Ocala National Forest - Hiking Warning!

Today we hiked a 4.3 mile section of the Florida National Scenic Trail from Farles Lake to Forest Road 30. We encountered several "Rainbow" people who are camped in that area. The ones we encountered were mostly "stoned" on drugs. One young man we encountered who was armed with a big stick, and his girlfrind with a club, warned us that there were some "very bad kids" on the trails and repeatedly asked if we knew where we were going. Then he ranted about heroin, filthy dirty people and our safety. The U.S. Forest Service has clearly lost control of this area!

Either avoid this section of the Florida Trail or travel in groups.

Otherwise, it's a very pretty area to hike through, but not worth your life.