Juniper Prairie Wilderness Adventure (Florida) June 2018
This is my overnight trip into the Juniper Prairie Wilderness located in the Ocala National Forest (ONF). It was a very hot and humid this time of year so if you plan on backpacking in the ONF be prepared. (Theamericanbackpacker@gmail.com)
Ocala National Forest (Juniper Prairie Wilderness)
Not only does this Wilderness cover more ground than any other in Ocala National Forest, it also contains the most diverse ecosystems. An eight-mile stretch of the north-south Florida National Scenic Trail runs through here, providing access to prairies, pine flatwoods, a marsh, even a subtropical jungle of palms, swamp hardwoods, and saw grass near Juniper Springs. Shallow lakes rimmed by oak and pond pine dot the prairies, which in turn are bordered by scrubby sand pine. Remnants of old logging roads likewise delve into the Wilderness.
Hiking in Ocala National Forest (Juniper Prairie Wilderness)
Not only does this Wilderness cover more ground than any other in Ocala National Forest, it also contains the most diverse ecosystems. An eight-mile stretch of the north-south Florida National Scenic Trail runs through here, providing access to prairies, pine flatwoods, a marsh, even a subtropical jungle of palms, swamp hardwoods, and saw grass near Juniper Springs. Shallow lakes rimmed by oak and pond pine dot the prairies, which in turn are bordered by scrubby sand pine. Remnants of old logging roads likewise delve into the Wilderness.
The Florida Trail in Juniper Prairie Wilderness
This is part of Ocala National Forest known as Juniper Prairie. In this part it is mostly prairie and rolling hills of pines and scrub. A very scenic area and makes for a relaxing hike.
In the 1840s, Patrick Smith settled in the Juniper Prairie Wilderness in an area which became known as Pats Island. Reuben Long and his family homesteaded in the area in 1872. Around the turn of the 20th century, human population on pats Island peaked with about a dozen families. The inhabitants supported themselves through farming, hunting, fishing, and trade along the St. Johns River. Because of the poor economic conditions, most inhabitants had left the area before it became part of the Ocala National Forest in 1908. In 1935, the last inhabitants abandoned the area after a settlement history of less than 100 years.
Hiking Juniper Prairie Wilderness in Ocala National Forest
This area of Ocala National Forest is known as Juniper Prairie Wilderness and The Florida Trail is a nice trail to walk through here. You experience wide open prairies, rolling hills and upland pine forest areas. This is just near The Yearling Trail where it intersects with The Florida Trail.
Alligator in Juniper Prairie Wilderness - Phil Phelan
An alligator hidden in the grass alongside the Florida Trail near Hidden Pond in the Juniper Prairie Wilderness.
Backpacking the Juniper Prairie Wilderness
Segment of video using the GoPro Hero 3+ Black Edition and the GoScope Extreme twice telescoping pole. This section of trail was filmed hiking south from the northern entrance to the Juniper Prarie Wilderness in Ocala National Forest (Florida).
The Florida Trail - Ocala National Forest - Juniper Springs to Hidden Pond
Continuing our exploration of the Florida Trail, the Rigged 'N' Ready crew goes back to Ocala National Forest for another overnight backpacking adventure. We started and ended our hike at Juniper Springs Recreation Area and trekked through the Juniper Prairie Wilderness to an area known as Hidden Pond.
Music Copyright Information:
I do not own any of this music. The music is owned by the artists and composers.
Send Me on My Way - Rusted Root
Circle of Life Instrumental from Walt Disney's Lion King - Elton John and Tim Rice
Juniper Springs Canoe Run
Please note that run conditions may vary day to day depending on weather and environmental conditions.
Canoeing is extremely popular year-round. Canoes and kayaks are available to be rented between 8 a.m. and 11:30 a.m daily. The seven-mile journey down Juniper Run offers a unique perspective on the Juniper Prairie Wilderness, where you might see otters at play or alligators drifting through the shallows. Private canoes can be used, or canoes can be rented from the concessionaire on the premises. Haul-back services are available.
