Location: Dunnellon
Top Things to do in Dunnellon
Top Restaurants in Dunnellon
Countries
Top 9 Things to do in Dunnellon, United States
Dunnellon is a city in Marion County, Florida, United States. The population was 1,733 at the 2010 census. It is part of the Ocala Metropolitan Statistical Area.
Restaurants in Dunnellon
1. Rainbow River
Overall Ratings
5 based on 429 reviews
Reviewed By KellyWoo - Connecticut
There is a fair amount to say about this place. First, the grounds are beautiful for casual walking. A nice mix of man-crafted waterfalls and gardens and wild space. Second, there is the swimming in the headwaters of the Rainbow River. Ths is pretty cool as you swim and can snorkel and see the water coming out of the earth, but honestly, the swim area is just that..for swimming. There is not much to snorkel and the ground is bare of vegetation. We spent most of the time diving down to touch the fissures and taking pictures of the turtles and fish outside of the swimming area. The gift shop is pretty lame but the availability of getting a lunch is cool. Most of the people there are clearly retired and volunteers which proved either nice or abrupt.
Some tips: make sure your dog is on a leash and be prepared to have no longer than a 7 foot leash. There are many locals who walk their dogs here and they have strict policies. Also, do not bring the dog if you intend to swim as they are not allowed on the docks.
The walkways are paved and easy, just a warning that there are some minor hills for those with mobility issues or strollers.
2. Rainbow Springs State Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 665 reviews
Reviewed By sapagp
Great scenery, beautiful river, be sure and rent glass bottom boat and tour river. River is very clear able to see bottom and many fish throughout entire length of trip.
Wildlife along river banks. Snorkeling and scuba diving also offered. Fishing along river, tubing, canoeing, kayaking and swimming. Clean restrooms offered at KP Docks.
3. K.P. Hole County Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 169 reviews
Park With Beach And Restrooms For Entering Rainbow River
Reviewed By Siteseer1 - Jacksonville, Florida
We went to KP hole to do the 4 hour tubing trip. We have been to other springs and most others have a swift flow, not KP, it was a very lazy trip, with many non moving areas, it took 4 hours with us paddling through the dead spots. Lots of nice scenery, mostly peoples back yards. Make sure you bring some snacks and drinks on the river you will need them. Also get there early in order to park close.
4. Happy Acres Ranch
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 12 reviews
Beautiful horse ranch in the heart of Florida horse country. We have vacation rentals, boarding for horses, trail rides and riding lessons available. We are centrally located to all horse venues including Florida Horse Park, Ocala Breeders Sales and HITS (Horse Shows in the Sun) and the beautiful Rainbow River.
Reviewed By Sebastian S - Herford, Germany
Das waren wirklich geniale Tage auf der Happy Acres Ranch!!! Had such a great time!!! We stayed with Jim at Happy Acres for 2 days and slept in the Stage Coach Camper which was really comfortable, clean and had a well equipped kitchen...overall just everything you need to enjoy time on the ranch. It was super to get away from all the other tourists at the coast and just relax. Jim took us for a trailride which was awesome and we went tubing on Rainbow River which is really close by. Great times!!! Danke Jim :)
5. Blue Run of Dunnellon Park
Overall Ratings
5 based on 7 reviews
Reviewed By Darlene G - Ocala, Florida, United States
We brown bagged our breakfast and walked to the pedestrian bridge for sunrise. So quiet, & peaceful! The path actually takes you over the river to 2 other parking entrance areas. Locals love to walk and bike the paved main trails and the meandering paths through the woods.
We saw cardinals, hawks, pileated woodpeckers, and numerous other birds. You may also see gators, herons, cranes, squirrels and other wildlife depending on the time of day and season
6. Ross Prairie Trailhead
Overall Ratings
4 based on 14 reviews
Part of the Ross Prairie State Forest managed by the Office of Greenways & Trails
Reviewed By FlaHarlock - Tavares, Florida
Great trailhead that services hikers, horses, and campers as well. Holly Hammock Trail begins here. It is a 2.3 mile loop hiking trail that's listed on the Florida Trailwalker's Program. Beautiful trail with lots of wildlife. There is also a primitive campsite located on this trail. My dog Buc and I hiked the entire loop in less than an hour. That's with me slowing Buc down to take lots of photos. Trailhead has ample parking, clean restrooms, and a nice picnic area. All for the low, low price of.. FREE!
Highly recommended!
7. Halpata Tastanaki Preserve
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 4 reviews
Reviewed By FlaHarlock - Tavares, Florida
I've hiked here several times now and have never seen another person. It's 8,000 acres of complete serenity. Tons of wildlife. I've seen deer, jackrabbit, fox, eagle, bobcat, even a baby rattlesnake. Trails are well marked and maps are available at the trail entrance. Parking is at Pruitt Trailhead. Picnic area and port-o-pot there also. Water for dogs and horses, but none potable. Spectacular place to watch the sunrise (see photos). As a bonus, there's a plane wreck located in the forest. Crashed here in 2014 and the wreckage remains. Kinda spooky to walk up on. There are also ruins here from a previous homestead. Something for everyone. SWFWMD has done an amazing job preserving this land and maintaining the trails. FREE!
Highly recommended!
I suggest bringing water and a camera. I've experienced no insects so far but the rainy season is approaching. Bugspray may be required eventually.
8. Pruitt Trailhead
Overall Ratings
5 based on 1 reviews
Reviewed By FlaHarlock - Tavares, Florida
Spent the morning hiking with my bff Buc. Started at Pruitt where there is FREE parking, water for Buc (not for humans), and a restroom (port-o-pot). Once you hit the FNST is when the magic starts. Nicely blazed (always in orange) and well maintained. Don't miss Stonehenge, a memorial to Mark Pruitt, at the beginning of the trail. A lot of this hike is up on a ridge. I would guess at least 30 ft above the rest of the forest. Spectacular! Round trip to Ross Prairie is 12 miles. Ross Prairie has real restrooms and drinking water. Amazing hike! Saw deer, jackrabbit, eagle, hawk, and a pack of wild hogs. Round trip took just over 4 hours. Ran into 2 other hikers all morning.. Perfect!
Highly recommended!
9. Johnson Pond Trailhead
Overall Ratings
5 based on 1 reviews
Reviewed By FlaHarlock - Tavares, Florida
Hiked this trail early on a Saturday morning with my bff Buc. Small parking area that holds maybe 6 cars at most. No worries for me because there was no one here. Trail is nicely blazed and well maintained. Approximate 3 mile loop. Tons of wildlife. Ran into two deer and we were only 1/4 mile in. The forest is beautiful and Johnson Pond is the crown jewel. Spectacular cypress trees line the pond area and there's a really nice observation deck. As a bonus.. We ran in to "Hike with Mike" from YouTube. He was looking for a fire ant mound to put his arm in and record the bites as a warning to hikers. Great guy! This entire area is incredible and if you are a hiker it's definitely worth a visit. Especially for the price.. FREE! Thank you Florida Forest Service!
Highly recommended!
No facilities at trailhead so bring water and an empty bladder.
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