Natural Springs Must-Do Activities in Marion County

Here are Marion County's top must-do activities for natural spring lovers.

For natural parks and springs that feel far from the hustle and bustle but are centrally located and easy to visit, the top eco-tourism destinations of Ocala/Marion County in Florida should not be missed. Home of the famous Ocala National Forest and other popular parks, this area invites visitors to explore more than 600 lakes, rivers, and springs, including those in Rainbow Springs, Silver Springs, Juniper Springs, Silver Glen Springs, Salt Springs and Paradise Springs. Each one features special activities that are ideal for nature lovers of all ages.

1. Rainbow Springs

Throughout the summer, eco-tourists come early in the morning for a two-hour float along the Rainbow Springs. Even though tubing is not allowed at the headsprings of the state park, the crystal waters are so popular that the park often reaches maximum capacity by mid-morning on weekends and holidays. Tubes — and shuttles back — can be rented from KP Hole® from April 1-September 30. Rainbow Springs is the fourth largest in the state and is popular for snorkeling, swimming, and picnicking too.

Paddle Rainbow River

2. Paradise Springs

Featuring cavern walls covered with prehistoric fossils, Paradise Springs is an amazing scuba dive spot. In clear waters that hover around 72 degrees, divers can discover an underground stream as well as fossilized sand dollars, sea biscuits, and other marine life remains. The cavern is interesting for both newly certified open divers and experienced cave divers alike.

Scuba Dive in Paradise Springs

3. Silver Springs

Want to explore underwater without getting wet? Take a tour of Silver Springs on the park’s famous glass-bottom boat. The clear spring water allows for a majestic view of marine life in this national natural landmark. With one restaurant in the park and plenty of lodging nearby, Silver Springs is also a popular wedding destination.

Glass-Bottom boat rides

4. Juniper Springs

Named one of the top 25 canoe runs in America by ReserveAmerica, Juniper Run is just one of the highlights of Juniper Springs. Rent a kayak from the recreation area after a jump in the springs or camping in the private, lush grounds, which feature trails constructed in the mid-1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps. The historic Juniper Springs Millhouse is also noteworthy, with its functional and charming wooden waterwheel.

Kayak near Juniper Springs

5. Silver Glen Springs

Tucked in the Ocala National Forest near the west side of Lake George, Silver Glen Springs is a favorite locations for swimming and snorkeling. You won't be the only one swimming around enjoying the crystal clear waters. You are almost guaranteed to see the large school of striped bass that like to hang out by the main spring outflow hole, not to mention, turtles, manatees in the winter months, and otters. The marked swimming area is free of boats.

Snorkel in Silver Glen Springs

6. Salt Springs

What makes Salt Springs unique? It’s all in the name. The presence of potassium, magnesium and sodium salts give the waters in the spring a slight salinity. Located in the northern part of the Ocala National Forest, Salt Springs is another popular spring for swimming as there are large rock formations where the spring feeds into Salt Run. You can easily spend a couple days in the area, swimming, fishing, paddling and stay at Salt Springs Campground, the biggest campground in the Ocala National Forest.

Swim in Salt Springs