Cross Creek

"Cross Creek belongs to the wind and the rain, the sun and the seasons, to the cosmic secrecy of seed , and beyond all, to time."
-Cross Creek, written by Marjorie Rawlings

The Cross Creek community was made famous by Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings, the Pulitzer Prize winning author of "The Yearling." In 1928 she settled there with her husband and began writing her impressions of this lush Florida community and her Cracker neighbors. Tioday you can visit her old Florida farmhouse that is now a State Historic Site operated by the Florida Dept of Environmental Protection Division of Parks and Recreation. Cross Creek is 25 miles Northwest of the Griffin Ranch.

Juniper Spring

The Juniper Springs Recreational Area provides swimming, canoeing and hiking. The springs are surrounded by the semi-tropical wooded setting of the Ocala National Forest. The "run" is one of the most preferred in the United States.

Ocala National Forest

The Ocala National Forest is renowned for it's unspoiled natural beauty and varied ha bitats, supporting one of Florida's richest concentration of game and wildlife. It is the most visited National Forest in the State. The Ocala National Forest is home to the world's largest continuous sand pine scrub ecosystem, offering a variety of plant, animal and bird life, plus clean and clear springs, numerous trails, canoe runs and other areas for a variety of recreational activities and interests.

Scuba Diving

Central Florida is famous for its clear and clean, deep springs. There are 3 local springs conveniently located to The Griffin Ranch; the Blue Grotto, Devils Den and Forty Fathoms Grotto.

Salt Springs

Silver Springs

Gainesville

The Greenway Trail

Thrilling Wildlife Activities

Explore the Ocala National Forest grassy pine territory area on morning and afternoon migration times during feeding and watering. By foot safari, 4x4 safari vehicles, interpretive bush walks and rnight game drives make for an unforgettable evening at an additional cost.