Juniper Springs

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.

This article is about a natural spring in Florida. For the former mining camp in Nevada, see Juniper Springs, Nevada.
Juniper Springs
Juniper Springs
Location in the United States
Location in Florida
LocationOcala National Forest, Florida, U.S.
Nearest cityOcala, Florida
Coordinates29°11′02″N 81°42′43″W
Established1908
Governing bodyNational Park Service

Description
The Millhouse and waterwheel built by the CCC in 1935.

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 135 ft long (41 m) and 80 ft wide (24 m) 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.[1] 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.[2] Wildlife includes alligators, deer, raccoon, turtles, bobcats, otters, heron, and innumerable spiders.[3]

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.[4] Swimming is particularly popular as the water is 72 degrees, 365 days a year.[5] 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.[3] 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.[6]

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References
  1. Masters, Susanne. "Freshwater swimming in Florida's springs", The Guardian, Florida, 22 February 2017. Retrieved on 8 August 2019.
  2. Gross, Bonnie. "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.
  3. Allen, Rick. "Kayaking Juniper Springs Run: 7-mile run is fun, but challenging", Gainesville Sun, Florida, 10 July 2011. Retrieved on 9 August 2019.
  4. Bailey, Emily. "These Are Not Your Typical Jacksonville Swimming Spots", Jacksonville Magazine, Florida, 4 June 2018. Retrieved on 9 August 2019.
  5. Tomalin, Terry. "Take It Outside Planner: Juniper Springs, night hiking and catching dolphin", Tampa Bay Times, Florida, 15 July 2015. Retrieved on 9 August 2019.
  6. Crane, Kristine. "Boy Scout’s project may speed up Juniper Run", Daytona Beach News-Journal Online, Florida, 25 April 2015. Retrieved on 8 August 2019.
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