others on other post!

Kris

No problem Kris ! I'm just so grateful for you and John cutting out all of the trees that you have so far. Now that it's starting to cool off a little, June and I will be riding there a lot more. Maybe next week some day. We pretty much took the summer off because of the heat.  Larry

CENTENNIAL TRAIL CLOSURE!!!
NAVY HAS REQUESTED TO ACTIVATE THE EXTENDED SAFETY ZONE FOR TRAINING EXERCISES THIS WEEK.
The Centennial Trail will be closed Tuesday the 6th, Wednesday the 7th and Sunday the 11th, from about 9am until 5pm.  This effectively closes the trail completely those days.  Thursday, Friday and Saturday are still good to go...and you caould always go check out the North trails or the Wiregrass.  Hope this helps out, just wanna try and let everyone know the best way I know how!  Come by Saturday to Big Scrub, I'll be there grilling out around noon!
-Kris

Thanks Kris !  June and I were thinking of coming up on Wednesday, but now we will go to the north trails. Larry

This past Wednesday and Thursday Forest Roads 13 & 14 were bladed.  They are definitely a lot smoother than they were, but we need more rain for sure so that they can be done again.  It is a nice and forgiving ride the complete way on 13.  I haven't traveled from HWY 19 into big Scrub since they bladed, but I'm told it is good also.

Today I started raking as well, since we had some rain and I wouldn't just be moving dust around.  I was able to complete from Big Scrub campground over to Forest Road 45 on the lower Scrub Jay.  I really wanna knock out some more pretty quick, but it depends on how many riders start showing up this week.  Had a lot on the trail after 2pm today, so i had to knock it off for the day.  Also our other volunteers, the Grimms, are doing some very thorough trimming.  I will be sending them on the lower Scrub Jay primarily, as we will be using equipment on the north end of the trail.  I was able to get dozer work approved and funded.  Hopefully this starts before or right when hunting season ends in a couple weeks.  All reports of hunters on the trails have been logged and will be addressed with District Ranger and Law Enforcement.  Some who had their pictures/license plates taken will be receiving some nifty paperwork in the mail.

All the tables have been moved around in Big Scrub now to allow for pull-through use...and to allow me to dig the ditches to lay water and electric conduit to each site.  There is no immediate time table for completing the electric, but I'm told by Tallahassee it is doable now. 

Bottom line:  Keep coming out!  Spread the word PLEASE!  I will bust I disagree on this trail and WILL get it completely trimmed/dozed/signed.  I need more and more users so I can fight for a bigger slice of the money! 

Thank you to everyone who comes out, enjoys, posts on here, and gives me a hard time!  You ALL keep me on my toes and make my job awesome!

-Kris

(I will start at 2017 thread soon and discard this one)
Check out and share these:
https://www.facebook.com/CentennialOHVONF/ (https://www.facebook.com/CentennialOHVONF/)
https://www.facebook.com/bigscrubohvonf/ (https://www.facebook.com/bigscrubohvonf/)

That's great news Kris !!!  I can't wait for the dozer work to begin ! Once the blind turns are taken out, June and I will start to go up a lot more. Larry

Do not ride Ocala much, maybe once every 3 to 4 years, but your effort and sweat are appreciated.  With electric/water hook ups it will be more enticing.    30 to 50 Amp service?

Thanks, yes both 30 and 50 will be available.

Kris
Thanks for all your efforts. I am looking to get out of the sport and sell my quad, but I still have it. It's great to hear that the blind turns are being worked on. However, it seems all the effort keeps going into the lower scrub jay. I only enter the trail at the US40 trailhead because I refuse to rattle anything loose on my vehicle due to the FR.  as I said your efforts are very very much appreciated but without funds and only minimal volunteers, the trail will never be truly family friendly and safe. I hate to see the time come when someone gets seriously hurt or killed.  It's an accident and waiting to happen.  Also, my 2 cents, if there were a campground right off the 40 TH that had some shade and our $50 some grand toyhaulers didn't take a beating getting to big scrub campground, you would have a lot more people enjoying the trail and probably a lot more volunteers. 
Thanks for the update on the hunters. The notes in the mail won't change anything.  I refuse to ride during hunting season. Again don't take this message as being negative.  Ocala is just not a safe place to ride yet. It maybe someday

Kris, how about an update. I understand that the bulldozer has been at work. Larry

I guess Kris is with the military this week. June and I went up yesterday and I'm happy to say that 7 1/2 miles on the east side of the trail has been bulldozed and made a little wider. That is one place where it really needed it. We rode down it in the morning and it was really rough and some branches sticking out on the trail, but John and the crew went out and trimmed and drug the 7 1/2 miles and when we rode it again in the afternoon, it was great! John said it will need to be dragged a couple more times, but it isn't too bad after just one drag each way.

