Juniper Springs

Juniper Springs is one of the more remarkable natural wonders in all of Florida. Located in the heart of the 450,000 acre Ocala National Forest it is a first magnitude spring that gushes forth some 15 million gallons of water per day into Juniper Creek. All of this water eventually flows northeastward into Lake George, the second largest body of water in the state after Lake Okeechobee. The water temperature of the spring is a constant 72 degrees making it a delightful place to swim year-round.

Crystal clear water of Juniper Creek

The highlight of the Juniper Springs recreation area is the three-quarter mile long nature trail that winds along the banks of Juniper Creek. This trail connects the head spring, which is the source of the creek, to its terminus at Fern Hammock Spring. For most of its length the trail is located on an elevated boardwalk that parallels the creek.

A look into the bottom of Juniper Spring

At the start of the nature trail is the Juniper Springs pool, site of an old mill that still has a working water wheel. There are stone walls and steps lining the perimeter of the spring that lead down into the pool itself. This infrastructure was built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930's and was one of the first areas in Ocala National Forest developed for tourists.

Fern Hammock Spring

Canoeing is a popular activity along a seven-mile canoe run. There is also a campground with a small store and direct access to the Florida National Trail which runs through the southern part of this recreation area near the entrance gate along Florida Hwy. 40.

Water percolating up through the creek bottom is called a sand boil.

The species of lowland trees encountered at Juniper Springs include red maple, bay, pond pine, black gum and the rare needle palm. The National Forest Service brochure states that the semi-tropical scenery encountered here is not found in any other national forest in the continental United States. For this reason the area once attracted the interest of Hollywood producers and directors who utilized it for filming Tarzan movies and other such projects that required an exotic jungle-like atmosphere.

Bridge across Fern Hammock Spring

The Juniper Springs Recreation Area is truly a gem and I highly recommend that you go out of your way to make a visit. It is one of Florida's premier natural wonders. Y'all go visit, ya hear?

The author walking on the boardwalk along Juniper Creek.