Last Updated on March 29, 2023
A visit to Juniper Springs is a must. This one is for the “in your life” category. It’s one of our all-time favorite adventures, deserving a solid “10” on the Authentic Florida scale.
Things to do in Juniper Springs
The beauty and pristine Florida surroundings of Juniper Springs will delight your senses and also become an adventure you’ll never forget. Located in the Ocala National Forest, Juniper Springs is 90 minutes north of Orlando, 22 miles due east of Silver Springs on State Road 40.
Juniper Creek Run
A highlight of Juniper Springs is the Juniper Creek Run. This is a one-way, seven-mile canoe or kayak trip of four or five hours, down Juniper Creek, through the park’s Prairie Wilderness Area.
Juniper Spring is the site of the main swimming hole, which empties into the Creek, eventually flowing to the Wayside Park (Highway 19 bridge) and beyond. This trip is for those of you who are intermediate paddlers. If you are not an experienced paddler, go with someone who is.
Reserve a rental canoe at the main concession area along with your seat for the return (Wayside Park) bus ride. At the main launching point, paddlers load up the canoes on wheeled carts to haul them to the water’s edge (approx. 1/8th mile).
You can also use your private kayak and canoe. The bus will return all paddlers, and you must have a reservation. Cars can also be left at Wayside Park if you prefer to haul your own equipment. Start early if you can and beat the crowds, depending on the time of year.
See beautiful things on Juniper Creek Run
The pristine Juniper Creek Run is a beauty and feast for the eyes. A lush, tropical forest, palms, cypress, and southern hardwoods surround visitors at every turn.
You’ll easily have a sense of what the early native Timucuans must have experienced in this ideal Florida setting. You can see red-bellied turtles, a few gators (they stay clear), wood ducks, great herons, monarch butterflies, and also a plethora of wildflowers.
This shady paddling trip begins with a fast-moving, 2 ½-mile narrow, curvy, and shallow creek that eventually widens and slows. The clear water and sandy bottom are characteristic of the upper Juniper Run.
Expect to paddle around the foliage and over or under fallen trees. You’ll be doing the Authentic Florida “limbo” passing under trees with barely inches to spare, but there’s always room.
There’s a short, minor rapid ¾ the way down the creek, but it’s not too difficult to manage. Overall, just go with the flow. You’ll hear it before you reach it.
Juniper Springs Nature Trail
For those who don’t want to try the Juniper Creek Run, a trailhead also sits adjacent to Juniper Springs. A boardwalk along the Juniper Run to the Fern Hammock Spring is well worth the trek.
Once in the spring, watch the water bubbling up through the small natural vents. You can’t swim or canoe, however, it’s one of the most stunning, pristine springs in all of Florida.
*Note – Make sure to check on the USDA Forest Service Website to confirm this trail is open.
Plan for the Nature Trail
- Follow the park recommendations.
- Bring a dry bag
- Plenty of water
- Lunch/food
- Water shoes
- Towel
- Mosquito repellent
- Sunscreen.
- Bring your camera, too.
Here are a few other articles you may find interesting:
- Checkout Florida State Park Admission with Your Library Card
- 6 Authentic Destinations to Visit in Florida
- A Visit to Ocala National Forest
- 8 Florida Alligator Parks You Won’t Want to Miss
- 3 Types of Outdoor Adventure Trails in Florida You Won’t Want To Miss
- 6 Must-Have Apps for Exploring Florida’s Great Outdoors