If you have been craving an escape that feels worlds away without actually leaving North Central Florida, this is your sign. Cedar Lakes Woods and Gardens in Williston is a dreamscape of waterfalls, limestone cliffs, and koi filled lagoons just 40 minutes from Ocala. The paths wind past hidden lookouts, swans glide across emerald water, and every bend reveals another photo perfect scene.
Bring curiosity, comfy shoes, and a sense of wonder because you will want to explore every level of this transformed quarry.
1. Waterfalls Along the Quarry Walls
Follow the sound first. The waterfalls here tumble over old limestone ledges, threading through ferns and moss before slipping into jade colored pools. Stand on a little bridge, feel fine spray on your cheeks, and watch ripples spread as koi noses break the surface.
This is where Cedar Lakes Woods and Gardens feels most like another world. The quarry walls rise like a cliffside amphitheater, and the falls stitch everything together. Take your time along the loop, stepping aside at lookouts for photos, or just pause and breathe while the water hushes the day’s noise…