PLEASE NOTE: By US Government rules, no disposable items of any kind are allowed down the canoe run. All items must be removed from the manufacturer’s packaging and placed into reusable containers such as Tupperware, sports bottles, canteen etc. Only hard and soft sided coolers are allowed, no Styrofoam coolers.
Juniper Wilderness Jeep Trails
Driving down Jeep trails in the Juniper Wilderness Area in the Ocala National Forest
Ocala National Forest w: Generation Overland & Friends
#ocalanationalforest #friendsandfamily #generationoverland #familyoverlandexpeditions #foxpeditions
So much fun to get outside with Friends & Family. We stayed at the Juniper Springs Recreation Area in Ocala National Forest. The video is a short recap of days of driving and exploring the Ocala National Forest.
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Safety in the Ocala National Forest (Florida)
In this video I talk about safety and what you can do to make your stay in the Ocala National forest safer. These tips can be used in other Wilderness areas in North America as well.
Juniper Springs Campground Tour & Review
Juniper Springs Campground is located within the Ocala National Forest about an hour and fifteen minutes north of Orlando and less than an hour west of Daytona Beach right in the heart of Central Florida! The have a wonderful swimming area, kayaks for rent, and a three loop campground. Camping is primitive, but you can use a generator from 6:00am until 10:00pm. One loop is for tent camping exclusively. The main walking trail is great and is on a boardwalk that follows along Juniper Creek! This is a wonderful camping destination in Central Florida!
Check out our Top 5 Springs in Florida video as well...
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360 Video - Amazing Juniper Springs Run in a Canoe - Explore Ocala National Forest
This is a 360 Video Tour. If you are unfamiliar with its use here is a quick primer: View this on a desktop computer or in the Youtube App. Make sure to increase your quality setting as high as possible. Grab the screen and drag left, right, up or down to look around. Hit pause to take a closer look.
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.
The canoe launch at Juniper Springs Recreation Area opens at 8 AM. 11:45 a.m. 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. Canoe rentals are available at the concession stand until 11:30 a.m.
Inflatable items including tubes, boats, and kayaks are not permitted on Juniper Run. Dogs and other pets are not allowed on the run.
Learn More:
Get Excited About Juniper Springs -
Explore Sweetwater Cabin -
Tour the Entire Campground -
Take a Short Canoe Trip on the Run -
Fully Explore the long Canoe -
Take a hike on the Boardwalk Trail -
See the Amenities -
Juniper Run Landscapes.m4v
One of the top 25 canoe/kayak 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/kayak. 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. This description is basically acquired from the U.S. Dept. of Agriculture Forestry Division website.
Juniper Wilderness Closed
The wilderness, a section of the Ocala National Forest, is closed due to an increase in bear activity.
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Carrying a Firearm in A Wilderness Area (Florida Statute)
This video discusses the Florida State Statute on carrying a firearm in a Wilderness Area. I speak specifically about the FL Statute 790.25(H). (Theamericanbackpacker@gmail.com)
Ocala National Forest Adventure (Florida) Jan 2018
Its been a while since I posted a Wilderness Adventure video. This My overnight trip into the Ocala Wilderness. I did some product reviews and I found a nice area for a basecamp off the Florida Trail. I always enjoy my trips in the Ocala Wilderness.
Camping | Juniper Springs
This trip to Ocala National Forest was my first experience backpacking. I packed my Gregory Baltoro 65 with my supplies and went on a 5 mile hike from Juniper Springs with Bryan and Dave. We found a spot about a mile from Hidden Pond to set up camp. Most of the water sources were dry except for Hidden Pond. We did filter some water from there to use for cooking and drinking during our two night. I've enjoyed camping out here and would definitely go backpacking again.
Filmed with GoPro Hero 4 Silver
Edited on GoPro Studio