The Best Hiking Trails in Rainbow Springs State Park
Rainbow Springs State Park cabins are offsite and within five miles of a range of nature trails and garden walks that are teeming with life and beautiful blooms. Take in one or all of the garden pathways or explore the 2.5-mile nature trail.
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1. Nature trail
Take a 2.5-mile long hike from the visitor center through the oak hammock and sandhill landscapes. This trail winds back behind the garden area and offers river overlooks.
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2. Garden walkways
Although steep and uneven in places, these historic pathways give you the chance to see Florida gardens at their finest. Arrive at the right time and see azaleas and magnolias in full bloom, or snap photos of three humanmade waterfalls and river views.
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3. Native garden walk
While visiting Rainbow Springs State Park, don't forget to follow the walkways through the cultural gardens to the native garden, which is a haven for butterflies and hummingbirds.
The Best Family Activities in Rainbow Springs State Park
With the fourth-largest spring in Florida, Rainbow Springs isn't short of family-friendly activities on the water. Canoeing and kayaking are always popular, and you can also tube down the river. Elsewhere, there are plenty of picnic areas, an onsite concession stand, and seasonal ranger-led programmes. Also, the park is a geocaching site.
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1. Birdwatching
Find out more about the local wildlife when visiting Rainbow Springs State Park. The varying habitats through the trails or riverside offer great opportunities for bird watching. A park birding list or monthly guided walks are available to help you make the most of the experience.
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2. Geocaching
An outdoor treasure hunt for all the family awaits at the park, which is part of the 72-park Operation Recreation Geotour. Why not try and find the hidden caches at Rainbow Springs on your next visit?
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3. Swimming
Set out from one of the nearby Rainbow Springs State Park hotels for an afternoon of swimming. This state park has a year-round water temperature of 72 degrees, a small wading area for toddlers, and a crystal-clear natural swimming area over five feet deep.
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4. Tubing
Relax and enjoy tubing along the Rainbow River on a two-hour trip. Go to the separate tubing entrance and rent some inflatables – just be sure to arrive early on weekends or national holidays, as it gets busy!
