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Paddling A Rainbow
01-18-2018Author :Guest in Guest Blogs
An hour and a half from Orlando lied our destination of Rainbow Springs State Park in Dunnellon, 20 miles southwest of Ocala, Florida. We set off on a Friday morning with our 15 ft. Starcraft AR-ONE in tow and our kayaks strapped to the roof of our SUV. When you are a camper, you know how it feels to just hit the road and find some freedom from the everyday routine.
The Rainbow River is a unique and beautiful area of Florida. There is archeological evidence that this area has sustained human inhabitants for 10,000 years. Mastodon and mammoth fossils were found in the Rainbow River along with relics of American Indians. The area first became popular in the 1880’s when rock phosphate was discovered. A small community named Juliette flourished during this era. In the 1930’s the spring became a tourist destination giving way to man-made waterfalls, a lodge and gift shop. The “heyday” of this park as a tourist attraction occurred when new ownership took over in the 1960’s. The new owner developed the area to include glass-bottom boat rides, river boat rides, a gift shop, a café, an aviary and even a gondola/monorail system. Fortunately, for the future of this spring and its natural environment, tourism dropped off when traffic began using I-75 instead of Highway 41 with many tourist making the new Walt Disney World their go-to destination. The attraction at Rainbow River closed in 1974, shortly after Disney opened its doors. The property sat until the State of Florida purchased it in 1990. Volunteers spent many man-hours clearing the overgrown park, dismantling the original structures and giving life back to this park. The Florida Park Service officially opened Rainbow Springs State Park in March 1995.
(Hawk Landed Right In Front of Me!!)
The state park consists of 1,459 acres. The walking grounds of the day use area are some of the prettiest to be found in the state. The walkways are lined with blooming azaleas in February and March. Magnolias and oaks are plentiful. Many volunteers from the Citizen Support Organization, called Friends of Rainbow Springs, continue to give their time and talents to maintaining the landscaping, man-made small rocky waterfalls, gorgeous flowers and native plant gardens that abound. Whether you come for the day or to camp, this park is worth a visit. The Rainbow River’s crystal clear waters are a sight to behold. It is popular in the summer for swimming and snorkeling but my favorite time for a visit is in the off-season to truly enjoy the peacefulness and scenery this park has to offer. In 1972, the U.S. Department of Interior designated this river as a National Natural Landmark. It is an aquatic preserve and the fourth largest spring in volume of water dispersed in the state, producing approximately 400 to 600 million gallons of looking-glass water daily. The spring makes up the headwaters of the Rainbow River which travels 5.7 miles downstream to where the clear waters then merge with the darker, tannin waters of the Withlacoochee River.
The campground is located approximately 6 miles, via car, from the day use area of the state park and, at one time, was privately owned prior to its purchase by the State of Florida. It is situated, however, only a mile and a half from the headsprings on the river. The campground consists of 60 sites; 7 of the sites are tent-only. The majority of Florida State Parks also allow pets in their campgrounds.
Florida State Parks are popular--period. You are able to make reservations online 11 months in advance, and we find ourselves doing that often. This weekend we had been able to reserve our favorite site in the campground. The next morning, we planned to paddle Rainbow River. I’d made arrangements with a local outfitter, Rainbow River Canoe & Kayak, located in Dunnellon. We dropped our kayaks off at the state park day use area. I waited while my husband, Dave, drove to the Hwy. 484 bridge, only a 6-mile drive from the day use area, and also our take-out point where our car would be waiting for us at the end of our river trip. He was picked up by shuttle and brought back to the state park. We are rather used to finding shuttles throughout the state as there are so many spring runs and rivers here to enjoy. If we kayak with friends, we will all shuttle each other, leaving a car or two at the end and having one of us shuttle those drivers back to the point of beginning for our paddle. It should be noted for this run, however, that if you wish to begin your trip at the state park day use area and use your own canoe or kayak, be prepared to portage your vessel approximately 1,800 to 2,000 feet from the parking area to the launch area.
