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Latest update: August 2022

Rainbow River... Florida

Kayaking a Popular FL Spring Run

Rainbow Springs, a first magnitude spring (the fourth-largest in Florida), forms the Rainbow River which winds with an easy current for almost 6 miles to the Withlacoochee River. A designated Outstanding Florida Waterway, the entire river was named as a Registered National Landmark in 1972. Exceptional water clarity makes this run popular with tubers and snorkelers, especially on weekends and holidays. (Detailed map and photos below.)

Paddling Map
Rainbow River

Distance: 6 miles
Location: Marion County (Dunnellon)
Difficulty: Easy
Tidal: No
Launch points: Rainbow Springs State Park (bring wheels!), K.P. Hole County Park, Blue Run of Dunnellon Park, Centennial Park Boat Ramp (See map)
Nearby points of interest: Crystal River/Kings Bay, Ocala National Forest

Rentals/Outfitters/Tours:

Easy Peasy Mobile Kayak Rental (kayak / paddleboard rental, mobile pickup/delivery)
KP Hole County Park ( kayak / tube / paddleboard rentals)
Rainbow Springs State Park (kayak / canoe rentals)
Rainbow River Kayak Adventures (kayak / tube rentals)
Rainbow River Canoe and Kayak (kayak / paddleboard rentals)
Rainbow River Water Taxi (pontoon boat shuttle - diving, snorkeling, tubing, sightseeing)

Support and Advocacy:

Rainbow River Conservation, Inc.
Friends of Rainbow Springs

 Page Summary:

1. Paddling on the Rainbow River
2. KP Hole upstream to Rainbow Springs State Park
   - KP Hole County Park
   - On the River
   - Rainbow Springs State Park
3. Blue Run of Dunnellon Park to Withlacoochee River
   - At the Launch
   - On the River
   - Blue Run of Dunnellon Park
4. Wildlife
5. Some History
6. More Information and Resources

Paddling on the Rainbow River... Comments and Photos

A few more springs feed the river with no runoff tributaries, so the water is crystal clear for viewing the underwater world. Ideal for kayak, canoe, or paddleboard. Very popular for tubing, especially in the season April to October - to avoid the tuber jams, paddle in the fall and winter. Little or no shade, plan 0n cooling off with a dip or two as you explore. Devil's Elbow, the deepest point, is a popular scuba diving area. Boating is allowed so keep aware, but the entire river is an idle speed/no wake zone.

Signs along the riverside include a list of prohibited items:

KP Hole Park upstream to Rainbow Springs State Park
(3 miles round-trip)

KP Hole County Park (9435 SW 190th Ave. Road) is a good launching spot for Rainbow River, served by several outfitters. Tubing is very popular here, especially in the summer. Facilities include parking, restrooms, picnicking, swimming, boat ramp, concession and rentals. Parking is at the park, with overflow across the road. Park fee applies.

We paddled about 1.5 miles upstream to the State Park, and back. An easy paddle, a short detour onto a scenic side stream was a bonus.

KP Hole County Park

KP Hole County Park

Ramp/launch

Onto the river

Kayak rentals

 

Tubing shuttle

Concessions

To swim area

Parking

On the River

Launching at KP Hole County Park

Along the river

Tubers

 

 

Homes along the river

Water taxi

Snorkeling

Pretty side stream

At the State Park swimming hole

Rainbow Springs State Park

Rainbow Springs is Florida's 4th largest spring and one of the most beautiful with crystal clear blue-green water, forming the headwaters of the Rainbow River. The 72-degree spring is popular for swimming and snorkeling, and the river for tubing and kayaking. The 1,470-acre park is exceptionally scenic, with paved walkways winding through the gardens and to the waterfalls, and a 2.5 mile nature trail. Other activities include camping, picnicking, and birding. The Visitor Center has restrooms, snack bar, and gift shop. On weekends and especially in the summer, the park and river can be very crowded. State Park fee applies.

Visitors may launch their own vessel. From the parking area, it's about 1,800 feet to the launch, requiring portage - for that reason, we launched at KP Hole County Park. The launch is just past the swimming area, with kayak, canoe, and paddleboard rentals available.

To the Launch

From the parking area

 

Past swimming area

 

To rentals, launch

 

 

 

Rainbow Springs State Park

From entry point

Start of river at headspring

 

Swimming area

Walkways through gardens

 

Waterfall

 

Parking

Blue Run of Dunnellon Park to Withlacoochee River
(2 miles round-trip)

Blue Run of Dunnellon Park (19680 E. Pennsylvania Ave./SR 484) provides a free kayak launch onto the Rainbow River and is a tuber takeout from the river. A boardwalk leads from the staging area to the launch, about 200 feet. We paddled upstream a short distance, and then downstream to juncture with the Withlacoochee River. Upstream, many tubers are seen. The tuber exit is at the Park, so continuing downstream are only paddlers and boats. Homes are located along the north riverbank in this section, while the south side is more natural. An easy paddle.

At the Launch

Staging area

Boardwalk to launch

 

Launch area

On the River

Upstream from the park

Swampy's, tubers

Tubers approaching SR 484 bridge

Under the bridge

Launch

Downstream

 

Homes

 

Junction with Withlacoochee River

Blue Run of Dunnellon Park

Facilities at Blue Run of Dunnellon Park include parking, porta-potties and walking/nature trails. No fees. Parking at the main entrance off SR 484 is limited, overflow and trailer parking is available around the corner at a lot on San Jose Blvd. (1/4 mile by car with a 1/10 mile walking trail back to the launch). A connector biking/walking path leads to the Dunnellon Trail, part of the Marjorie Harris Carr Cross Florida Greenway. Across the SR 484 bridge, Swampy's Bar & Grille is a popular spot for food and beverage.

Wildlife

The river, a State Aquatic Preserve, boasts abundant wildlife including alligators, turtles, otters, raccoons, deer, and birds such as hawks, owls and various waterfowl.

Some History

Archaeological finds at Rainbow Springs date back 10,000 years. In the early 20th century, the area was mined for phosphates, then developed as a tourist attraction in the 1930's. The three picturesque waterfalls are manmade, built on phosphate tailings. Later acquired by the State and opening as a State Park in 1990, the land around the spring has largely been returned to a natural state though the gardens and waterfalls of the original attraction have been preserved.

More Information and Resources

Nearby Paddling:

Withlacoochee River
Crystal River/Kings Bay

Nearby Biking:

Dunnellon Trail
Marjorie Harris Carr Cross Florida Greenway
Inglis Dam Recreation Area

Related Resources:

Florida State Parks - Rainbow Springs State Park
Marion County - KP Hole County Park
City of Dunnellon - City Parks
    (Scroll to Blue Run of Dunnellon Park)