Fern Hammock Springs is located at the end of the short Juniper Run Trail in the Ocala National Forest.
As the sun rises over the tall grass and scrub pines of Juniper Prairie Wilderness, lighting up the mist on Hidden Pond, the only sound is the gentle breeze in the trees and the occasional call of scrub jays or the echo of woodpeckers. Here in the nation’s southernmost wilderness, six miles by trail from the nearest road, dawn comes quietly and reveals a landscape barely changed by the passage of time.
Located in deep in the heart of Ocala National Forest, about half an hour east of Silver Springs, the wilderness if strictly off-limits to motor vehicles. So to experience this untouched corner of Florida, you’re limited to walking or paddling. Either way, it’s worth the effort.
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.
At first glance, the run looks too narrow to navigate, but it grows in size steadily as it meanders past ancient cypress trees and lush semi-tropical forests. The narrow creek is filled with obstacles, and it takes some effort to avoid submerged snags and squeeze under overhanging branching. Whether you find it fun or frustrating may depend on your canoeing skills.
For the best experience, avoid the place on weekends and holidays. As many as 50 or 60 canoes and kayaks may crowd the creek during peak days, but during the week you may only have to share the run with the local wildlife.
Regardless of when you go, you’re bound to spot several species of wading birds during the last half of the canoe run, where the creek is wide and bounded by cattails. With a bit of luck, you may even spot a bald eagle. The creek is also home to a family of playful otters. These animals aren’t shy, and they boldly approach passing canoes. There are alligators too, which is one reason wading or tubing is not allowed on the creek.
The run takes between three and five hours, but it’s worth spending the whole day. The landing at the half-way point is a popular spot to stop for lunch. (Throwaway containers, such as bottles and cans, are prohibited on the run, and violators may be fined $25.)
A shuttle service for canoeists runs between Juniper Wayside Park (at the bridge on U.S. Highway 19) and Juniper Springs. The last shuttle leaves each day at 4:30 p.m. The shuttle is free if you rent a canoe, and $5 per person otherwise.
Hike Juniper Prairie Wilderness
If you’d rather walk into the heart of Juniper Prairie, the Florida Trail cuts through the center of the wilderness. The scenic trail stretches the entire length of the Ocala National Forest (and much of the state), but the prairie offers the best hiking in the area. It’s also the only section of the Florida trail that runs through a designated wilderness area. Eventually the Florida Trail, which was started in 1966, will include 1,300 miles of continuous trail from the Big Cypress National Preserve to the Gulf Island National Seashore.
From Juniper Springs, it’s a 12 mile round-trip hike to Hidden Pond, located in the center of the wilderness area. Here you can rest and enjoy lunch under the shade of the scrub pines, or fish for bass or panfish on one of the nearby ponds. If you bring a tent and a sleeping bag, Hidden Pond makes an ideal primitive campsite. Primitive means no toilets, and water is only available from the ponds — but it must be boiled or treated because of the presence of a parasite called Giardia, which causes diarrhea.
Although the trail itself sees a lot of human traffic, it’s easy to get away from people if that’s what you want. Just be sure you know how to use a map and compass (or GPS unit) because it’s easy to get lost in the network of side-trails.
Since only a few feet of elevation change can create a dramatic change in the landscape, the trail provides a good overview of the various biological communities in central Florida, from swamp to sand pine to prairie. And this variety of habitats also means a good chance of seeing many types of wildlife. The extensive wildfires in recent years have opened up the prairie in some areas and dramatically increased the bird life.
Save some time before or after your adventure to take the short (3/4 mile) nature trail along the beginning of Juniper Creek and Fern Hammock Springs. Together, Juniper and Fern Hammock Springs produce about 15 million gallons of water a day. (It’s significantly smaller than than the nearby First-Magnitude springs such as Silver Glen Springs, Alexander Springs and Silver Springs.) A bridge over Fern Hammock Springs provides a close look at the sandy boils where the water originates.
And don’t forget to bring a swimsuit, especially during summer. The 72-degree spring is one of the finest old-fashioned swimming holes you’ll find anywhere, and it makes a great place to cool off after a day of exploration.
If you go:
Call Juniper Springs Recreation Area for canoe rental and campground information: (352)625-0546
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- The Florida Trail winds through scenic ponds on Juniper Wilderness.
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- Hiking the Juniper Prarie Wilderness along the Florida Trail
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- Hiking the Florida Trail at Juniper Prairie Wilderness
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- Fern Hammock Springs is the scenic reward at the end of the short Juniper Run Trial
{ 44 comments… read them below or add one }
I would like to spend the day of the 2nd or 3rd of August at Juniper Springs with my 3 year old grand son and daughter. Will we be able to swim in the springs and would the nature walk be suitible for my grandson.
