Programs & Projects :: Environmental :: Black Bear Scenic Highway
Black Bear Scenic Highway
The Florida Black Bear Scenic Byway extends approximately 60 miles along SR 40 from Silver Springs in Marion County east through the Ocala National Forest to I-95 at the City of Ormond Beach in Volusia County. The designation also includes portions of SR 19 North from Putnam County to South SR 19 in Lake County. The Florida Black Bear Scenic Byway runs through the Ocala National Forest and traverses some of Florida's most pristine ecosystems including many public lands such as Juniper Springs Wilderness Area, Silver River State Park, the Cross Florida Greenway, Florida National Scenic Trail and the Tiger Bay State Forest.
The Scenic Byway crosses several waterways including the  St. Johns River, an American Heritage River and the Ocklawaha River, an Outstanding Florida Water. The corridor, approximately 60 miles long beginning at Silver Springs in Marion County and ending at Interstate I-95 in Volusia County, offers a variety of recreational opportunities, including hiking, canoeing, swimming and camping.
On July 20, 2006 the Scenic Highways Advisory Committee met and voted to recommend that FDOT Secretary Denver Stutler, Jr. consider State Road 40 eligible for designation as a Florida Scenic Highway.
The Corridor Advocacy Group completed the application for Scenic Byway Designation and the management plan which was submitted to FDOT in January 2008. On February 20, 2008, the Florida Scenic Highways Program’s Scenic Highways Advisory Committee (SHAC) designated SR 40 and SR 19 as the Florida Black Bear Scenic Highway. Congratulations to the CAG for a job well done.
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