If you’ve never paddled this river, it’s a must do! It’s a beautiful run and honestly, crystal clear. Rainbow River has strict rules to be followed and for good reason. You are not allowed to take any plastics on the river – recycle-type water bottles and hard food containers only. Naturally, your canoe or kayak must contain a life jacket but this river also wants a whistle in each vessel as well. We feel every river should have these rules. We did not have any whistles but were able to purchase a small plastic whistle for each of us at the park. As we set off, we could see the river grasses flowing under the water as well as the clear sandy bottom. Some areas were deep; others much more shallow. Small fish would skirt along the bottom darting in and out of view. Birds were abundant. Anhinga, cormorant, ibis, coot, a variety of heron and egrets to name a few, call this park and its waters their home. No alligators were spotted on this trip; only a sign stating the warning that one might be lurking nearby. I actually thought it would have been pretty cool to see one, maybe a small one, swimming along the bottom since the waters were so clear. A gorgeous run on a gorgeous day – that pretty much sums it up.
This was our second time on this river. We put in at a different location the year before which made for a longer paddle of about 4 hours. We had paddled from KP Hole, a Marion County Park, upstream to the headwaters then downstream the entire 5.7 miles emptying into the Withlacoochee and just past the Hwy. 484 bridge. We enjoyed that run because we got to spend more time on the river. This current trip only took us from the State Park to the bridge which was about a 2-hour paddle. Still, of course, extremely enjoyable. Both Rainbow River State Park and KP Hole rent canoes or kayaks for the day. If you prefer to paddle downstream, as we do, a local outfitter, such as Rainbow River Canoe & Kayak, can take care of your rental needs while shuttling you to your put-in spot and pick you up at the end of your trip. There are several outfitters in the area.
We made our way back to the campground that afternoon, and I decided to explore a bit more. While Dave was busy at our site, I took a walk on the trail leading down to the river. I spent some time watching the river quietly flow by and was on my way back to camp by taking a shortcut off the trail and through an open treed area that would eventually lead me back on the trail. I take my camera everywhere I can and was very happy to have it in hand the moment I saw a beautiful red-tailed hawk land on the ground 10 feet in front of me. I stopped dead in my tracks and froze so as not to scare him off. I cautiously turned on my camera; he stayed the course just standing in front of me, both of us staring at one another. I took several pictures of him before he flew up to a live oak tree where he sat on the limb just above my head. I continued taking more pictures of him, this time talking to him each time I snapped a photo. He seemed rather intrigued by it all. Dinner time was approaching, and he finally took flight and was off in search of a meal.
That evening was just as pretty as the day had been, and we enjoyed an evening campfire after dinner. The temperature got to a chilly 36 degrees that night for a low. With having grown up in Florida, I certainly appreciate the crispness and having winter to look forward to.
It was another successful weekend for camping and kayaking. We certainly plan to return yet again. Florida has so much to offer and we do our best to search out its natural beauty.
Rainbow River State Park Rainbow River Campground
19158 South West 81st Place Road 10830 SW 180th Avenue Road
Dunnellon, FL 34432 Dunnellon, FL 34432
Nancy Ferri
Orlando, FL
The Rainbow River is a unique and beautiful area of Florida. There is archeological evidence that this area has sustained human inhabitants for 10,000 years. Mastodon and mammoth fossils were found in the Rainbow River along with relics of American Indians. The area first became popular in the 1880’s when rock phosphate was discovered. A small community named Juliette flourished during this era. In the 1930’s the spring became a tourist destination giving way to man-made waterfalls, a lodge and gift shop. The “heyday” of this park as a tourist attraction occurred when new ownership took over in the 1960’s. The new owner developed the area to include glass-bottom boat rides, river boat rides, a gift shop, a café, an aviary and even a gondola/monorail system. Fortunately, for the future of this spring and its natural environment, tourism dropped off when traffic began using I-75 instead of Highway 41 with many tourist making the new Walt Disney World their go-to destination. The attraction at Rainbow River closed in 1974, shortly after Disney opened its doors. The property sat until the State of Florida purchased it in 1990. Volunteers spent many man-hours clearing the overgrown park, dismantling the original structures and giving life back to this park. The Florida Park Service officially opened Rainbow Springs State Park in March 1995.
