Baseline Road Trailhead

## Baseline Road Trailhead (Ocala, Florida): Paved Greenway, Inclusive Playground, Easy Day Out

Address: 4255 SE 58th Ave, Ocala, FL 34472
GPS: 29.1448517, -82.0533873

Minutes from downtown Ocala, the Baseline Road Trailhead is one of the most accessible places in Marion County to get outside—think wide, paved paths for walking and biking plus a large Boundless™ inclusive playground designed for kids of all abilities. It’s a gateway into the Marjorie Harris Carr Cross Florida Greenway and a low-stress spot for families, beginners, and casual riders who want nature without technical terrain. / Marion County Florida

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### Quick Facts

– Trail surface & length: Paved, generally flat multi-use path of ~5–5.2 miles one way (plan an easy 90-minute out-and-back at a relaxed pace). / Marion County Florida
– Playground: Barrier-free Boundless™ Playground next to the trailhead (accessible design, great for mixed-ability groups). / Marion County Florida
– Hours & fees: Open 8 a.m. to sundown, 365 days/year; no entry fee.
– Who manages it: Marion County Parks & Recreation (trailhead) within the state’s Cross Florida Greenway system. / Marion County Florida
– Phone (trailhead directory): (352) 671-8560.

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## Why Go

– Stress-free riding and walking. The paved greenway is wide and well-maintained with plenty of room to share between walkers, strollers, wheelchairs, and cyclists—ideal for multigenerational outings.
– Truly inclusive play. The Boundless™ Playground at the trailhead removes barriers to play so kids with and without disabilities can share equipment and space. It’s a standout amenity in the region. / Marion County Florida
– Greenway scenery without the logistics. You get sandhill and longleaf pine restoration areas right off the parking lot—no shuttles, no backroads. / Marion County Florida

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## On the Trail: What to Expect

Surface & grade. Expect a smooth, paved multi-use path with gentle rollers. It’s not technical, and there are no vehicle interactions on the trail itself, which makes it beginner-friendly and great for confidence building.

Distance planning. Treat the trail as an out-and-back to your preferred turnaround; many people clock around 5 miles one way from the trailhead. If you want a longer day, the Cross Florida Greenway has extensive connections (see “Go Farther” below). / Marion County Florida

Shade & heat. Sections pass through pine forest, but Florida sun still bites—carry water and plan mid-morning or late-afternoon starts in warmer months. (Visitor advice commonly notes bringing extra water.)

Facilities. The trailhead area lists typical park amenities (parking; family-friendly infrastructure) and is used frequently by families with young kids. Local listings note restrooms and picnic areas at/near the play zone. / Marion County Florida

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## The Playground: Designed for All Abilities

Thanks to the Felburn Foundation, the Boundless™ Playground here is intentionally barrier-free. Expect ramps and surfaces intended to reduce mobility barriers, so siblings and friends with different abilities can play together. For families seeking inclusive recreation in Central Florida, this is a rare, high-quality example inside a major greenway. / Marion County Florida

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## Birding & Nature Notes

This corner of the Cross Florida Greenway mixes restored longleaf pine/sandhill habitat with edges attractive to common scrub and pinewoods birds. The county tourism board points to quail sightings associated with the Baseline area—bring binoculars and scan early/late in the day. / Marion County Florida

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## Disc Golf & Trail Intersections

A regional disc golf course lies within the Ocala Greenway complex. Hikers on the Florida Trail segment near Baseline report disc golf fairways crossing the walking path in a few spots—stay situationally aware and yield space when appropriate.

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## Go Farther: Understanding the Greenway

The Baseline Road Trailhead is one portal into the Marjorie Harris Carr Cross Florida Greenway, a linear park corridor spanning central Florida with nearly 300 miles of trails across hiking, cycling, equestrian, paddling, and paved multi-use categories. If you’re building a bigger day, look to nearby access points such as Santos or the Land Bridge area for extended paved mileage and singletrack networks.

Cyclists: Local riding resources describe the Baseline area as a closed-park paved system (no traffic) and mention ~7 miles of paved riding when combining segments—useful if you’re introducing kids to longer distances.

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## Accessibility

– Pathway: Paved and wide; suitable for wheelchairs, mobility devices, and strollers.
– Playground: Boundless™ (barrier-free) design supports mixed-ability play. / Marion County Florida
– Parking & approach: Adjacent parking with short, paved approaches to the play area and trail. (Check current onsite signage for designated accessible spots.) / Marion County Florida

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## Practical Tips

– Best time: Start early or late to avoid midday heat; even with tree cover, summer sun can be punishing. Pack more water than you think you need.
– Bring: Water, sun protection, and a light if you’re tempted to push your turnaround—the area closes at sundown.
– Share the path: Expect a mix of walkers and cyclists. Keep right, announce passes, and slow near the playground zone.
– Wayfinding: You’re in a large linear park system; download the official greenway pdf/maps before you go if you plan to connect beyond the Baseline segment.

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## How to Get There

The trailhead sits at 4255 SE 58th Ave in Ocala, near the intersection of Baseline (CR 35) and Maricamp (CR 464). Look for the playground and large parking area on arrival.

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## Nearby Pairings (Same Day)

– Santos Trailhead & Campground: For riders wanting singletrack or a much longer paved spin within the greenway network.
– Greenway Land Bridge area: Iconic section of the greenway that carries trail users over I-75 (accessed from other trailheads).

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## Know Before You Go (Data Freshness)

– Hours and fees are accurate per Florida State Parks but can change with staffing, weather events, or maintenance. Always re-check the official Baseline Road Trailhead page before you drive.
– Amenities (restrooms, fountains) can be temporarily closed for repairs; bring backup water regardless of season.

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### Responsible Recreation & Inclusivity

This trailhead is used by families, older adults, new riders, and people with disabilities. Keep speeds moderated near the playground, communicate when passing, and give space to mobility devices and kids learning to ride. The accessible design is the point—let it work for everyone. / Marion County Florida

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#### Sources
Florida State Parks (hours/fees/location); Marion County/Visit Ocala directory (address, phone, Boundless™ Playground, habitat); AllTrails & local ride guides (path width/condition); Florida Hikes & UDisc (disc golf interaction, greenway context).

If you maintain a RealJourneyTravels article on Santos or Silver Springs, this guide pairs naturally with those pieces; otherwise, the info above stands alone without assumptions.