Thanks
Jim Claud
The nature walk is great for small kids, and the canoe run is open last time I checked. For direct park information call: (352)625-0546. This blog is not affiliated with the park.
We were there 08/15 , canoeing. The water was so high that you had to portage over trees! Very strong currents, caused by the high water level, made it impossible to control the canoe and easy to tip over. Every one of us (20) came out battle-scarred from tree branches, and all lost valuables due to tipping! Several canoes sunk and we ran into people whose canoe had been taken away by the current. Thanks goodness for the kayakers who helped us all maneuver around trees and get our canoes off the bottom! A couple of them saved a little girl of 2, by catching her downstream! She floated due to her life vest.
If you are going there, I would suggest calling to confirm the water levels beforehand!! This was no place for kids, and I was glad that none of the younger Boy Scouts had come with us.
Is there any tubing in the area, and if not, where is some good tubing areas in central Florida?
I wouldn’t want to tube Juniper. It’s narrow, dark, and has some gators. For good tubing, try the Rainbow River. Clear, wide and tuber friendly.
We took a group of 22 down the Juniper Run on 11/14/09. We had a great time. PLEASE NOTE: Only bring food in a tupperware style container! The park service people check for any disposables. For example: no coke cans or water bottles, no chip bags or baggies of grapes, no boxes of raisins or wheatthins. You can bring a thermos with water, chili, soup, or whatever. You can also bring reusable plastic containers with sandwiches or grapes or whatever. ALSO NOTE: there are only a few places to stop and eat on the way down stream. They are not marked and there is NOT a dock anymore. The water is down a little, but the branches are trimmed so that everything is passable. There are a lot of obstacles and low branches, so be ready to work for this ride! Beginners will have a little trouble with this trip. Good luck. KEEP FL. BEAUTY FULL!
Michael,
Were these photos of the Juniper Springs Wilderness area taken after the February 2009 fire? If not, does anyone know what the areas is like now? Does the damage make the Florida Trail hike less enjoyable? Thanks!
-Trevor
These were taken shortly before that time, although there was evidence of a previous fire in the area. I haven’t hiked the trail in the past year, but the evidence of fire ads some drama and contrast to the setting.
Is the canoe run open for Sat Dec 26 2009 ?
The canoe run is open 365 days a year unless there is a natural disaster such as hurricane, fire or flood. Inflatable floating devises are not allowed on the run. You may reserve a canoe or check on pricing by calling 352-625-2808. All rental canoes have to be rented and on the water no later than 12 P.M. This will give you enough time to get to the pick-up point for the shuttle service. Private canoes and kayaks are welcome but there is a $5.00 boat launch fee for private vessels. This run is not for beginners. The US congress declared this area a protected wilderness. Alcohol and disposable containers are not allowed. Juniper Canoe run has been names in the top 5 canoe runs in the US. After your canoe trip you may enjoy the swimming area in the Juniper Day-use area or have a picnic.
Thanks, Alice. We get a lot of info requests from this page. I appreciate the updated info. If you see anything we need to update, let me know. — Michael
I have a 6 man raft can I take it down the canoe run?
Not a good idea. It’s very narrow with lots of fallen trees. I doubt the park would even allow it.
Michael,
Do you run this site? I see that you are the one that posted pics of the pond and such. We went for the first time in April of 2008. My wife and I were visiting family in Florida and decided to try out the canoe run. To say that it was breath taking is such an understatement. We have some fantastic pics of the creek run itself. I would be happy to email them to you if you would like to post them. Thanks! Brian
Michael, we hope to canoe Juniper next Sat for 1st time. Any idea of water level complications? How do we recognize the possible picnic sites? Thanks much for your up-to-date info – we’re excited! Suzy
I was there last week. The water seems to be substantially lower than it was a few months ago. Strong current in places, and some challenging spots especially with overhanging branches. The main picnic spot is about halfway down on the right hand side on a bluff, you won’t miss it. There are a few additional spots you could stop in the second half of the trip, but none that are designated. One of the better locations has had an alligator guarding it the past two times I’ve visited. It’s some of the most beautiful scenery you’ll find in Florida, though, and well worth the trip. Be safe, and have fun.
Just went down the canoe run today, went with my boyfriend and his friend. Thought it was gonna be a nice lazy trip down the river like at rainbow river, but got so much more and loved it all. We definately didnt take her seriously when the lady at the front desk kept telling us that she was being serious. After a lightening storm, sunken canoe, lots of trunks that stopped us dead in our track, a bee sting and lots of laughs we started to take her seriously. It was one of the best experiences I’ve had in Florida and I live here. My advice to all is take the people seriously they are not joking.
P.S They call it divorce run haha and we definately met a couple along the way that made us understand why!
Hi Michael-
Can you tell me if there is a day use fee at Juniper Wayside?