(Hawk Landed Right In Front of Me!!)
The state park consists of 1,459 acres. The walking grounds of the day use area are some of the prettiest to be found in the state. The walkways are lined with blooming azaleas in February and March. Magnolias and oaks are plentiful. Many volunteers from the Citizen Support Organization, called Friends of Rainbow Springs, continue to give their time and talents to maintaining the landscaping, man-made small rocky waterfalls, gorgeous flowers and native plant gardens that abound. Whether you come for the day or to camp, this park is worth a visit. The Rainbow River’s crystal clear waters are a sight to behold. It is popular in the summer for swimming and snorkeling but my favorite time for a visit is in the off-season to truly enjoy the peacefulness and scenery this park has to offer. In 1972, the U.S. Department of Interior designated this river as a National Natural Landmark. It is an aquatic preserve and the fourth largest spring in volume of water dispersed in the state, producing approximately 400 to 600 million gallons of looking-glass water daily. The spring makes up the headwaters of the Rainbow River which travels 5.7 miles downstream to where the clear waters then merge with the darker, tannin waters of the Withlacoochee River.
The campground is located approximately 6 miles, via car, from the day use area of the state park and, at one time, was privately owned prior to its purchase by the State of Florida. It is situated, however, only a mile and a half from the headsprings on the river. The campground consists of 60 sites; 7 of the sites are tent-only. The majority of Florida State Parks also allow pets in their campgrounds.
Florida State Parks are popular--period. You are able to make reservations online 11 months in advance, and we find ourselves doing that often. This weekend we had been able to reserve our favorite site in the campground. The next morning, we planned to paddle Rainbow River. I’d made arrangements with a local outfitter, Rainbow River Canoe & Kayak, located in Dunnellon. We dropped our kayaks off at the state park day use area. I waited while my husband, Dave, drove to the Hwy. 484 bridge, only a 6-mile drive from the day use area, and also our take-out point where our car would be waiting for us at the end of our river trip. He was picked up by shuttle and brought back to the state park. We are rather used to finding shuttles throughout the state as there are so many spring runs and rivers here to enjoy. If we kayak with friends, we will all shuttle each other, leaving a car or two at the end and having one of us shuttle those drivers back to the point of beginning for our paddle. It should be noted for this run, however, that if you wish to begin your trip at the state park day use area and use your own canoe or kayak, be prepared to portage your vessel approximately 1,800 to 2,000 feet from the parking area to the launch area.
If you’ve never paddled this river, it’s a must do! It’s a beautiful run and honestly, crystal clear. Rainbow River has strict rules to be followed and for good reason. You are not allowed to take any plastics on the river – recycle-type water bottles and hard food containers only. Naturally, your canoe or kayak must contain a life jacket but this river also wants a whistle in each vessel as well. We feel every river should have these rules. We did not have any whistles but were able to purchase a small plastic whistle for each of us at the park. As we set off, we could see the river grasses flowing under the water as well as the clear sandy bottom. Some areas were deep; others much more shallow. Small fish would skirt along the bottom darting in and out of view. Birds were abundant. Anhinga, cormorant, ibis, coot, a variety of heron and egrets to name a few, call this park and its waters their home. No alligators were spotted on this trip; only a sign stating the warning that one might be lurking nearby. I actually thought it would have been pretty cool to see one, maybe a small one, swimming along the bottom since the waters were so clear. A gorgeous run on a gorgeous day – that pretty much sums it up.
