One of the oldest recreational areas in Ocala National Forest with camping, canoeing with 7 miles of streams and hiking is in Juniper Springs. The  Civilian Conservation Corp in the 1930s built this recreation area which makes up three loops. The areas are divided into Sandpine, Tropic and Fern Hammock. Adventurers can enjoy the Juniper River which is very narrow and winding. The springs produce about 13 million gallons a day which stay at a constant 72 degree temperature all year long. The Florida National Scenic Trail runs right through Juniper springs which goes through the entire Ocala Forest. 

The water mill was also built in the 1930s was placed between the springs and the river. Their is about a 5foot drop from their which turns the wheel. At one time many years ago the park used the water wheel as a source of power as to where it would generate electrical energy for a generated that produced power for the grounds and buildings. Today the generator is no longer needed and the mill was turned into a visitors center.

The springs are roughly 136 long and 80 feet wide. The spring drains into Juniper Creek and under a small stone bridge. Eventually it runs into Lake George and in the St. Johns River Basin 10 miles away. The Springs surrounded by rock and concrete walls gives it a natural swimming pool type of setting. The springs over time have increased in depth from 16 feet to now a current 20 feet in various areas. The bottom is sand and small fish also are abundant in the springs.

We learned fairly quickly that many things lurk in these woods besides alligators and wild boars. The area is very secluded and sits far back in the woods. Sure their are campers here most of the time as it is in the top 100 camping and top 10 canoeing spots in the country. But nonetheless with Ocala Forest surrounding their are many tales of Indian ghost and bigfoot sightings in the last thirty something years. 

The creek which is very narrow is said to have many alligators swimming in it. Their are warnings forbidding swimmers due to this. Their is a story about a man who was snorkeling was attacked by a 12 foot alligator that bit him in the neck and chest puncturing his lungs. He did not die but was severely wounded.  Mother nature here is very strong not something that can be taken lightly.

Their are a few sightings near Juniper Springs I recall reading one about someone who sighted one of these creatures kneeling down to take a drink. This would seem about right I mean the water in the springs is very pure and fresh. If I was a wildman in the woods I would be drinking this water also. Anyhow their is another time that a couple traveling past the recreational area sighted a bigfoot on the sides of the road coming out of the woods. They said it was very tall, walking on two legs and very close to their car. They reported it to a ranger station up the road and the ranger said it was a military exercise. We both know that Ocala forest rangers and the government is covering up these creatures and you know why? Because what better then a place for them to roam in Ocala Forest where anything can hide in.

 But people back in this area claim to see red eyes and say there animals get really spooked perhaps campers back in here. Also its rumored that some monkeys escaped from the circus in this area and they are wild. Some say the sightings are actually monkeys not bigfoot. Nonetheless the area is very serene, peaceful and there is no doubt in my mind that various Indian ghost and bigfoot roam this area. After all they were here long before man enjoyed these warm ancient springs.

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Rick-AngelOfThyNight