Juniper Springs
{{Short description|Spring in Florida, United States}}
{{About|a natural spring in Florida|the former mining camp in Nevada|Juniper Springs, Nevada}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=January 2025}}
{{Infobox protected area
| name = Juniper Springs
| iucn_category =
| photo = Juniper Springs Ocala National Forest.jpg
| photo_caption = Juniper Springs
| map = USA#Florida
| relief = 1
| map_caption = Location in the United States##Location in Florida
| location = Ocala National Forest, Florida, U.S.
| nearest_city = Ocala, Florida
| coordinates = {{coord|29|11|02|N|81|42|43|W|region:US|format=dms|display=inline,title}}
| coords_ref =
| area_acre =
| area_ref =
| established = 1908
| visitation_num =
| visitation_year =
| visitation_ref =
| governing_body = National Park Service
| website =
| embedded1 =
}}
Juniper Springs (referred to locally as "the Springs"), located in the Ocala National Forest east of Ocala, Florida, is a natural spring that forms the headwaters of Juniper Creek that winds its way to Lake George in the Saint Johns River. It is one of the oldest and best known recreation areas.{{Cite web |title=Juniper Springs Recreation Area |url=https://www.ocalamarion.com/directory/juniper-springs-recreation-area/ |access-date=2024-05-13 |website=Ocala / Marion County Florida |language=en-US}}
Description
File:Juniper Springs Florida.jpg
The springs, set in a subtropical forest, are in an oval-shaped pool with limestone caves present on the bottom along with areas of sand and aquatic grasses. The pool is approximately {{convert|135|ft|m|abbr=on|adj=mid|long}} and {{convert|80|ft|m|abbr=on|adj=mid|wide}} and surrounded by a basin of rock and concrete. Next to the pool is an old Civilian Conservation Corps mill house with a waterwheel that used to generate electricity from the spring’s flow for the campsite.Masters, Susanne. [https://www.theguardian.com/travel/2017/feb/22/wild-swimming-florida-springs-us-holidays "Freshwater swimming in Florida's springs"], The Guardian, Florida, 22 February 2017. Retrieved on 8 August 2019. Because the Juniper Springs spring-shed is largely within Ocala National Forest, the water isn’t affected by fertilizer and septic tanks, as are many of Florida's springs and rivers.Gross, Bonnie. [https://www.sun-sentinel.com/travel/fl-fea-viz-ocala-paddle-trips-florida-rambler-20190219-story.html "Four great rivers to kayak or canoe from a base in Ocala"], South Florida Sun Sentinel, Florida, 20 February 2019. Retrieved on 8 August 2019. Wildlife includes alligators, deer, raccoon, turtles, bobcats, otters, heron, and innumerable spiders.Allen, Rick. [https://www.gainesville.com/article/LK/20110710/Lifestyle/604143435/GS/ "Kayaking Juniper Springs Run: 7-mile run is fun, but challenging"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190809125502/https://www.gainesville.com/article/LK/20110710/Lifestyle/604143435/GS/ |date=2019-08-09 }}, Gainesville Sun, Florida, 10 July 2011. Retrieved on 9 August 2019.
Recreation
Juniper Springs Recreation Area—which encompasses the spring, Juniper Creek, and adjoining camping and trails—is a popular recreation spot for swimming, canoeing, kayaking, camping, and hiking.Bailey, Emily. [https://www.jacksonvillemag.com/2018/06/04/swimming-florida/ "These Are Not Your Typical Jacksonville Swimming Spots"], Jacksonville Magazine, Florida, 4 June 2018. Retrieved on 9 August 2019. Swimming is particularly popular as the water is 72 degrees, 365 days a year.Tomalin, Terry. [https://www.tampabay.com/sports/outdoors/take-it-outside-planner-juniper-springs-wvideo-night-hiking-and-catching/2237390 "Take It Outside Planner: Juniper Springs, night hiking and catching dolphin"], Tampa Bay Times, Florida, 15 July 2015. Retrieved on 9 August 2019. The Juniper Springs canoe run is a nationally recognized attraction. The run takes between three and five hours to complete, from starting point near the Juniper Springs pool to an exit point off State Road 19 on the way to Lake George. ReserveAmerica has named Juniper one of the top 25 canoe runs in the U.S. and between 30-35 canoes and kayaks are on the water every day with a record of 100.Crane, Kristine. [https://www.news-journalonline.com/article/LK/20150425/News/605055581/DN/ "Boy Scout’s project may speed up Juniper Run"], Daytona Beach News-Journal Online, Florida, 25 April 2015. Retrieved on 8 August 2019.
Gallery
References
External links
- [http://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/ocala/recarea/?recid=34064 Juniper Springs Recreation Area] Ocala National Forest Official Website
{{Protected areas of Florida}}
Category:Protected areas of Marion County, Florida
Category:Wilderness areas of Florida
Category:Ocala National Forest