This was our second time on this river. We put in at a different location the year before which made for a longer paddle of about 4 hours. We had paddled from KP Hole, a Marion County Park, upstream to the headwaters then downstream the entire 5.7 miles emptying into the Withlacoochee and just past the Hwy. 484 bridge. We enjoyed that run because we got to spend more time on the river. This current trip only took us from the State Park to the bridge which was about a 2-hour paddle. Still, of course, extremely enjoyable. Both Rainbow River State Park and KP Hole rent canoes or kayaks for the day. If you prefer to paddle downstream, as we do, a local outfitter, such as Rainbow River Canoe & Kayak, can take care of your rental needs while shuttling you to your put-in spot and pick you up at the end of your trip. There are several outfitters in the area.
We made our way back to the campground that afternoon, and I decided to explore a bit more. While Dave was busy at our site, I took a walk on the trail leading down to the river. I spent some time watching the river quietly flow by and was on my way back to camp by taking a shortcut off the trail and through an open treed area that would eventually lead me back on the trail. I take my camera everywhere I can and was very happy to have it in hand the moment I saw a beautiful red-tailed hawk land on the ground 10 feet in front of me. I stopped dead in my tracks and froze so as not to scare him off. I cautiously turned on my camera; he stayed the course just standing in front of me, both of us staring at one another. I took several pictures of him before he flew up to a live oak tree where he sat on the limb just above my head. I continued taking more pictures of him, this time talking to him each time I snapped a photo. He seemed rather intrigued by it all. Dinner time was approaching, and he finally took flight and was off in search of a meal.
That evening was just as pretty as the day had been, and we enjoyed an evening campfire after dinner. The temperature got to a chilly 36 degrees that night for a low. With having grown up in Florida, I certainly appreciate the crispness and having winter to look forward to.
It was another successful weekend for camping and kayaking. We certainly plan to return yet again. Florida has so much to offer and we do our best to search out its natural beauty.
Rainbow River State Park Rainbow River Campground
19158 South West 81st Place Road 10830 SW 180th Avenue Road
Dunnellon, FL 34432 Dunnellon, FL 34432
Nancy Ferri
Orlando, FL
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An hour and a half from Orlando lied our destination of Rainbow Springs State Park in Dunnellon, 20 miles southwest of Ocala, Florida. We set off on a Friday morning with our 15 ft. Starcraft AR-ONE in tow and our kayaks strapped to the roof of our SUV. When you are a camper, you know how it feels to just hit the road and find some freedom from the everyday routine.
The Rainbow River is a unique and beautiful area of Florida. There is archeological evidence that this area has sustained human inhabitants for 10,000 years. Mastodon and mammoth fossils were found in the Rainbow River along with relics of American Indians. The area first became popular in the 1880’s when rock phosphate was discovered. A small community named Juliette flourished during this era. In the 1930’s the spring became a tourist destination giving way to man-made waterfalls, a lodge and gift shop. The “heyday” of this park as a tourist attraction occurred when new ownership took over in the 1960’s. The new owner developed the area to include glass-bottom boat rides, river boat rides, a gift shop, a café, an aviary and even a gondola/monorail system. Fortunately, for the future of this spring and its natural environment, tourism dropped off when traffic began using I-75 instead of Highway 41 with many tourist making the new Walt Disney World their go-to destination. The attraction at Rainbow River closed in 1974, shortly after Disney opened its doors. The property sat until the State of Florida purchased it in 1990. Volunteers spent many man-hours clearing the overgrown park, dismantling the original structures and giving life back to this park. The Florida Park Service officially opened Rainbow Springs State Park in March 1995.
(Hawk Landed Right In Front of Me!!)
