Ocala National Forest

Juniper Run

Area Status: Open

Paddling Juniper Run under dense forest canopy

Visitors who want to paddle Juniper Run must bring their own kayaks/canoes, arrive before 1 p.m. and arrange their own return transportation. The shuttle service is not running and kayak rentals are not available.

Named one of the top 25 canoe runs in America by ReserveAmerica and typically a high point of a visit to Florida, Juniper Run is a narrow, winding waterway set under a dense canopy of old-growth forest and few places solid enough to get out of your canoe. The 7-mile journey starts just below the springs and follows the spring run through the heart of the Juniper Prairie Wilderness to a take-out off SR 19, well before the run empties into the St. Johns River at Lake George.

Juniper Run as seen from the nature trail

Ripples play across the sands of Juniper Run

At a Glance

Operational Hours:	Day-use hours are 8 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. (sunset)
Rentals & Guides:	Canoe/kayak rentals are not available at this time.
Area Amenities:	Accessible,Fee charged for some activities,Picnic tables,Toilets,Drinking water,Parking
Fees	Private Kayak and Canoe Launch: $10 per watercraft plus single day-use fee (see below) Single Day-Use Fees: Weekdays $7 + tax per person; weekends $10 + tax per person. Annual Day-Use Pass: $70 + tax. Canoe/kayak rentals are currently unavailable.
Usage:	Heavy
Restrictions:	Inflatable items such as tubes, boats and kayaks are not permitted on Juniper Run. Dogs and other pets are not allowed on the run.
Closest Towns:	Astor and Forest Corners
Water:	Non-potable
Restroom:	At put-in and take-out
Operated By:	Adventure Ocala
Information Center:	Download a map of the Juniper Springs Canoe Run (PDF) Download a map of Juniper Springs Recreation Area (PDF)

General Information

Directions:
General Notes:

Disposable containers; take-out trays, foil, plastic cups, wrappers, etc., are not permitted on Juniper run.

Recreation Map

Map showing recreational areas. Map Information

Activities

Nature Viewing

SHOW

Water Activities

HIDE

Boating - Non-Motorized

Recreation areas with activity Boating - Non-Motorized:

Juniper Wayside

Canoeing and kayaking are the only permitted activities along Juniper Run. The waterway varies greatly in depth and width and passes under many low-hanging trees in the first several miles. Pull-off and take-out points are very limited due to the narrow channel and the nature of the surrounding terrain.

Status:	Open
Hours of Operation:	The run opens at 8 AM for launching. 11:45 is the latest you can arrive to launch a rented canoe to be picked up by the shuttle at the other end. With your own canoe and self-shuttle, last launch is 4 to 5 hours before sunset.
Difficulty Level:	Intermediate
Rental info:	Rentals are available through the concessionaire at Juniper Springs Recreation Area. Call 352-625-2808 to reserve. Canoe Rental $33.00 + tax (includes shuttle transport). plus $20 deposit per canoe $6 per person for rehaul of private canoe

Amenities

Picnic tables	At recreation area and take-out
Drinking water	At recreation area
Toilets	At recreation area and take-out
Parking	At recreation area and take-out (limited parking)
Fee charged for some activities	$10 launch fee + single day-use fee if you bring your own canoe or kayak
Accessible	Ramp to the launch is accessible