Ocala National Forest - Juniper Springs

Hikes by City

Written by Sandra Friend

Fern Hammock Springs Experience crystalline waters emerging from the midst of the world’s largest scrub forest—hike an easy nature trail and boardwalk in the Ocala National Forest

Surrounded by the dryness of the Big Scrub, the world’s largest scrub forest, Juniper Springs is a playground of hydrological wonders, the center of a jungle-like oasis of riotous growth.

At Juniper Springs, you’ll find every sort of Florida spring imaginable—a massive outpouring from a cavern at the headspring, tiny bubblers along the bottom of the run, constant seeps along the loamy slopes, eerie flat boils like video screens, and giant boils thrusting perpetual clouds of sand skyward.

To present this symphony of hydrology to you, the Juniper Run Nature Trail winds between Juniper Springs and Fern Hammock Springs.

Guidebooks
50 Hikes in North Florida
Along the Florida Trail
Hiker's Guide to the Sunshine State
The Hiking Trails of Florida's National Forests, Parks, and Preserves
Orlando & Central Florida: An Explorer's Guide

Locator

Directions & Location
From I-75, take exit 352, Ocala, and head east on FL 40 into the Ocala National Forest. After 31 miles, the entrance to Juniper Springs Recreation Area is on the left. From I-95, take exit 268, Ormond Beach, and head west on SR 40 through Barberville and Astor. After you pass the blinker at FL 19, keep alert for the park entrance on the right. There is a per-person entrance fee.

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Overview

Overview
Location:         Ocala National Forest
Length:          1.4 miles
Lat-Long:           29.183567,-81.712800
Type:               round-trip
Fees / Permits:   recreation area entrance fee $4 per person
Good for:          big trees, birding, children, history, geology, campground, wildlife watching, wheelchairs
Difficulty:           1 of 5
Bug factor:        2 of 5
Restroom:         Yes