The state park consists of 1,459 acres. The walking grounds of the day use area are some of the prettiest to be found in the state. The walkways are lined with blooming azaleas in February and March. Magnolias and oaks are plentiful. Many volunteers from the Citizen Support Organization, called Friends of Rainbow Springs, continue to give their time and talents to maintaining the landscaping, man-made small rocky waterfalls, gorgeous flowers and native plant gardens that abound. Whether you come for the day or to camp, this park is worth a visit. The Rainbow River’s crystal clear waters are a sight to behold. It is popular in the summer for swimming and snorkeling but my favorite time for a visit is in the off-season to truly enjoy the peacefulness and scenery this park has to offer. In 1972, the U.S. Department of Interior designated this river as a National Natural Landmark. It is an aquatic preserve and the fourth largest spring in volume of water dispersed in the state, producing approximately 400 to 600 million gallons of looking-glass water daily. The spring makes up the headwaters of the Rainbow River which travels 5.7 miles downstream to where the clear waters then merge with the darker, tannin waters of the Withlacoochee River.
The campground is located approximately 6 miles, via car, from the day use area of the state park and, at one time, was privately owned prior to its purchase by the State of Florida. It is situated, however, only a mile and a half from the headsprings on the river. The campground consists of 60 sites; 7 of the sites are tent-only. The majority of Florida State Parks also allow pets in their campgrounds.
Florida State Parks are popular--period. You are able to make reservations online 11 months in advance, and we find ourselves doing that often. This weekend we had been able to reserve our favorite site in the campground. The next morning, we planned to paddle Rainbow River. I’d made arrangements with a local outfitter, Rainbow River Canoe & Kayak, located in Dunnellon. We dropped our kayaks off at the state park day use area. I waited while my husband, Dave, drove to the Hwy. 484 bridge, only a 6-mile drive from the day use area, and also our take-out point where our car would be waiting for us at the end of our river trip. He was picked up by shuttle and brought back to the state park. We are rather used to finding shuttles throughout the state as there are so many spring runs and rivers here to enjoy. If we kayak with friends, we will all shuttle each other, leaving a car or two at the end and having one of us shuttle those drivers back to the point of beginning for our paddle. It should be noted for this run, however, that if you wish to begin your trip at the state park day use area and use your own canoe or kayak, be prepared to portage your vessel approximately 1,800 to 2,000 feet from the parking area to the launch area.
If you’ve never paddled this river, it’s a must do! It’s a beautiful run and honestly, crystal clear. Rainbow River has strict rules to be followed and for good reason. You are not allowed to take any plastics on the river – recycle-type water bottles and hard food containers only. Naturally, your canoe or kayak must contain a life jacket but this river also wants a whistle in each vessel as well. We feel every river should have these rules. We did not have any whistles but were able to purchase a small plastic whistle for each of us at the park. As we set off, we could see the river grasses flowing under the water as well as the clear sandy bottom. Some areas were deep; others much more shallow. Small fish would skirt along the bottom darting in and out of view. Birds were abundant. Anhinga, cormorant, ibis, coot, a variety of heron and egrets to name a few, call this park and its waters their home. No alligators were spotted on this trip; only a sign stating the warning that one might be lurking nearby. I actually thought it would have been pretty cool to see one, maybe a small one, swimming along the bottom since the waters were so clear. A gorgeous run on a gorgeous day – that pretty much sums it up.
This was our second time on this river. We put in at a different location the year before which made for a longer paddle of about 4 hours. We had paddled from KP Hole, a Marion County Park, upstream to the headwaters then downstream the entire 5.7 miles emptying into the Withlacoochee and just past the Hwy. 484 bridge. We enjoyed that run because we got to spend more time on the river. This current trip only took us from the State Park to the bridge which was about a 2-hour paddle. Still, of course, extremely enjoyable. Both Rainbow River State Park and KP Hole rent canoes or kayaks for the day. If you prefer to paddle downstream, as we do, a local outfitter, such as Rainbow River Canoe & Kayak, can take care of your rental needs while shuttling you to your put-in spot and pick you up at the end of your trip. There are several outfitters in the area.