Lots of us are going to that general area on boats for Labor Day, but there are some that we can’t fit on the boats and will have to drive, park, then be picked up by boat, after the rest are dropped off. Our actual destination is near Silver Glen. You seem to know the area well, and I thought you may be able to give us an idea how we can work it out for the drivers, so that they can also enjoy a short boat ride to the also. We are trying to keep costs down for the drivers, as we are not going into the springs, it seems silly to pay day use fees for Silver Glen when all we need to do is park a car or 2, and not use the facilities at Silver Glen.
Thank you in advance for any info you can provide!!
hi there we are tinking about caoneing in the frist week of october is this a good time we are from Ill.
No day use fee at Wayside, but you can’t put in boats there. Canoes, yes, but there’s no boat ramp.
That would be an ideal time! It should be beautiful.
Michael: We’re planning a group paddle in November. Most of us are experienced kayakers. What do you anticipate it will be like that time of year? Challenges??? Kayak rentals available??? Thanks
My wife and I took our 3 children down the juniper run this past week. I’ve been down half a dozen times before but it has been 15 years since my last trip. What a wonderful way to spend family time. We saw some huge deer. No tipped canoes this time!
Hi,
can somebody tell me about the operating hours of the canoe-rental? I would like to know when it opens? Please answer to my e-mailadress.
Thanks.
Hey Mario,
The park opens at 8 AM and you have to launch your canoe or kayak by 12 noon at the latest.
I’d suggest getting there as early as possible.
We launched our canoe at around 11:30 AM and we got to the pick up point just 15 minutes before the van arrived.
But we were going very slow. I snapped lots of pictures, we stopped a few times for water breaks, and we took turns paddling.
If we go back, I plan on getting there earlier so we don’t have to worry about getting to the pick up point before 4:30 PM and losing the $20 deposit.
Coming from ga this weekend to paddle kayaks. How’s the water level?
My brother is a beginner.
Water level is fine, but beginning kayakers might find it easier to try one of the other nearby options, such as Alexander Springs, Silver Glen Springs, or Silver River.
Hi Michael,
I am visiting Florida from the UK in August, with my wife and 2 kids aged 11 and 13. We’re looking for a change of pace from the theme parks, and are thinking of having a paddle down Juniper Springs, but am not sure if it’s the best place for beginners. How experienced do you need to be to do this run? Is there any white water involved? Thanks for your help.
There is no whitewater. What can be a little tricky about this run is that it is narrow in places, with some overhanging (and submerged) trees. In a few places the water is swift. I don’t think you need to be terribly experienced as a paddler. Confidence and a spirit of adventure are more the thing. The possibility of getting tipped over is real enough. Depending on their enthusiasm I’d say it could be a lot of fun. The nearby Alexander Springs run would be a better choice if the kids (or parents) are looking for something more mild.
Are standup paddle boards allowed down the run? Or is it strictly limited to only canoes and kayaks?
Don’t know for sure, but I doubt it, and I can’t imagine how it would be suitable. Call (352) 625-0546 for info.
I am assuming canoe rental is available tomorrow (the celebration of my birth), so if it is not, and anyone reads this early on Tuesday May 10th, please call me and let me know at (352)246-6092, so I have time to head for the Santa Fe instead! Last time I canoed Juniper Run on my birthday, some idiot chickie got hersef et by one big assed alligator a few days later. Tweren’t the gators fault, but still a sad situation – for all….I need to know by 8:30 if can’t canoe Juniper, please….
Have heard the Juniper Run is not well suited for long Kayaks. We have a 14 ft Pemlico 135 tandem. Should this be a problem or should I borrow a couple of 10-12 yaks for the trip. We are somewhat experienced with 20+ paddles on streams and rivers without going in the drink. Haven’t tipped it yet but don’t want to make this our first experience. Also, what about water level this time of year. Thanks in advance for any feedback.
I have done it in a 14 foot
Native Watercraft, but it can be very tricky. Shorter is definitely better.
My husband is thinking of bringing the kids to swim. We have visited Alexander Springs, Salt Springs and Lithia Springs. I am just concerned that my 4 year old will not enjoy it as much as Alexander Springs. Can anyone help me determine if it is worth giving it a chance?
I’d be hesitant unless you’ve done it first yourself and are confident your child would enjoy it. Alexander is much more kid friendly.
On a weekday, next week, would there be a limit on how many people are allowed in to swim? I want to bring my daughter and grandsons out and am wondering if we need to arrive early. Thank you. 7/12/11
We are planning to be there next Wed. the 20th of July. We kayak salt water and plan with the tides. We will be running in 13 ft. Oceans sit on top. Any Suggestions? I’m going to call but I’m a little puzzled on taking a thermos (each?) small or large, and sandwiches in (what)? We of course normally bring back anything we take and pick up any trash we find along the way. Any suggestions? Can we take a cooler?