The visibility is much better now and if people ride at a safe speed, there should be no problems in that section. There were two sharp turns that could have been worked on a little more, but if you don't meet a speed idiot there, then you should be OK.

Thanks Kris for getting the bulldozer out there. It is my understanding that they did all of that in two days and are coming back to finish the east side real soon. I also thank John and the crew for all of their hard work. We're starting to get excited about the Centennial Trail again. LOL

Larry & June

June and I went back up last week and no more bulldozing has been done. The bad news is that they won't be doing any more until we get a whole lot of rain. They are using the machines for the fires that they have almost every week.

Well, its been another three months since I was up here and I'm sorry to say that nothing has been done. The trails are rough and bumpy, small trees down all over the place on the west side. A friend of ours went with us and he has a bad back and almost couldn't make it the whole way around cause of the rough trails. If you're going to charge us money to ride here, then some trail maintenance should be done in the summer as well as the winter.

Big Scrub Campground is closed until further notice. Wait a minute, I didn't get any notice that it was closed till I got there and the gate was locked. I would have been mad if I would have drove my RV down that very bumpy eight miles on FR13, only to be turned around with a locked gate.

I used to really like to ride here, but this year June and I will not be buying a yearly pass unless they start dragging the trails. Kris must have deserted us as he has not given us an update in many months. Yes, I am a little pissed off right now Kris. The rain is here so the fires should be less, so bring back the bulldozer and at least finish the few miles on the east side. I've said enough !

Larry

I called John last night and he said a lot of trees were down from the storm, but they have been cut out of the way for the most part. You may still have some branches to deal with.

They have not dragged the trails yet, so they are a little bumpy.

Kris was called up with the military and is on active duty till sometime in January.

Big Scrub Campground is closed. No camping there.

That's all I know for now.

Larry

Just got off the phone with John, and he said the trails at Centennial are open, but the Big Scrub Campground is still closed. I guess that so many people were getting stuck in there, that they are going to re do the roads with clay, etc. He did not know when they were to do this, but probably not till December at the earliest. Every Thanksgiving that place filled up, but I guess not this year. Larry

Thanks for the updates, Larry.

You're most welcomed !

June and I rode the Centennial Trail last Friday and nothing has changed. That last hurricane knocked down a lot of trees, but they all have been cut up out of the way. We got a new Polaris RZR 900 and even though it's only 50 inches wide, we were hitting shrubs on both sides going down the west side of the trail. If you have a larger side by side, I wouldn't go down the west side unless you don't mind a lot of scratches.

We used to ride the north trails up by Salt Springs, but started coming down to the Centennial when we found out that they were dragging the trails every week during the winter months, but those days are gone. If a 50 inch vehicle can't make it down the trail without rubbing shrubs, then maybe it's time to go back to the north trails. Another reason we like Centennial was because we could camp at Big Scrub Campground, but it's closed and nobody at this time can tell me when it will reopen.

This used to be our favorite trail, but now it sucks. Sorry for the bad review !

Larry

Just an update  !!!

June and I rode the north trails yesterday and they are in worst shape than the Centennial Trail. We probably only hit a quarter of the trails up there, but we went on the ones that used to be the smoothest, but now they are in very bad shape. We did pass a dragging crew and were the first ones to ride on the newly dragged trail, but it was still very rough. Later when heading back we hit the same trail again and they had dragged it again going the other way and it was much better, but still a little rough.

I know what you're saying, but these trails are really rough ! Most of the time we were only going 10 MPH and we had areas that 6 to 8 MPH were almost too fast. We were being bounced  all over the place and really didn't have any fun. Please remember, we have bought yearly passes for the last four years and have rode the crap out of these trails. If we didn't ride at least 100 miles each visit, then we didn't feel like we got our money's worth. I don't even need to take a map with me any more and that's saying a lot for the north trails ! I used to get lost up there even with a map. If you knew how nice the trails used to be, then you would know why we complain now.

The highlight of our day was when we were heading back in, we came up on three big bears that were playing on the trail. It was a mother with her two babies, but now they are really big ! Usually you only get a second or two to see them before they run into the woods, but this time we got to watch them for at least a minute. At first we were wondering if they were ever going to get off of the trail and I was getting ready to put it into reverse cause they didn't seem afraid of us at all, but they did finally go into the woods.

If they drag the trails, they could be as good as they used to be. When Big Scrub Campground opens up again, June and I will go there and camp and ride, but no more yearly passes for us until they bulldoze the trails a little wider and do a lot of dragging.

Larry

Hate to hear that. Are they still closed down from the storm?

All of the trails are open, just bumpy. Delancy Campground up at the north trails is open, but Big Scrub Campground on the Centennial Trail is closed.

Don't let me ruin it for you. I just like the trails a little smoother like they used to be.

Larry

I called John at Big Scrub Campground tonight to see when Big Scrub is going to reopen and he seems to think that they are not going to even start the roads in there till the end of January. I asked if we could camp there at our own risk, but was told "no".

