
Blue Run of Dunnellon Park
A free community park offering access to the stunning Rainbow River for kayaking, tubing, and scenic nature trails.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
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Best Time
Beat the crowds

Blue Run of Dunnellon Park
Best Time
Beat the crowds

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A free community park offering access to the stunning Rainbow River for kayaking, tubing, and scenic nature trails.
"ABSOLUTELY LOVED IT! Such a BEAUTIFUL walk!!! It's huge! "

🚗 Parking Strategy
Main lot fills fast! Arrive early or use the overflow lot nearby. :car:
☀️ River Fun
Perfect for kayaking, tubing, and paddleboarding. Water is 72°F year-round! :ocean:

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Rainbow River Kayak Launch
Riverfront
Launch your kayak or paddleboard for a free adventure on the crystal-clear Rainbow River.

Paved Riverfront Trail
Along Rainbow River
A gentle, paved path perfect for family strolls, biking, or a leisurely nature walk.

Withlacoochee River Bridge
Main trail
Enjoy scenic views and a refreshing breeze from this bridge overlooking the river.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Parking Pointers
River Ready
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Parking Strategy
Main lot fills fast! Arrive early or use the overflow lot nearby. :car:
☀️ River Fun
Perfect for kayaking, tubing, and paddleboarding. Water is 72°F year-round! :ocean:
🚶♀️ Nature Walks
Dog-friendly trails with chances to spot wildlife like gators and otters. :dog2:
🚴 Bike Paths
Connects to a network of trails, great for cycling adventures. :bike:
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Parking Strategy
Main lot fills fast! Arrive early or use the overflow lot nearby. :car:
☀️ River Fun
Perfect for kayaking, tubing, and paddleboarding. Water is 72°F year-round! :ocean:
🚶♀️ Nature Walks
Dog-friendly trails with chances to spot wildlife like gators and otters. :dog2:
🚴 Bike Paths
Connects to a network of trails, great for cycling adventures. :bike:
💰 Free Admission
Enjoy the park's beauty and activities without any entry fees! :moneywithwings:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about Blue Run of Dunnellon Park's stunning natural beauty, especially the crystal-clear Rainbow River and lush cypress trees. It's a highly recommended free spot for kayaking, tubing, and nature walks, though parking can be a challenge.
"We got some inner tubes and floated around the ramp area for a couple hours, and it was wonderful. Stunning scenery -- Cool, clear water, beautiful cypress everywhere, and we even spotted some river otters.
Definitely tough to get a spot in the little parking lot, but there's an overflow lot just a block away with a short footpath/trail that brings you back to the ramp area (plus access to the other, longer trails)."
Benjamin Miles
"Stopped here for a nature walk. We just walked to the bridge and back and on the way back we saw a gator chilling in the water. The bridge has nice little benches to sit on and enjoy the water and that wonderful breeze 😌 Dog friendly and everyone we passed was friendly too."
Lindsay Miller
"Went for paddleboarding...arrived at 7am as the parking are next time boot ramp filles up fast. Spent a few hours on the water...I recommend this park...have also done the hiking trails."
Malcolm Taylor
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Blue Run of Dunnellon Park is located in Dunnellon, Florida. While specific directions can vary, it's generally accessible by car. Many visitors use GPS navigation.
Yes, there is a parking lot, but it's quite small and fills up quickly, especially on weekends. Visitors often recommend arriving early or being prepared to use the overflow parking lot located just a block away, which still provides access to the park's amenities.
Absolutely! Blue Run of Dunnellon Park offers direct access to the Rainbow River, making it a popular spot for launching kayaks, paddleboards, and for tubing.
Yes, the park features both paved and unpaved trails. The paved trail follows the water and is part of a larger bike path network, while unpaved trails wind through the woods.
Definitely! It's a fantastic spot for a day trip, offering opportunities for water activities, nature walks, and enjoying the beautiful Florida scenery.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Blue Run of Dunnellon Park is completely free to enter and enjoy its amenities. This makes it a very accessible and popular destination for locals and visitors alike.
