Top 5 Natural Wonders for Canoers & Kayakers
As a destination with more than 600 lakes, rivers and springs, it is no wonder that Ocala/Marion County is the perfect place to enjoy a day on the water!
The area is ideal for boaters, kayakers, canoers and tubers alike to drift along the glassy, cool waters in picturesque surroundings. With so many options to be found, we took the time to highlight some of the best spots in the destination to kick back and float.
1. Rainbow River
Anchored by the stunning natural landmark of Rainbow Springs State Park, the Rainbow River in Dunnellon is a family-friendly river shimmering with silver and turquoise hues, surrounded by towering palm trees, ferns, gardens, and waterfalls. The river maintains a cool 72-degree temperature year-round, perfect for a refresh from those balmy Florida days. It’s the perfect place to enjoy swimming, snorkeling, tubing, canoeing, kayaking, and paddleboarding.
Rainbow Springs State Park is open 8 a.m. to sunset and has a variety of amenities including parking, restroom, showers, picnic pavilions, concession and restaurants, a playground and more.. There is a $5 entrance fee per vehicle for up to 8 passengers, and a $2 fee to enter the headsprings for guests ages 6 and older.
KP Hole Park is also on the spring-fed Rainbow River and is open 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. in summer and 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. in winter. The crystal-clear waters are the perfect place for snorkeling, tubing, canoeing, diving, and boating. KP Hole also has an entrance fee of $5 per user and hand-launch vessels, $20 per motorized vessel, and $25 per person for a tubing package that includes entry fee, tube rental, and return shuttle service.
![](https://ocala.imgix.net/images/blog-images/Rainbow-River-Kayaker-@stefanigarcia-Instagram_77a996cadb6acd997fdd4924ba23cc85.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=320&s=dc1ee8ea2a8fea87f141ea35e47ba496 320w, https://ocala.imgix.net/images/blog-images/Rainbow-River-Kayaker-@stefanigarcia-Instagram_77a996cadb6acd997fdd4924ba23cc85.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=540&s=2764766675d5a5846df4e2ca6e0edddf 540w, https://ocala.imgix.net/images/blog-images/Rainbow-River-Kayaker-@stefanigarcia-Instagram_77a996cadb6acd997fdd4924ba23cc85.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=768&s=1d7fd5d2f5af450f9367e21732b57df6 734w)
2. Silver River
Silver River is fed directly by Silver Springs, which is the largest natural artesian spring in the world, producing 550 million gallons of water per day. Located in Silver Springs State Park, the river itself allows kayakers, canoers, and paddle boarders to experience a natural forest surrounded by some of the state’s best-managed sandhills. Here, the clear waters and lush subtropical vegetation make this one of the most scenic rivers in Florida. Wildlife abounds at the river with manatees, turtles, otters, ospreys, anhingas, and more all seen along the banks.. Silver Springs State Park is the best access point for the Silver River, as it is home to a variety of amenities for boaters including canoe and kayak launches, paddling, rentals, shower stations, restrooms, and more.
The park is open from 8 a.m. to sundown 365 days a year, and a $2 per person fee is required for entrance. A fee of $4 is imposed for launching personal canoes or kayaks.
![](https://ocala.imgix.net/images/blog-images/Sivler-River-@tessa.skiles-Instagram_77a996cadb6acd997fdd4924ba23cc85.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=320&s=85cbf8f626c43fdf44641019b164b296 320w, https://ocala.imgix.net/images/blog-images/Sivler-River-@tessa.skiles-Instagram_77a996cadb6acd997fdd4924ba23cc85.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=540&s=897aa9a0beeb8705612a191c24e54bec 540w, https://ocala.imgix.net/images/blog-images/Sivler-River-@tessa.skiles-Instagram_77a996cadb6acd997fdd4924ba23cc85.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=768&s=795738977b9188df39659c69e157541e 750w)
3. Juniper Run
Juniper Run is ideal for more experienced paddlers seeking a true aquatic adventure. This natural flowing spring is one of the top canoe runs in America, set under a dense canopy of old-growth forest. At about 7 miles long, the run provides an exciting and challenging day on the water. The first 1.5 miles are beautiful – swift, narrow and winding, with crystal clear, shallow waters. The middle section alternates between wider, deeper water and narrower runs, including a short rapid. At the bottom, it expands into impressive wetlands before arriving at Juniper Wayside. The entire trip can take anywhere from 4-5 hours. A variety of wildlife can be spotted along the banks including deer, otters, raccoons, alligators, birds, and black bears. Our tip: arrive early as the run can get very crowded, especially on the weekends. The Juniper Springs Recreation Area boasts picnic tables, toilets, drinking water and parking.