We made our way back to the campground that afternoon, and I decided to explore a bit more. While Dave was busy at our site, I took a walk on the trail leading down to the river. I spent some time watching the river quietly flow by and was on my way back to camp by taking a shortcut off the trail and through an open treed area that would eventually lead me back on the trail. I take my camera everywhere I can and was very happy to have it in hand the moment I saw a beautiful red-tailed hawk land on the ground 10 feet in front of me. I stopped dead in my tracks and froze so as not to scare him off. I cautiously turned on my camera; he stayed the course just standing in front of me, both of us staring at one another. I took several pictures of him before he flew up to a live oak tree where he sat on the limb just above my head. I continued taking more pictures of him, this time talking to him each time I snapped a photo. He seemed rather intrigued by it all. Dinner time was approaching, and he finally took flight and was off in search of a meal.
That evening was just as pretty as the day had been, and we enjoyed an evening campfire after dinner. The temperature got to a chilly 36 degrees that night for a low. With having grown up in Florida, I certainly appreciate the crispness and having winter to look forward to.
It was another successful weekend for camping and kayaking. We certainly plan to return yet again. Florida has so much to offer and we do our best to search out its natural beauty.
Rainbow River State Park Rainbow River Campground
19158 South West 81st Place Road 10830 SW 180th Avenue Road
Dunnellon, FL 34432 Dunnellon, FL 34432
Nancy Ferri
Orlando, FL
The Rainbow River is a unique and beautiful area of Florida. There is archeological evidence that this area has sustained human inhabitants for 10,000 years. Mastodon and mammoth fossils were found in the Rainbow River along with relics of American Indians. The area first became popular in the 1880’s when rock phosphate was discovered. A small community named Juliette flourished during this era. In the 1930’s the spring became a tourist destination giving way to man-made waterfalls, a lodge and gift shop. The “heyday” of this park as a tourist attraction occurred when new ownership took over in the 1960’s. The new owner developed the area to include glass-bottom boat rides, river boat rides, a gift shop, a café, an aviary and even a gondola/monorail system. Fortunately, for the future of this spring and its natural environment, tourism dropped off when traffic began using I-75 instead of Highway 41 with many tourist making the new Walt Disney World their go-to destination. The attraction at Rainbow River closed in 1974, shortly after Disney opened its doors. The property sat until the State of Florida purchased it in 1990. Volunteers spent many man-hours clearing the overgrown park, dismantling the original structures and giving life back to this park. The Florida Park Service officially opened Rainbow Springs State Park in March 1995.
(Hawk Landed Right In Front of Me!!)
The state park consists of 1,459 acres. The walking grounds of the day use area are some of the prettiest to be found in the state. The walkways are lined with blooming azaleas in February and March. Magnolias and oaks are plentiful. Many volunteers from the Citizen Support Organization, called Friends of Rainbow Springs, continue to give their time and talents to maintaining the landscaping, man-made small rocky waterfalls, gorgeous flowers and native plant gardens that abound. Whether you come for the day or to camp, this park is worth a visit. The Rainbow River’s crystal clear waters are a sight to behold. It is popular in the summer for swimming and snorkeling but my favorite time for a visit is in the off-season to truly enjoy the peacefulness and scenery this park has to offer. In 1972, the U.S. Department of Interior designated this river as a National Natural Landmark. It is an aquatic preserve and the fourth largest spring in volume of water dispersed in the state, producing approximately 400 to 600 million gallons of looking-glass water daily. The spring makes up the headwaters of the Rainbow River which travels 5.7 miles downstream to where the clear waters then merge with the darker, tannin waters of the Withlacoochee River.
The campground is located approximately 6 miles, via car, from the day use area of the state park and, at one time, was privately owned prior to its purchase by the State of Florida. It is situated, however, only a mile and a half from the headsprings on the river. The campground consists of 60 sites; 7 of the sites are tent-only. The majority of Florida State Parks also allow pets in their campgrounds.
