Juniper Springs,Ocala National Forest,Fl

Howdee all,

While in the Ocala National Forest, Jeff and I went to five natural Springs in the area. The first springs we went to was Silver Springs ~we paddled to the springs from  Silver River state park…see my previous post.

This Day we went to Juniper springs..

Juniper Springs is located in the Ocala National Forest.Florida:

Take I-75 to Exit 352
Go East for approx. 30 miles. The turn is on the left

We walked the board walk..

To the canoe and kayak put in area…The water here is very shallow..

Canoe or Kayak Juniper Springs

The seven-mile canoe run from Juniper Springs is one of the best canoeing opportunities in central Florida. The canopied creek winds through dense, primeval forests that seem untouched by man — on weekdays, anyway. Come early in the morning and you’ll paddle through dappled light that filters through the trees down into crystalline water. Via Florida Traveler

Jeff and I didn’t canoe this area, but it will be on my list for the next visit read this description here if you are interested. Crystal clear water…

Juniper Springs was developed by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) in the early 1930's. The millhouse provided housing and power to the resident caretakers until 1967. It is now an exhibit area. The spring pumps out a 13 million gallons of fresh water per day. The water is a constant 72 degrees.

Juniper Springs is a 2nd magnitude spring with an oval-shaped pool that measures about 120 feet north to south and 90 feet east to west. Several limestone vents and sand boils are present on the pool bottom, with sand and aquatic grasses in other areas of the pool. The clear, bluish water has a low dissolved solids concentration compared with most Florida springs. 

A limestone and concrete wall with steps and other access points surrounds the pool. An old millhouse and spillway are on the east side of the pool. Numerous sand boils are located down the run from the main pool, with the largest by the bridge over the run. The springs are the headwaters of Juniper Creek, which meanders toward the northeast through the Juniper Prairie Wilderness for about 10 miles to Lake George. 

Beautiful waters for swimming…much to cold for my blood this time of year,but there were a few brave swimmers.

A view of the pool from inside the Mill house..One of the Boils

We took a short walk around the area..To a very green algae filled pool.. shades of blue..

And lurking beneath the tree…

These critters are not in the swimming pool :)

Besides a beautiful pool of water to swim in..the park has a campground with 89 sites some large enough for Motorhomes. No hook ups are available. This looks like a great little destination park for families…

Swimming- Canoeing- a few hiking trails and a Campground

Three more springs to show you….stay tuned..

In Case you missed~My post a Birdingblogs.com

Explaining why I will only be posting there once a Month..

check it out~

Featured Bird Blogger of the Week~ cancelled due to Scandal