Juniper Run, Florida - 1/18/09

If you ever wanted to get a real good look at wild Florida, this is your opportunity. Juniper Run, just east of Ocala, Florida, in the Ocala National Forest, along Rt 40, is the perfect spot. As you can see in my videos, it looks like you're canoeing through a dense jungle!

But don't take my word for it. See for yourself. Because no matter how awesome my digital camera makes it look, my camera can't pick up the foliage as green as it is in true life.

We took a run down Juniper (also known as Juniper Springs) in mid January 2009, and it was 70 degrees out-- perfect weather for canoeing! By comparison, it was close to 20 degrees where I had come from just days before, in Cincinnati, Ohio.

Be sure to bring your camera, plenty of film or memory cards, fresh batteries, and a cooler and some snacks, if you like. Please don't litter or leave your trash behind, or it won't be nearly as pretty as you can see in my videos. [Incidentally, I've posted LOTS of videos on Juniper Run on YouTube-- just do a search for Juniper Run, and all of mine should show up.]

The last time I was at Juniper, they charge a $4 per person park admission fee (cash only), plus a $20 cash-only deposit for the canoe trip supplies (paddles, life preservers, etc.) . You can use a credit card to pay for the canoe rental intself.

Try to schedule a trip on a weekday, when it will be less crowded. We happened to go on a Sunday this time, and it wasn't too overly crowded-- probably because it was the middle of winter.

If you plan to bring children, please try to keep them quiet. That shoud go for everyone in your canoe. It's just common courtesy for others who may be canoeing down the run near you. One of the main reasons to be as quiet as possible is so that you don't scare the wildlife. One of the most rewarding things to see on the trip, besides the abundant greenery, if the abundant widlife. Shouts, loud talking, and other unnecessary noise will frighten them away, and your chances of seeing anything are slim-- let alone the other canoeists nearby. And, if possible, try not to hit your paddles on the side of the canoe. It makes a terrible racket that can be heard up to 1/2 a mie away. The other canoeists wil resent your noise and inconsiderate talking and yelling as they are trying to enjoy their day.

Category:

Travel & Events

Tags:

• Juniper
• Run
• Florida
• Canoe
• Trip
• Ocala
• National
• Forest