After 16 months, June and I finally made it back to the Centennial Trail this past week. The trails aren't too bad if you're on an ATV, but side by sides would be rubbing brush esp. on the west side of the trail. The bad thing is all of the up and down bumps in the trail and some of them are really deep. Years ago they used to drag the trails every week during the winter months, but I don't think anybody has drug them in over a year. Some people came in at Big Scrub Campground and had large side by sides and they took the bottom trail. I told my wife that they won't be here for long and when we got back, they were packed up and gone. The trail is really bad right as you leave the campground. If the trails were drug a few times each way, I think a lot of these bumps could be eliminated.

A group of ATV's were staying there and went to ride the trails one evening and the manager of the campground told them that there was no night riding on the trails. As soon as he went in they took off anyway and rode during the night. People always wonder why we keep loosing riding places.

If Kris is still around and he reads this, please have somebody drag the trails and get rid of the bumps.

Thanks, Larry & June

Thanks for the update. How crowded are the campgrounds in Ocala recently?

Big Scrub had about six groups there last week. Since June and I only go during the week, that's the most that we have ever encountered. The manager said that was because of bike week and spring break. That's the only campground that we ever go to up there.

Glad to see some atv talk on here again. Thanks for the update little blue.

You're welcome !

June and I went back up to Big Scrub Campground last week and rode the Centennial trail. The bad news is that there will never be any more improvements on the trails, because Kris is no longer with the Forest Dept, at least up there. What we were told is that he tried to get too much done and the government people don't like that. Don't know if that's true--just what we were told. I now feel bad for all of the times I complained. He really was the one person that was looking out for us. Thanks Kris  !!!

I have never ridden those trails.  One of these days I think I need to give it a try.
I tend to favor the wet over the dry.
No work involved blowing the dust off.  I like the hours cleaning.

I'm planning a trip there mid May.  Anyone else riding or would ride then?

Well, it’s been almost 4 years since I’ve posted here and almost 4 years since I rode this trail. Since then I bought a 50inch Can Am sxs and have not headed to Ocala with it yet. Very sad to hear the trails are worse than before. I guess it’s considered state land and basically only upkept by the atv traffic.  No sense complaining here since not many people come here anymore and the state never cared

Good to see you back around Dave. We need to catch up on the trail soon.

Hey you. It must be at least 5 years since I saw you.  Would love to meet you up at the trail one Sunday and catch up. Gave up camping at the fort. It out priced us. Let me know when you head to the centennial trail

June and I made it back to the Centennial Trail this week and camped at Big Scrub. The good news is the campground is open, but the bad news is they raised the price from $12.00 a night to $20.00 a night. Nothing has been added, but I guess some SOB thought that we weren't paying enough. If you have a senior pass as we do, it's $10.00 a night, up from $6.00.

The trails really suck from what they used to be like three or four years ago. The good news is that they now have a drag team and just started to drag the trails on Wednesday when we got there. The bad news is that on their first day, they only dragged 1.6 miles of the lower trail and yesterday they went up towards the middle trail and did a whopping 1.3 miles. Maybe, if we are lucky, by next April when they go home, they might get it all done once.

The trails need trimming really bad in some places. When we take our Polaris RGR 900 Trail side by side, we never go up the west side of the trail cause we keep hitting bushes and getting scratches. This week we took our Can Am 2 up bike and went up that side and its gotten even worst than it was before. There was a tree blocking the trail and we turned around but met two dirt bikes and one of those small atvs that goes like hell. We told them about the tree, but these young guys don't let small things like that stop them and kept going. We turned around and found out that they lifted the tree up high enough to get under it. When they saw us coming back, they waited and did the same for us. Very nice guys !!!

Please remember that these comments come from a 72 year old guy with a 71 year old wife and we have different views than younger people, just like the tree blocking the trail. I would think that dirt bikes would just love the trails like they are, but side by sides would not unless they don't mind the scratches. It's a nice place to ride, but the trails need a lot of work. I also heard that another snowbird that just got there is going to do some trimming on the trails, but they really need a machine to trim them. One man and his wife will only be able to do a small area. The bad news is now that Kris the ranger is gone, we have nobody that really cares.  Larry

Thank you for the Ocala update. Much appreciated!

Any progress on making the Centennial Trails ONE WAY?  So dangerous!   So easy to fix?  Must someone die before this is fixed?  I have seen the argument posed that "if they made it one way, then everybody would go a lot faster on the blind turns and sooner or later, some idiot would be going the wrong way and a very bad accident would happen."  I say that there is going to be a very bad accident either way.  Let's at least have some rules so that the person breaking the rules and their insurance company can be held accountable for supporting any quadriplegics they create.  Or at the very least remove that person form society so they are not endangering the rest of us.