I suppose it’s not the days of your life that matters but more so, how much life you put into your days. With Summer almost behind us and local kids back to school, George and I decided to go out and discover a new ‘old’ watering hole… and that’s how we ended up in Juniper Springs in our home state of Florida.
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Nested in the Ocala National Forest, Juniper Springs was one of the many projects spearheaded by former President Franklin D. Roosevelt – our great nation was in the middle of the Great Depression when President Roosevelt asked Congress to approve “a civilian conservation corps to be used in simple work, not interfering with normal employment, and confining itself to forestry, the prevention of soil erosion, flood control and similar projects” – the organization was further known by its initials the CCC.
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They built the structure known today as the millhouse at the foot of the main pool of Juniper Springs. The waterwheel turned and produced energy for the recreation area.
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Juniper Springs Recreation Area is open 365 days a year and is located on the Florida Black Bear Scenic Byway (SR 40). The park offers swimming at the main point where the water from the spring basin flows into Juniper Springs Run right by the millhouse; it also offers camping, nature trails, picnicking. The springs forms the Juniper Springs Run and is known as one of the top 25 canoe runs in America.
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Juniper Springs is located at 26701 FL-40 in east Marion County and opens daily at 8 a.m., the entry fee was $8.00 per person.
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Before we left I printed out a trail map of the park… when we started onto one of the trails the park ranger told us that due to the heavy rains some of the trails were flooded. Currently we are in the middle of hurricane season – and Hurricane Fiona is floating out there in the Atlantic Ocean by the Caribbean Islands.
We puddled through the trails, and enjoyed the sounds of nature. Even though we are in September, it’s still quite hot here with temperatures in the high 80’s. It was delightful and cool to walk under the hammocks of the Junipers and pine trees.
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The trail meandered through leading to the second spring where no swimming was allowed, the area had a rustic feel with sounds of birds calling through the air and turtles sunbathing on logs.
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The trail ended at the second spring and a sign posted directing travelers to return the same way they arrived. We took the trail back feeling peaceful, happy and full of gratitude that something so beautiful has been preserved. So grateful that President Roosevelt had such foresight.
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Throughout Juniper Springs Park there are several camping sites for all types, RV’s, cars and tents. Each site has amenities offering picnic grill, fire pit, picnic table and safety storage bins to protect items from bears and other creatures. On the way we spotted deer tracks and a red cardinal a sign that Winter will be here in a few months.
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We arrived at the swimming area and eager to wade in the therapeutic waters. BRRR that water was easy around 60 or so degrees chillin’ and I loved every bit of it. I came out of the water feeling rejuvenated.
We have one in for the books… Juniper Springs, Florida you did not disappoint.
