When you take a youngster bass fishing, he'll remember it always.
Add a little camping, some good tales and a few alligators and when
he grows up... to him, that will have been the good ole' days. Glen Lau's grandson joins him on an adventure that every father and son
can enjoy. Lots of fish, lots of fun and anyone can do it.
Glen Lau and his grandson explored the Ocala National Forest
" the oldest national forest east of the Mississippi. Ocala
National Forest is one of central Florida's last remaining traces of
forest land. It receives more visitors than any other national
forest in the Sunshine State.
Ocala National Forest is located east of Ocala, Florida. Hwy 40
runs east-west and Hwy 19 north-south through the Forest. The two
closest cities near the Park are Ocala and Daytona where numerous
motels and hotels can be found. Smaller towns closer to the Forest
have some accommodations.
Ocala National Forest has several recreation areas that offer
camping, hiking trails, bike trails, canoeing and boating. Some of
the more popular areas include Juniper Springs, Salt Springs,
Alexander Springs and Salt Springs Run.
Glen chose Juniper Springs as the place to spend quality time
with his grandson. Juniper Springs is one of the oldest and best
known national forest recreation areas in the east. It has
semi-tropical scenery not found on any other national forest in the
continental U.S. The combined daily water flow from Juniper and Fern
Hammock Springs is about 13 million gallons creating a constant
water temperature of 72 degrees. The 7-mile canoe run down Juniper
Creek offers a unique opportunity to view forest wildlife in several
habitats and to enjoy different botanical areas.
Private canoes can be used, or rental canoes are available from
the concessionaire. The concessionaire also offers a pickup at the
end of your journey. No disposal products can be taken on the canoe
run " no Styrofoam coolers, sandwiches have to be in Tupperware
type containers, and drinks in thermoses.
Juniper Springs Recreation Area can be accessed off of Hwy 40.
The 79-unit campground is open year-round. A 66-mile section of the
orange-blazed Florida National Scenic Trail is in the Ocala National
Forest and passes through this area.
Inquires may be directed to:
Ocala National Forest Visitor Center
10863 E. Highway 40
Silver Springs, FL 34488
(352) 625-7470
