Juniper Springs Recreation Area

Juniper Springs was developed in the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps, who built the stone mill house and swimming enclosure that still define the site today. The spring produces over 13 million gallons daily and flows into Juniper Creek, which becomes one of Florida's most scenic canoe routes — a 7-mile paddle through dense subtropical forest that feels entirely remote despite being within the Ocala National Forest. The swimming area is one of the most architecturally distinctive in Florida, with its old stone walls and mature tree canopy. The surrounding national forest offers extensive hiking trails.