While specific hours aren't always listed, parks like this are generally open from sunrise to sunset. It's best to plan your visit during daylight hours to make the most of the park's natural beauty and activities.
No advance booking is required for general park entry. However, if you plan on participating in specific events like the 'Monster Push' race, you would need to register for those separately.
Yes, the park is dog-friendly, allowing you to bring your furry companions along for nature walks and to enjoy the outdoor spaces.
The paved trails offer a more accessible experience for those with mobility challenges. The main paved trail loops around the Rainbow River, providing scenic views.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
You can enjoy kayaking, paddleboarding, tubing on the Rainbow River, hiking on paved and unpaved trails, biking, and wildlife viewing. It's also a great spot for a relaxing nature walk.
Visitors have reported seeing a variety of wildlife, including fish, turtles, river otters, alligators, and numerous birds. The clear waters of the Rainbow River are teeming with life.
The Rainbow River is known for its clear, cool waters (around 72°F year-round) and is generally safe for swimming and water activities. Always exercise caution and be aware of your surroundings.
While not explicitly detailed in all sources, community parks typically offer basic facilities. It's advisable to check local listings or be prepared with your own supplies for longer visits.
The 'Monster Push' is a unique hybrid event that combines skateboarding with a scavenger race, held annually at Blue Run of Dunnellon Park. It typically includes a 5K race and a gear raffle.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Blue Run of Dunnellon Park is a natural park and does not typically have on-site restaurants or food vendors. Visitors are encouraged to bring their own snacks and drinks for a picnic.
Dunnellon and nearby Ocala offer various dining options, from casual eateries to local restaurants. It's recommended to explore these areas for post-park meals.
Yes, picnicking is a popular activity. You can bring your own food and enjoy it at designated areas or simply find a scenic spot along the trails or riverbanks.
📸 📸 Photography
The riverbanks, the Withlacoochee River bridge, and the lush cypress trees offer stunning photographic opportunities. Capturing wildlife in its natural habitat is also a highlight.
Yes, the park's open spaces and river views can provide beautiful sunset backdrops, especially when combined with the natural Florida landscape.
A versatile camera with a good zoom lens is recommended for capturing wildlife. For landscape shots, a wide-angle lens can be beneficial. Waterproof gear is a plus if you plan on water activities.
Keep an eye out for the diverse wildlife, the unique cypress trees, and the clear, flowing waters of the Rainbow River. The bridge also offers a great vantage point.
Drone usage regulations can vary by park and local ordinances. It's best to check with park authorities or local aviation guidelines before flying a drone.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💰 Budget Travelers
🐶 Dog Owners
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Rainbow River
Many visitors enjoy a gentle float or paddle, taking in the sights of cypress trees and the diverse aquatic life. The clarity of the water allows for excellent visibility, enhancing the experience of spotting fish, turtles, and even the occasional gar. Whether you're seeking a peaceful paddle or a refreshing dip, the Rainbow River accessible from Blue Run offers a quintessential Florida springs experience.
Trails for Every Explorer
Beyond the paved path, unpaved trails wind through the surrounding woods, offering a more rustic hiking experience. These trails allow visitors to immerse themselves deeper into the natural environment of the park. Whether you're looking for a short, scenic walk to a viewpoint or a longer trek, Blue Run of Dunnellon Park provides options for a refreshing outdoor adventure. Remember to wear appropriate footwear for the type of trail you plan to explore.
Wildlife Encounters
On land and along the riverbanks, you might encounter river otters playing or alligators basking in the sun. The park's natural setting, with its cypress trees and riverside vegetation, provides a perfect habitat for these creatures. Birdwatchers will also find plenty to observe, with numerous bird species likely to be present. Remember to maintain a safe distance from wildlife and avoid feeding them to preserve their natural behaviors.




Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit