Ormond Scenic Loop & Trail
Florida
36.0 miles
Wind through one of Florida’s most enchanting coastal landscapes on this 36-mile National Scenic Byway stretching from SR 40 in Ormond Beach to Bulow Creek State Park. The route immerses travelers in Old Florida’s timeless beauty, where ancient live oaks draped in Spanish moss create cathedral-like canopies over the road.
The journey reveals a remarkable diversity of ecosystems—from tidal marshes teeming with wading birds to pristine maritime hammocks and the slow-moving waters of the Tomoka River. Stop at Tomoka State Park to explore trails where Native Americans once thrived, or visit the haunting ruins of the Bulow Plantation, a sugar mill destroyed during the Seminole Wars.
Wildlife abounds along this corridor. Keep watch for great blue herons, ospreys, and the occasional manatee in waterways paralleling the route. The Bulow Creek State Park anchors the northern terminus with hiking trails through some of the state’s finest remaining coastal hammock forest, including the iconic Fairchild Oak—a massive live oak estimated at over 400 years old.
Best time to visit: Fall through spring offers ideal weather and prime birdwatching. Allow 2-3 hours to drive leisurely with stops, or a full day to explore the parks and trails along the way.
Explore Nearby
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- Ocala National Forest — National Forest in Florida
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