Canoe Juniper Creek
Juniper Prairie Wilderness is the largest wilderness in the Ocala and is considered by some to be the most pristine wetlands area in Florida. The canoe trip from Juniper Springs Recreation Area to the Highway 19 bridge is about 7 miles long and flows through the heart of the Juniper Prairie Wilderness. You will be surrounded by a lush tropical forest comprised of palms, cypress and many kinds of southern hardwoods. The first 2 1/2 miles of this creek are narrow and winding, with a channel scarcely wider than 6 feet. Below Half-Way Landing, the stream broadens out and becomes shallow and slow moving.

More on canoeing in Ocala National Forest

Bike Paisley Wood
Riders can enjoy a 22- mile winding trail through towering longleaf pines and stately live oak domes. At the north end of the trail visitors will find Alexander Springs Recreation Area. Alexander Springs gushes approximately 80 million gallons of crystal clear water per day, at a year-round temperature of 72. The surrounding subtropical vegetation of palms, hardwood swamp, and sandpine ridges make this campground a special place. Snorkeling and scuba diving in Alexander Springs are excellent ways to enjoy the abundant fish and swaying underwater vegetation. Clearwater Lake can be found at the south end of the trail, where camping and swimming are just as popular as hiking along the nearby Florida National Scenic Trail.

Move on to Trail Finder: Ocala National Forest

Camp Alexander Springs
And you can camp at Alexander Springs too! If you want to hang out, this is an above-par campground with a modest (for Florida) 65 sites. You'll find a handy seven-mile canoe run, hiking and biking trails, fishing, and of course, snorkeling is crystal clear Alexander Springs. There is also an amphitheater and limited groceries at the beach.

Move on to U.S. National Forest Campground Guide

Spot a Burrowing Owl
The most and warm Ocala is jungle-like in its profusion of vegetation and creatures. More than 400 species of birds live within or visit the forest, and a lucky visitor might spot the rarely seen tiny Ocala Deer or Florida Panther. The forest supports more than 20,000 whitetail deer, the largest herd in Florida. And there's an excellent chance you will spot bobcat tracks. The part of the forest known as Big Scrub supports many species of wildlife, such as the burrowing owl and the vinegaroon, a type of scorpion. Development has wiped out this habitat most of the rest of Florida, making the Ocala a kind of last holdout, a place to savor and treasure.

Horseback Ride
Ocala has over 100 miles of horseback riding trail. Riding here is nice and easy: flat trails, pleasant forest. And this is a real trail riding region. You'll find lots of support services in the area, including horse rentals. The Doe Lake Horsecamp in the Seminole District is set up for access to these trails. You can rent horses in the area.