By the way we are Senior Citizens but not newbies. Thank you.
Very nice site. We camp at Juniper often and is one of our favorite places. As Florida natives we love and appreciate our fair State.
Must… control… urge… to be an outdoor snob.
I’ve been on the Juniper Springs run many times in my 16 foot kayak. I grew up canoeing. I learned how to swim well when I was a child. I know how to maneuver a boat in tight places and I know what to do if I tip over and end up swimming. I’ve seen descriptions of the Juniper Springs Run where it’s not recommended for beginning paddlers. With a few exceptions (like having the majority of a group being experienced paddlers), I think I agree. But if you can maneuver a canoe/kayak in tight spaces, you’ll be fine.
The run is narrow, very twisty, and the current can be at least 4mph. There are overhanging branches and submerged logs. If you do not know how to maneuver a canoe or kayak in tight spots, it can be tricky. However, if you can swim, it shouldn’t be a problem. I cannot understand the mentality of anyone who would engage in water sports and not be able to swim, but I’ve seen it.
I’ve seen people tip canoes and kayaks on the Juniper run and they are often city-folk whose idea of adventure is camping in the back yard. I’ve seen drunks tip their boats. I’ve seen kids playing around who’ve tipped their boats. And I’ve seen timid beginners tip their boats.
Tipping a boat on the run is not a problem unless you are the type of person who accounts for the reason that ladder manufacturers put labels on their product telling people not to step on the top platform, or the kind of person who doesn’t realize that you shouldn’t operate a chain saw with the blade facing you. People who engage in water sports should know how to swim, handle their equipment, and how to use common sense.
Kids, and poor swimmers, should wear life vests. People should know enough to not challenge the center of gravity of their canoe or kayak as they are dodging branches. I would not recommend taking the family dog. I would never think of taking mine. There is nothing particularly dangerous for me about the Juniper Springs Run, with one exception: One time I was in my sit-on-top kayak and came around a bend in the stream. There, on the bank, was an alligator that was over 11 feet long. About a week later I read in the newspaper that an alligator over 11 feet long had killed someone who was swimming in the area where I saw this particular alligator. On the day I was paddling, a number of people had passed this alligator and had no problems. I had no problems. But then, none of us were swimming at the time. A small child, or dog, in a canoe may have been tempting to this alligator. Alligators often sun themselves near the end of the run where the terrain flattens out and there are low-lying sandy banks. They swim up from Lake George to escape even bigger alligators (who I care not to meet thankyouverymuch). If it bothers you to have part of your anatomy pucker tightly (as did mine) upon passing within three feet of an alligator that large, you may want to think twice about this run. Although alligators are not usually as aggressive as are crocodiles, tipping a canoe around large alligators is not a good thing.
The water is 72 degrees year-round. There are no signs of man along the run as it winds through the Juniper Prairie Wilderness Area. It starts clear and shallow then becomes a bit deeper (at 6 feet tall I can still usually stand) and tea colored because of tannic acid from decaying foliage. The water becomes clear again about two-thirds of the way down the run as the stream moves out of dense forest and flows into the area of sandy banks and scrub bushes. The run becomes shallower, with a sandy bottom, near the end. There is a dock about halfway down the run where I often pull over for a picnic.
I always carry a cooler with snacks and drinks. I keep it stashed in the hold of my kayak. I’ve never had a problem with the rangers but requirements do change. The shuttle (fee paid in the park) runs continuously to take people back to the park from the end of the run at the bridge on FL 19. It’s a van with a canoe/kayak trailer. People paddle the run at their own pace and arrive at the end at different times. The shuttle makes runs when there are enough people so you may have to wait for forty minutes if it fills up before you get there or you may have great timing and be able to load right up. The run itself takes from 4-5 hours unless you are in a hurry to get from point A to B.
The Juniper Springs Run is a truly unique experience. It showcases one of the most interesting ecosystems in Florida, or the world for that matter. There is a campground in the park. My book on Florida Campgrounds rates it as one of the best campgrounds in Florida.
Thinking of doing the Juniper springs to Hidden pond hike this weekend.
How is the terrain since the fire? Is it worth the the trip? Gonna camp overnight near hidden pond somewhere.
Definitely worth the trip. I think it will be beautiful.
Looking forward to taking my 5 year old twins to Ocala National Forest for a few days over their winter break. It sounds like there are so many great things to see and do but could you recommend two must see sites? I’ve seen alot about swimming at Alexander Springs and canoeing but didn’t know if these would be good bets for first time visitors. Also, I am hoping to find a cabin to stay in at a beautiful location. Any recommendations there as well?? Many thanks!
My friend and I are planning to be there on January 1 or 2. How busy is it liable to be at that time of year?