Touring by Type
Follow in the footsteps of famous travelers who have discovered and loved this region.
Adventurers
Naturalists
Historians
Vacationers
Adventurers
Adventurers
The Adventure Traveler
- The outdoors person who likes to get off the beaten path and blaze new trails
- Likes to hike, backpack, paddle, boat, fish and explore the outdoors
- People who enjoy overnight hikes, kayaking, snorkeling, scuba diving
Key Touring Ideas:
- Off-Roading on Rugged OHV trails (see OHV Riding tab in Activities)
- Paisely bike trail through the forest
- Rugged Juniper Springs Run – a 7-mile paddle
- Scuba-dive the world-class springs – Alexander Springs is a popular spring for this
- Hike the Florida Trail, passing through the Juniper Wilderness untouched by motorized vehicles.
- Camping along the Florida Trail through the Juniper Wilderness
Naturalists
Naturalists
Naturalist Traveler
- Nature loving ecologists, preservationists, and bird watchers
- People who love to spot wildlife, that rare flower or animal (They might rise early to find a black bear or to experience more quiet time with nature)
- Birders
Key Touring Ideas:
- Check out the Bartram Oak in Astor on a tour or just pulling over to bask in the glorious tree, and commune with the spirit of one of the region’s first natural defenders.
- The Bartram Frolic is held annually in Palatka, a gateway city to the byway, and there are several interpretive kiosks in Palatka and Welaka with a map of his travels.
- Get up early to hike the Yearling Trail, driving slowly and watching for bears and other wildlife on the way – keep an eye and ear out for the iconic Florida Scrub Jay
- Visit the Marjorie Harris Carr Cross Florida Greenway to honor her valiant efforts to stop a disastrous Cross Florida Barge Canal project – one of the most historic conservation wins in the state.
- As of 2024, efforts are underway to restore Archie Carr cabin outside Umatilla. Archie, Marjorie Harris Carr’s husband, was also an esteemed conservationist.
Historians
Historians
Historic Traveler:
- People with a passion or curiosity about the stories of the region
- Seeking interactive experiences, historic buildings, Pioneer settlements, and reenactments
- Those who enjoy connecting historic sites with those who came before
Key Touring Ideas:
- Checking out the historic Millhouse and man-made spring pool at Juniper Springs
- Hiking the Yearling trail, and visiting other locations mentioned in the book
- Events and Tours at the Barberville Pioneer Settlement
- Check out the Bartram Oak and other sites from his famous book Travels
- Check out the Cracker architecture and ancient history at the Silver River Museum
- Visit Bartram Trail marker sites
Vacationers
Vacationers
Vacationing Traveler
Travelers who want to enjoy the peaceful side of our unique natural surroundings.
- People looking for some peace and quiet off the beaten path, beyond the crowds and long lines of amusement parks
- Those who may want a quiet cabin by a lake, an RV camp in the forest, a place to launch or rent a boat
- Enjoy the more easily accessible experiences, like museums, planned events and special tours.
Key Touring Ideas:
- Gentle paddling at Alexander Springs, Silver Glen Springs, or the Ocklawaha River
- Walking tour of Juniper springs and Fern Hammock Springs
- Glass-bottom boat tours at Silver Springs State Park, or kayaking in the clear water
- Picnics and swimming at Salt Springs
- Museum at Silver River State Park
- Check out family-friendly events at Barberville or other Annual Events