Juniper Springs facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Juniper Springs |
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Juniper Springs
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 Juniper Springs
Location in the United States
Juniper Springs
Location in Florida
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| Location | Ocala National Forest, Florida, U.S. |
| Nearest city | Ocala, Florida |
| Established | 1908 |
| Governing body | National Park Service |
Juniper Springs (often called "the Springs" by locals) is a beautiful natural spring. It is found in the Ocala National Forest in Florida, USA. This spring is the starting point for Juniper Creek. This creek flows all the way to Lake George. From there, its water joins the Saint Johns River.
What is Juniper Springs Like?
Juniper Springs is located in a subtropical forest. This means the area is warm and humid with lots of plants. The spring itself is an oval-shaped pool. At the bottom, you can see limestone caves. There are also areas of sand and green water plants.
The pool is about 135 feet (41 meters) long. It is also about 80 feet (24 meters) wide. A basin made of rock and concrete surrounds it. Right next to the pool is an old mill house. It has a waterwheel built by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC). The CCC was a program in the 1930s that helped people find jobs. This waterwheel used to make electricity for the campsite from the spring's flowing water.
The water at Juniper Springs is very clean. This is because the area around the spring is mostly within the Ocala National Forest. This means the water is not affected by things like fertilizers or septic tanks. Many other springs in Florida can have these problems.
You can see lots of wildlife here. This includes alligators, deer, and raccoons. You might also spot turtles, bobcats, and otters. Many different kinds of birds, like herons, live here too.
Fun Things to Do at Juniper Springs
The Juniper Springs Recreation Area is a popular place to visit. It includes the spring, Juniper Creek, and nearby camping spots. There are also many trails for hiking. People love coming here for swimming, canoeing, kayaking, and camping.
Swimming is especially popular. The water stays at a cool 72 degrees Fahrenheit (22 degrees Celsius) all year round. This makes it perfect for a swim any day.
The Juniper Springs canoe run is famous across the country. It's a special trip that takes about three to five hours to finish. You start near the Juniper Springs pool. You then paddle along the creek to an exit point off State Road 19. This path leads towards Lake George.
ReserveAmerica, a well-known booking service, has called Juniper one of the top 25 canoe runs in the U.S. Every day, between 30 and 35 canoes and kayaks are on the water. On busy days, there have been as many as 100!
Images for kids
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A panoramic view of Juniper Springs.
