Backpack Trail Guide

Trails / Florida / Ocala National Forest

Florida Trail: Alexander Springs to Juniper Springs (Ocala National Forest)

Ocala National Forest, U.S. Forest Service (Alexander Springs to Juniper Springs)

Clear water of Juniper Springs Run, Ocala National Forest
“Clear water of Juniper Springs Run, Ocala National Forest” by USDA Forest Service, National Forests in Florida , Public domain · Source

This stretch of the Florida Trail links two of the Ocala National Forest’s famous springs. It runs about 17 miles from Alexander Springs, through the Farles Prairie area, and across classic sand pine scrub to Juniper Springs. The Florida Trail Association calls the swimming holes at Alexander and Juniper Springs and the prairies at Farles and Hopkins don’t-miss stops on this part of the trail.

Outside deer season you can camp almost anywhere along the trail, and both ends have developed campgrounds.

The hike

Florida Hikes says the Ocala section of the Florida Trail, about 72 miles, remains the most popular backpacking destination in Florida because it’s unbroken across the forest and crosses dry habitats. Its mileage chart for the section lists Alexander Springs Recreation Area at mile 10.1, a short walk west of the trail; the SR 19 trailhead at 13.6; the Farles Prairie trailhead at 18.2; and Juniper Springs Recreation Area at 27.9, a short walk east.

The Florida Trail Association recommends the blue-blazed side trail to Alexander Springs, which it describes as crystal clear and pumping 78 million gallons a day, for a snack or a swim. It notes that the area near Alexander Springs is designated wilderness. Florida Hikes calls Alexander Springs one of Florida’s most picturesque first-magnitude springs.

North of Alexander Springs, the trail crosses SR 19 and heads toward Farles Prairie. Florida Hikes describes the segment from Farles Prairie to Juniper Springs as a ribbon of tall grasses and lily-dotted ponds along the prairie, followed by miles of classic sand pine scrub on the way to the Juniper Prairie Wilderness. Hipcamp lists a Farles Prairie campground near the trail.

The trail ends at Juniper Springs Recreation Area, which Florida Rambler says has 79 campsites, 19 of them for tents only. Beyond it, the Florida Trail continues into the Juniper Prairie Wilderness toward Hidden Pond.

The Florida Trail Association notes that trail work inside the wilderness areas must be done with hand tools only, and that its volunteers use two-person crosscut saws to clear fallen trees. Hipcamp describes the Ocala National Forest as almost 400,000 acres, home to Juniper, Alexander, Silver Glen, and Salt Springs. Florida Trail Hikes says that if you want to stay at a campground along the way, Alexander Springs and Juniper Springs are both on its list of trailside sites.

AllTrails rates the 16.9-mile route moderate, with about 492 feet of gain, and calls it a popular trail for backpacking, camping, and hiking, though you can still find solitude at quieter times. One February 2026 reviewer said a lake along the way had about 10 feet of muck before you could reach the water.

The rules depend on the season. Florida Hikes says random camping is allowed anywhere along the Florida Trail in the Ocala National Forest that isn’t posted otherwise, except during the fall deer hunting season. Then, backpackers must use designated campgrounds or camp within the Juniper Prairie Wilderness. It advises wearing bright orange during hunting seasons. Florida Hikes also says a bear bag or bear canister is required for backpackers in the forest.

Florida Trail Hikes calls the Ocala the highest and driest section of the entire Florida Trail.

Tips

Camping

Florida Hikes says dispersed camping is allowed along the Florida Trail in the Ocala National Forest except where posted and during general gun season. Developed campgrounds at Alexander Springs and Juniper Springs, at each end, and Farles Prairie, in between, are options, especially during hunting season. Food must be stored in a bear bag or canister.

Inside Intel: Plan around the springs. Florida Hikes and the FTA both point to Alexander Springs and Juniper Springs as highlights, and the recreation areas at each end have developed campgrounds, handy as a first or last night. Florida Rambler says Juniper Springs’ campground has shared water spigots and restrooms with showers.

Trail facts

The Lowdown

Spring to spring in the Ocala:

Dispersed camping along the Ocala's Florida Trail means pitching wherever you stop. See which tents testers rate highest.

Read the full guide →

Where this comes from

This page draws on the sources below, along with other guides and trip reports. Links go to the original pages.

Before you go: This page is based on published trail guides, trip reports, and reviews, along with official park and agency information where we could find it. It’s meant to help backpackers discover new trails, not to replace current, official information. Conditions, closures, permits, campsites, and water sources change, and some details here may be out of date or wrong. Confirm everything with the managing agency and check current conditions before you head out, and don’t rely on this page alone for safety or navigation. Backcountry travel involves risk.