The canoe launch at Juniper Springs Recreation Area opens at 8 a.m. The latest you can arrive to launch a rented canoe and be picked up by the shuttle at the other end is 11:45 a.m. With your own canoe and self-shuttle, last launch is 4 to 5 hours before sunset. Canoe rentals are available at the concession stand until 11:30 a.m. In addition, no plastic bags or disposable containers are allowed including items such as chip bags and candy wrappers. Fees for the run are $42.00 per canoe or $47.00 per tandem kayak, which includes shuttle transportation. If you bring your own canoe or kayak, a $12 reverse re-haul fee is imposed and reservations are a must!
![](https://ocala.imgix.net/images/blog-images/Juniper-Run-@robert_doll1225-Instagram_77a996cadb6acd997fdd4924ba23cc85.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=320&s=deed1681f67ab9ec694aaa1261e05155 320w, https://ocala.imgix.net/images/blog-images/Juniper-Run-@robert_doll1225-Instagram_77a996cadb6acd997fdd4924ba23cc85.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=540&s=c02d00086db1a0679d78287b7e9701ac 540w, https://ocala.imgix.net/images/blog-images/Juniper-Run-@robert_doll1225-Instagram_77a996cadb6acd997fdd4924ba23cc85.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=768&s=b42f665a7f7c63dd51eefde718106de4 750w)
4. Silver Glen Springs
The Silver Glen Springs recreation area features a beautiful freshwater spring run and an important archaeological site, letting you experience the wild natural landscape with a taste of significant Florida history. Perched on the border of the Ocala National Forest’s Big Scrub, the sparkling clear waters remain a refreshing 72°F year-round. You can enjoy kayaking and canoeing as well as swimming and snorkeling in the tranquil spring, and the surrounding recreation area offers amenities such as drinking water, portable toilets, picnic tables and parking. During the summer months, Silver Glen Springs receives a high volume of visitors and life jackets or flotation devices are highly recommended for less experienced swimmers. Boats are not allowed in the swimming and snorkeling area.
The recreation area is open from 8 a.m. - 8 p.m. with some seasonal variation. Entry costs $6 per person and on-site canoe rentals are available, but if you bring your own canoe or kayak, you can use the park launch at no additional charge.
![](https://ocala.imgix.net/images/blog-images/Silver-Glen-Springs-@georgiadronepros-Instagram_77a996cadb6acd997fdd4924ba23cc85.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=320&s=28cdcba5947cfbab4707d3bbe47268e8 320w, https://ocala.imgix.net/images/blog-images/Silver-Glen-Springs-@georgiadronepros-Instagram_77a996cadb6acd997fdd4924ba23cc85.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=540&s=8cbef70aaaf8f562c1f2ea4db7670aae 540w, https://ocala.imgix.net/images/blog-images/Silver-Glen-Springs-@georgiadronepros-Instagram_77a996cadb6acd997fdd4924ba23cc85.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=768&s=603d7218afea16f42a55cf3cd7abc273 750w)
5. Salt Springs
Salt Springs is another popular spring located in the lush, semi-tropical landscape of the Ocala National Forest. This recreational jewel is named after the naturally occurring minerals that rise to the surface from deep natural fissures in the earth, providing a slight salinity not found in other nearby springs. Boats and canoes can be rented at the Salt Springs Marina, or guests with their own canoes and boats can launch using the Marina’s ramp or the gravel ramp located at the back of the recreation area’s campground. The regulations of the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission apply to freshwater boating and fishing along the Salt Springs Run. In addition to boating and fishing, be sure to take a dip in the glittering blue-green waters of the Salt Springs basin within clearly marked areas.
The recreation area is open from 8 a.m. - 8 p.m. with some seasonal variation. The Salt Springs Recreation area's day use fee is just $6.50 per person and includes use of the park amenities, including bathrooms and picnic tables. Parking at the Salt Springs Marina costs $10. Powerboats are not permitted in the spring area, and boaters and anglers are not permitted to enter the swimming area.
![](https://ocala.imgix.net/images/blog-images/Salt-Springs-OcalaMarion_77a996cadb6acd997fdd4924ba23cc85.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=320&s=10a96a9c6ebc1756984b3059e2a41460 320w, https://ocala.imgix.net/images/blog-images/Salt-Springs-OcalaMarion_77a996cadb6acd997fdd4924ba23cc85.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=540&s=8a1bfb1e12f007f5d2ed76ecd41b8ddd 540w, https://ocala.imgix.net/images/blog-images/Salt-Springs-OcalaMarion_77a996cadb6acd997fdd4924ba23cc85.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=768&s=28998355be098f621efc2218522d8f43 750w)
There is no shortage of spots to enjoy a day on the water in Ocala/Marion County! From lakes to springs to rivers, the destination offers up plenty of options to cool down in real Florida. Remember, with most places having no lifeguards on duty, swimmers should be comfortable in the water or use flotation devices. So grab your tube, kayak or canoe and plan a perfect day on the water!
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