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.

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/bigscrubohvonf/

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

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

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

If you have service, you can always try calling the Ranger Station at 352-625-2520 before calling 911.  For the Centennial Trail, Marion County usually responds and their non-emergency number is 352-732-9111.  Last resort would be 911, especially if you are stranded and don't have water or whatnot.  If there is a truck buried in the trail somewhere they shouldn't be...which is most of the time.  I highly encourage you to call those numbers and report it.  I hope this answers most of the question.  Going to Big Scrub is usually a good option as well.  John and Yvonne just got back there this past Saturday evening and are now the hosts thru May.

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.

EXACTLY!!! 

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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!!!!!!

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

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

Hey Everyone,


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!



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

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

Will do Larry!!!

-Kris

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. 

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

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.



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

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
Riding 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
 

Sorry I missed this guys.  Unfortunately the Trail has to be shutdown when the Navy is using ordinance that requires the "expanded safety zone".  I've been informed that they can only do this 10 or less times a year.  I will reopen a new Centennial Trail thread and try to keep it updated as to when bombing is going on as well as other things.  Like currently there is logging operations just off the HWY 40 Trail Head.  Again, sorry to miss this.

-Kris

Thanks,  I had some part...it was mainly Bret and Jay who got the ball rolling on the new maps.  I'm glad they have all the info in it for the forest!  I'm currently working with the National Guard in Ocala until August.  I'll be out and around the forest every once and awhile until then, but the volunteers are working their tails off and everyone is keeping the Centennial up and running!  Thanks for all the support!
-Kris

New Maps have been on order and will be larger when folded out and have all trail on the forest included.  The "tie-up" is somewhere between printer and payment, but they have been ordered...awhile ago.  Hopefully they get here soon, I helped design them and they should be great!  Sorry for the issues.

Kris

Only 3 trails on the Ocala have it marked for 50" or less.  By rule you can still ride the Yellow Trail, Red Trail and Blue Trail, (and some of the Brown) on the north end of the Forest.  You can also ride the Centennial Trail in the center of the Forest.  There at least 100 miles of trail that is SxS/UTV friendly, if not more.

Kris

There's a very good possibility 1Scorpion, its something we have already begun working on.

Kris

Yes, something isn't working right on the machine.  It is picking and choosing when to accept a credit card.  The Pittman Visitor Center is open on Saturdays and Sundays down on HWY 19 and will sell annual passes too, but again bring cash.  Hope they have the machine problem ironed out soon, as it is an unfortunate inconvenience.  Happy riding!

Kris

You need to turn east on to CR445 from HWY 19 (towards Alexander Springs) and continue for about 2-3 miles.  TH will be on your right.  There should be signs out on HWY 19 directing you to turn for Alexander Springs, TH is on the same road prior to the Springs.

Kris