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Mind blowing texas scenery12/29/2023 ![]() Here are some of the more popular trails. This is, after all, the largest pine woods forest in the world. But unless you are an experienced hiker with the all the right equipment, we suggest you stick to the designated trails. You can pull off to the side of any of the dozens of forest roads and blaze a trail through the woods. The entire forest is wide open to hikers and backpackers. Recreation areas at Juniper Springs, Alexander Springs and Salt Springs all have nature trails, boardwalks, and trails that wander into the deeper woods. Another excellent source for trail information is Florida Hikes! (c) Can Stock PhotoĪ 66-mile segment of the Florida Scenic Trail winds its way through the Ocala National Forest with numerous trailheads, including access points in the Salt Springs Recreation Area and the Juniper Springs Recreation Area.įor additional trailheads, access this interactive map for one that suits you best. Read more: Four great rivers to kayak near Ocala National Forest.ģ.) Take a hike Hiking the Florida Scenic Trail in Ocala National Forest. On the western edge of the forest, consider Silver Springs State Park. If you’ve paddled this far, you should paddle a little further north into Salt Springs Cove and enjoy its magnificent shoreline.Īll three springs have concessions where you can rent canoes and kayaks. Salt Springs Run dumps its mineral-infused water into Lake George, second-largest lake in Florida and part of the St. Salt Springs, unlike Alexander and Juniper, has power-boat traffic. Be forewarned, though, that there is no take-out at the end, so you have to paddle back against the current to the launch point at the Salt Springs Marina in the Salt Spring Recreation Area. The 4.5-mile Salt Springs Run is a popular paddle trail. It requires shuttle service, which has been closed since 2020 (as of March 2022.) Here’s more on Kayaking Juniper Springs Run. It is the shadiest of the Ocala spring runs and the best in the summer heat and humidity. ![]() Nearby, Juniper Springs has a scenic spring run, a narrow, twisty 7-mile paddle trail through an amazingly scenic sub-tropical forest. Read more: Alexander Springs: Easy scenic paddling lots of wildlife You do not need a shuttle service this trip is an out-and-back paddle. Here’s a Florida Rambler story on paddling Alexander Springs. Brings hats and sunscreen: The river is in full sun. You can rent canoes and kayaks for an easy, scenic two- to four-hour paddle where you are likely to see lots of wildlife. (Photo: Bonnie Gross)Īlexander Springs has crystal clear water and a great swimming hole that snorkelers will enjoy. Alexander Springs in Ocala National Forest is a wide, slow-moving stream with extremely clear, clean water. ![]() There are several springs you an paddle in Ocala National Forest. Both Alexander Springs and Salt Springs offer similar recreational opportunities. Salt Springs gets its name from minerals carried to the surface from underground aquifers, providing a level of salinity not found in the other springs.ĭay use activities in the Juniper Springs Recreation Area include picnicking, swimming, snorkeling, bird watching, hiking, and paddling a spectacular spring run that runs through a shady sub-tropical forest. 19 north from State Road 40 (about 4.5 miles east of Juniper Springs). The Salt Springs Recreation Area is another popular spring in the forest, although a bit more remote. Where the spring emerges from the bottom, snorkelers and scuba divers enjoy exploring the limestone rocks and boulders in the spring boil. The spring creates a large, shallow sandy-bottom natural pool ideal for swimming. Scuba diving is limited the large spring boil, and valid proof of certification is required.įor adult swimmers, Alexander Springs may be the top choice. Snorkeling is permitted at both springs, but only Alexander Springs allows scuba diving. With a constant temperature of 72 degrees year around, the forest’s springs are magnets for people in summer. Several springs are easily accessible to visitors in Ocala National Forest, the most popular of which may be Juniper Springs off State Road 40, which crosses the forest below Lake George, and Alexander Springs on County Road 445, nine miles west of Jupiter Springs off State Road 40. The swimming area at Alexander Springs in Ocala National Forest is excellent - if you like 72 degree water. ![]()
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