The Juniper Run Adventure

JUNIPER SPRINGS, OCALA NATIONAL FOREST, FLORIDA

Juniper Run is recognized as one of the top 25 canoe runs in America by ReserveAmerica. This 7-mile waterway winds through a scenic landscape, surrounded by a dense canopy of ancient trees in an old-growth forest.

While the journey offers picturesque scenery, it's important to highlight that Juniper Run is not suitable for beginners due to its challenging course and changing conditions.

Seasoned adventurers will find the route captivating, with the old-growth forest adding a unique dimension to the exploration. Experience and skills are essential to fully appreciate and navigate the challenges it presents.

GENERAL FAQs

    • The Juniper Run experience is not recommended for children under 12.

    • Only adults (18+) who can swim may rent and operate watercraft.

    • All guests under 18 must be accompanied by an adult at all times.

    • Children under 8 are not permitted on the shuttle. We cannot accommodate anyone requiring a car seat, booster seat, or similar equipment. Because all rental boats and their renters must use the shuttle, children under 8 are not eligible to participate in rental trips. Personal transportation is only allowed for guests using their own watercraft.

    • For general safety, all children 6 and under must wear a life jacket at all times while on the water at any location.

  • The run is not intended for beginners. There are some technical areas that require experience maneuvering the kayak around obstacles. We do have beginner friendly kayak rentals at our Alexander Springs and Silver Glen locations!

  • The run typically takes between 3-5 hours based on your experience and skill. This run is not intended for beginners due the technical skills and time commitment. Shuttles are included in the rentals and you will be scheduled a pick up time 4-5 hours after your launch time.

  • The Juniper Run is a very popular destination and we all want to ensure its future. In order to help manage traffic and impacts on the run the US Forest Service mandates only 10 rentals boats launch per half hour. Large groups need to plan accordingly as this is a first come first serve launch. There is a daily limit of 95 boats launched (private and rental), as well, that can be reached prior to the cutoff for launches if all earlier launches are full.

  • No, however service animals are permitted. Please be aware that there is dangerous and deadly wildlife that poses a great risk to any service animals who make the journey.

  • No. Alcohol is not permitted and all bags and coolers are subject to inspection.

  • Please check local weather conditions prior to launching here. Pack and be prepared as the weather can change quickly.

    Put on protective rain gear (rain poncho is best) and keep on paddling.

    Kayaks cannot be rented during severe weather conditions.

  • In case of thunder and lightning, the best course of action is to ‘pull over’ to the nearest accessible shore. Pull your kayak or canoe up onto the shore so it does not float away. Leave your paddles in the kayak. Crouch low to the ground and do NOT huddle together. Stay a few feet apart from each other. As soon as you feel the lightning has passed, resume your paddle.

  • We reserve the right to close the run and rentals due to inclement weather, storm cleanup, environmental hazards and more. Please call our gatehouse at (352) 625-3147 for the current status of the run and rentals.

  • No, we are unable to accept reservations at this time for kayaking (both private and rented). Please plan ahead by arriving early to secure your launch for the day.

  • No, you are not permitted to swim, wade, snorkel, SCUBA, free dive, enter the water, etc for any reason. This is a special area with sensitive ecosystems. Your remaining in the vessel helps to protect and maintain them for generations to come.

  • No, the run is through a Federal Wilderness Area. Fishing and hunting are not permitted.

  • A swimsuit or quick drying clothes, hat, water shoes, suntan lotion, and insect repellent (if sensitive to insects). In addition, rain gear (if rain is expected) and a jacket for the cooler months.

  • A towel. A soft-sided thermo bag with plenty of water (non-disposable containers only), snacks or lunch (only in a non-disposable container), and a camera (you don’t want to miss that picture of Elvis, the famous alligator!). A dry bag or box is good to have for your cell phone or remote control car keys. A limited number of dry bags are available for rent on site.

  • No. This is a self-guided paddle.

  • Yes, the following items are not permitted: alcohol, pets, glass items, inflatables (including inflatable kayaks & SUPs), and disposable items.

KAYAK RENTALS

  • Yes, rentals are a separate cost from the entry fee ($14.50/per person or the ONF Hopper pass/per person).

  • Kayak rentals are:

    Single Kayak = $65
    Tandem Kayak = $75 (Accommodates two persons)

  • The rental includes the kayak, paddle(s), PFD(s), a whistle, and the shuttle service.

  • Yes, the weight limit includes your gear, not just the persons. Our single kayaks can accommodate up to 250 lbs with person and gear, and the tandem kayaks can accommodate up to 450 lbs with person(s) and gear. If you overburden a kayak, you are responsible for any damages our equipment incurs.

  • Yes, it is included in the rental. We do not allow children under the age of 8 on our shuttle service or those who require car seats of any kind.

  • Launch times are at 8:30 a.m., 9:30 a.m., 10:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m., and 12:30 p.m. We suggest that you arrive at least 30 minutes prior to these start times to complete the required paperwork and orientation. There is a limit for 10 vessel launches per orientation. Large groups need to plan accordingly.

  • We do not suggest this activity for those under 12 years of age. We do not provide PFDs for those under 50 lbs. We do not allow children under the age of 8 on our shuttle service.

  • There are two items that must be completed before renting a kayak.

    The rental agreement must be filled out and signed by the person renting the kayak (18+ years of age)

    All participants must complete a liability waiver, regardless of age.

SHUTTLE SERVICE

  • We do not allow children under the age of 8 on our shuttle service.

  • Our shuttle picks up at 1:00 p.m., 2:00 p.m., 3:00 p.m., 4:00 p.m., and 5:00 p.m.. You will be assigned a shuttle pick up time based on launch time and group size. We typically plan for pickup four hours after your launch time.

  • Anyone using the shuttle service will be required to complete a liability waiver.

  • We cannot accommodate those who require a car seat or booster seat like equipment in our shuttle van.

  • Gear provided is stored either in the trunk of the shuttle vehicle or under the seats. Any gear you bring or rent (such as dry bags) would need to remain with you at your feet or in your lap.

  • Guests who arrive at the pickup point after the posted time will be charged per boat and per hour late fee. Exceptions may be made due to inclement weather conditions.

PRIVATE VESSELS

  • Yes, however boats cannot be motorized nor inflatable. SUPs are not ideal, but if you choose to launch one you may want to remove the keel to minimize possible damages.

  • The State of Florida requires that every person in the vessel have a Coast Guard approved PFD/life vest and that vessels under 16 feet have a sounding device, such as a whistle. You will not be permitted to launch without these.

  • There is no additional fee to launch your own boat. The admission fee provides access to all on-site amenities including launching your boat(s). Admission is $14/per person or with a valid Annual Hopper Pass.

  • Yes, if space is available. You will be required to complete a liability waiver and pay the $15/person shuttle fee.

  • Private launches are permitted for 10 vessels maximum during the times of:

    • 8:00-8:30 a.m.

    • 9:00-9:30 a.m.

    • 10:00-10:30 a.m.

    • 11:00-11:30 a.m.

    • 12:00-12:30 p.m.