The Ocala National Forest offers a wealth of natural getaways, from more than 2 dozen primitive campsites to complete resort facilities. Here are a few favorites:

HORSESHOE LAKE. This new retreat and conference center is located 2.5 miles east of Orange Springs on CR318, at the north end of the Ocala National Forest. The park surrounds a spring-fed lake and offers nature trails, fishing, canoeing, and swimming. Cabins are equipped with central air and heat, refrigerators, screened porches, picnic tables and barbecue grills.

Marion County Parks & Recreation
111 SE 11th Avenue
Ocala, Fl. 34471
352-671-8560

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JUNIPER SPRINGS RECREATION AREA. A perennial favorite, Juniper Springs recreation area offers camping in semi-tropical scenery along the scenic Juniper Creek. The 7-mile spring run is among the most popular canoeing destinations in the state. The unique swimming area at the spring’s source dates from the 1930s. Primitive camping is available to backpackers at Hidden Pond in the Juniper Prairie Wilderness. Campsite fees begin at $13 a night, and showers are available. Canoe rentals begin at $23 for the day. The Juniper Springs Recreation Area is located on SR 40, about 17 miles east of Silver Springs. For information, contact the Ocala National Forest Visitor Center, 3199 NE Hwy. 315, Silver Springs Fl 34488. Phone: (352) 236-0288.

SALT SPRINGS RECREATION AREA. Since the turn of the century — when visitors sought the healing power of its slightly salty water — Salt Springs has been a popular destination for campers. The park was completely renovated in 1999. Local activities include fishing, snorkeling, bird watching, hiking and swimming in the spring’s headwaters. The recreation area is located on State Road 19 in Salt Springs, just north of Highway 314. In addition to tent camping, the recreation area offers full-hookup camping for trailers and motor homes. Showers are available. Primitive campsites cost $13 a night, or $17 with full-service hookups. For additional information, contact the Salt Springs Visitor Center, 14100 North Highway 19, Salt Springs, FL 32134. Phone: (352) 685-3070.

ALEXANDER SPRINGS RECREATION AREA. This scenic forest spring has been popular with the locals for something like a thousand years. Archaeological excavations have uncovered evidence of native Timucuan Indian settlements dating back to 1,000 A.D., and these are explained on the short nature trail near the campground. The spring provides swimming and snorkeling year-round, as well as one of the better canoe runs in the region. Campsites cost $15 a night, and canoe rentals cost $26 per day. For additional information, contact the Pittman Visitor Center, 45621 South SR 19, Altoona, FL 32702. Phone (352) 669-7495 or (352) 669-3522.

Hiking Juniper Prairie

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.

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 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.

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 156 million gallons of water a day. 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.

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