The Florida Black Bear Scenic Byway provides access to a mosaic of natural lands from Silver Springs to Ormond Beach, traversing one of Florida’s most intrinsic ecosystems known as the “Big Scrub.” SR 40 serves as the backbone for this corridor with a network of scenic roads and interpretive trails crossing eastern Marion County and parts of Lake, Putnam and Volusia Counties. It is a 60 mile corridor with 56 miles of loop and spur roads; all are protected by private and public lands, the Ocala National Forest, Lake George State Forest, Heart Island Conservation Area and Tiger Bay State Forest. Commonly spotted along the corridor is the Florida black bear, a threatened species and a fitting namesake for this exceptional scenic byway.