Name: Juniper Run -- PBO
Start: 2024-12-04T08:00:00-05:00
End: 2024-12-04T15:00:00-05:00

The Juniper Run is considered to be the most technically challenging trip hosted by VCKC. Upper Juniper Creek pushes you along at about 4 mph, requiring 7 miles of constant maneuvering through narrow hairpin curves, submerged stumps and logs, and overhanging branches that either grab your paddle or force you to bend forward almost flat across your cockpit.

Juniper Creek is also one of Florida's most beautiful paddle trips, as its crystal clear waters flow through a tree canopied semi-tropical forest.

Are you up for the challenge?

This trip is not appropriate for foot-pedal type boats or sit-on-top kayaks with high seats. Also the last time we were at Juniper Run, they no longer allow inflatables.
Trip leaders reserve the right to ask about participants' paddle skills and boats.

**RIVER DETAILS**

Juniper Creek, located in the Ocala National Forest, originates from Juniper Springs and Fern Hammock Springs, discharging about 15 million gallons per day. The Creek is cool, shaded, and crystal clear, making it a delightful hot-weather paddle trip . . . IF you can handle the intense workout and don't mind your boat scraping against obstacles and getting hung up on shallow sand bars.

The water ranges from a few inches deep to several feet. The creek is about 10' wide in places, and the route is almost entirely shaded.

Around the 5-mile point, there's a "rapids" about 50 feet long. Depending on water level, it can be just a ripple or up to Class I rapids.

This is a unique and fun paddling experience traveling through a narrow winding channel in the upper section to wide sunny stretches below. The creek is crystal clear and is well known for its sand boils on the sandy bottoms. Juniper Creek has a consistent 3-4 mph flow along its length.

Once you're on the water, there's no turning back and it's not possible for someone to tow you.

**SCENERY:**
Superb. No intrusions of civilization along the entire route. A 12-ft gator and 14-ft gator live along this section of the creek and are often seen sleeping on the bank as we pass within 10 feet. Occasionally we see river otter and turtles.

**TRIP LENGTH:** 7 miles, and about 3.5 hours.

**SKILL LEVEL:**
Make sure you have the skill and stamina to paddle and maneuver steadily for 7 miles, navigating narrow hairpin turns around deadfall and submerged stumps, skimming over logs, ducking under overhanging branches, and controlling your boat while your paddle's upper blade is hung up in trees and the lower blade smacks into shallow sandbars. Should be able to perform forward and sweep strokes, basic sculling stroke, with good balance/stability in the boat.

**Current:**
Consistent 3- 4 mph. Fast flow in narrow sections.

**WIND IMPACT/ISSUES:**
Minimal

**NOTE: NO DISPOSABLE ITEMS are allowed on this river.** This means no disposable water bottles, food wrappers, plastic bags, etc. Park staff will check your bags and dry wells at the launch ramp. Bring your water or sports drink in aluminum or Nalgene-type bottles. Snacks can be unwrapped and placed in dishwasher-safe Rubbermaid or Gladware-type containers.

**LAUNCH FEE:**
$13.91 per boat or $6.50 if you have a National Park Service Senior Pass

**HOW TO FIND THE LAUNCH:**
This can be a little tricky. If you type "Juniper Springs Recreation Area" into your GPS, it may or may not drop you off at the edge of the Ocala National Forest. If you look around and there's no boat launch, continue driving down Highway 40 about 7 miles. Turn in when you see the sign that says "Juniper Springs Campground."
If I google "Juniper Springs Recreation Area" on my phone, and follow directions, it gets me to the correct location.

**CAR SHUTTLE:**
Meet at the Recreation Area entrance when the gates open at 8. Pay launch fee and follow signs to the boat launch/loading area. Offload your kayak and gear as quickly as possible. All vehicles drive 8 miles to the takeout, and drivers return to the boat ramp in as few vehicles as possible.

**TAKE OUT:**
Juniper Run Take Out - FL 19 Bridge
4065 FL Hwy 19
Fort McCoy, FL 32134
29.1811914,-81.7129457

**REST ROOMS:**
At put-in and take-out. Possible stops on a sand bank along the river.

**SIGN UP:**
Sign up as soon as possible. For insurance reasons, only club members (no guests) may participate in VCKC trips. Each person must sign up individually, even if sharing a boat.

If you must cancel, please remove yourself from the trip as soon as possible so the trip leaders will know you're not coming and so the next person on the waitlist may participate.

**LUNCH OPTION:**
Silver Springs Diner
5300 Silver Springs Blvd. Unit G
Silver Springs, FL 34888

**PERSONAL EQUIPMENT:** You are responsible for your own comfort and safety.

**MANDATORY ITEMS:**
\* Personal Flotation Device must be worn and completely fastened at all times.
\* Whistle required by Coast Guard
\* Water or sports drink in non-disposable bottles

**RECOMMENDED ITEMS:**
\* Emergency contact ID
\* Sun protection -- sunglasses, hat with strap, sun screen
\* Rescue rope (minimum 10 ft)
\* Bailer or sponge

The Villages Canoe & Kayak Club

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Juniper Run -- PBO

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Juniper Run -- PBO

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