Florida State Parks are popular--period. You are able to make reservations online 11 months in advance, and we find ourselves doing that often. This weekend we had been able to reserve our favorite site in the campground. The next morning, we planned to paddle Rainbow River. I’d made arrangements with a local outfitter, Rainbow River Canoe & Kayak, located in Dunnellon. We dropped our kayaks off at the state park day use area. I waited while my husband, Dave, drove to the Hwy. 484 bridge, only a 6-mile drive from the day use area, and also our take-out point where our car would be waiting for us at the end of our river trip. He was picked up by shuttle and brought back to the state park. We are rather used to finding shuttles throughout the state as there are so many spring runs and rivers here to enjoy. If we kayak with friends, we will all shuttle each other, leaving a car or two at the end and having one of us shuttle those drivers back to the point of beginning for our paddle. It should be noted for this run, however, that if you wish to begin your trip at the state park day use area and use your own canoe or kayak, be prepared to portage your vessel approximately 1,800 to 2,000 feet from the parking area to the launch area.
If you’ve never paddled this river, it’s a must do! It’s a beautiful run and honestly, crystal clear. Rainbow River has strict rules to be followed and for good reason. You are not allowed to take any plastics on the river – recycle-type water bottles and hard food containers only. Naturally, your canoe or kayak must contain a life jacket but this river also wants a whistle in each vessel as well. We feel every river should have these rules. We did not have any whistles but were able to purchase a small plastic whistle for each of us at the park. As we set off, we could see the river grasses flowing under the water as well as the clear sandy bottom. Some areas were deep; others much more shallow. Small fish would skirt along the bottom darting in and out of view. Birds were abundant. Anhinga, cormorant, ibis, coot, a variety of heron and egrets to name a few, call this park and its waters their home. No alligators were spotted on this trip; only a sign stating the warning that one might be lurking nearby. I actually thought it would have been pretty cool to see one, maybe a small one, swimming along the bottom since the waters were so clear. A gorgeous run on a gorgeous day – that pretty much sums it up.
This was our second time on this river. We put in at a different location the year before which made for a longer paddle of about 4 hours. We had paddled from KP Hole, a Marion County Park, upstream to the headwaters then downstream the entire 5.7 miles emptying into the Withlacoochee and just past the Hwy. 484 bridge. We enjoyed that run because we got to spend more time on the river. This current trip only took us from the State Park to the bridge which was about a 2-hour paddle. Still, of course, extremely enjoyable. Both Rainbow River State Park and KP Hole rent canoes or kayaks for the day. If you prefer to paddle downstream, as we do, a local outfitter, such as Rainbow River Canoe & Kayak, can take care of your rental needs while shuttling you to your put-in spot and pick you up at the end of your trip. There are several outfitters in the area.
We made our way back to the campground that afternoon, and I decided to explore a bit more. While Dave was busy at our site, I took a walk on the trail leading down to the river. I spent some time watching the river quietly flow by and was on my way back to camp by taking a shortcut off the trail and through an open treed area that would eventually lead me back on the trail. I take my camera everywhere I can and was very happy to have it in hand the moment I saw a beautiful red-tailed hawk land on the ground 10 feet in front of me. I stopped dead in my tracks and froze so as not to scare him off. I cautiously turned on my camera; he stayed the course just standing in front of me, both of us staring at one another. I took several pictures of him before he flew up to a live oak tree where he sat on the limb just above my head. I continued taking more pictures of him, this time talking to him each time I snapped a photo. He seemed rather intrigued by it all. Dinner time was approaching, and he finally took flight and was off in search of a meal.
That evening was just as pretty as the day had been, and we enjoyed an evening campfire after dinner. The temperature got to a chilly 36 degrees that night for a low. With having grown up in Florida, I certainly appreciate the crispness and having winter to look forward to.
It was another successful weekend for camping and kayaking. We certainly plan to return yet again. Florida has so much to offer and we do our best to search out its natural beauty.
Rainbow River State Park Rainbow River Campground
19158 South West 81st Place Road 10830 SW 180th Avenue Road
Dunnellon, FL 34432 Dunnellon, FL 34432
Nancy Ferri
Orlando, FL
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