From Tampa, it took an hour and 30 minutes to get to the river. We first wanted to take a swim in…read morethe swimming area so we went there first before it got really crazy. The area is a bit small and there isn't really a lot of sun spots for you to chill at. It is cool to experience once but I think if you tube, you still will be able to get a swim in because parts of the river are pretty deep. After the swim area, we headed to the tubing section. It is a 15 minute drive from the main park entrance. The fee was 54 for two people that had an annual pass. Highly recommend bringing a small cooler with snacks and drinks and an extra tube for it. It took us about 2 hours to float back to our car and the river is very calm and relaxing. I've floated a river in San Antonio but wasn't as nice as Rainbow springs. Very clean and the water is sooo clear. Overall, really enjoyed our day visit to this state park!

I almost lost my life at Rainbow River, and I feel like I need to share this for anyone considering…read moretubing there. I came expecting a peaceful, relaxing experience because that's what you see in the pictures and reviews. Instead, I ended up in one of the scariest moments of my life. I fell out of my tube and got stuck in deep mud. My water shoe was literally sucked into the mud, and I couldn't push myself up from the bottom. I couldn't get back on my tube because my legs were stuck, and I had already gone underwater and was coughing. What made it even worse was that my daughter, who cannot swim, had drifted away and I couldn't see her. I truly thought I might drown and that something could happen to my daughter. I was panicking, crying, and shaking. By the grace of God, I saw the only boat nearby and flagged them down. They went back and picked up me and my daughter too. I will never forget the people who helped us. I truly believe they prevented a tragedy that day. Another important thing to mention is that this happened toward the evening on a weekday, and there were almost no people left on the river. We were some of the last people out there. I got incredibly lucky that there happened to be a boat nearby because otherwise, I don't know what would have happened to me or my daughter. What upsets me the most is that there was no real safety briefing or warning about the risks. We were given tubes and sent off. No one explained the currents, deep areas, muddy bottoms, or what to do in an emergency. No one recommended life jackets to us, even though not everyone in our group could swim. Please understand that there are no lifeguards. Depending on the time of day, you may find yourself with very few people around to help in an emergency. If I hadn't been able to flag down that boat, this story could have ended very differently. I later learned that other people have had similar frightening experiences here, and I understand why. Please, if you decide to go: * Wear a life jacket, especially if you are not a strong swimmer. * Do not assume the water is shallow because it's a spring. * Do not bring children or adults who cannot swim without extra precautions. * Understand that there are no lifeguards and you are responsible for your own safety. This experience was so traumatic for me that I still have flashbacks and cannot imagine ever returning. A beautiful place can still be dangerous, and I wish I had known that before I went. Please stay safe.

You have to bring water!! It is a nice little trek over to…read morethe grassy part of this natural vista, but the summer Florida sun does not abate itself. There is even a stand with pamphlets and two very nice people manning it, to answer your questions. I imagine there are more alligators to see early in the morning, but I went around 10:30a. A nice long boardwalk with one place to sit and get shade from the great ball of fire in the sky. Beautiful trees, remnants of alligator eggs, and water fowl feeding and foraging. I can imagine that the Alachua sink would be more active, after a big rain. I will def go there a day after a big storm, to see the action of the earth!

This place is so wild! I have never seen so many alligators in the wild. You must visit! This was…read moretoday 3/18/26.

Unbelievable I can't believe this but only 10 months ago we visited a beautiful park and I was…read moreexcited to take dog back during cool weather. There's no more Park!! It's a trail with a thin line of forest on each side and mass production of houses on either side of the trail and trees. We tried to go off the trail to find more nature but they have destroyed it. The Deep Wound: How Environmental Destruction Harms Human and Animal Healing In the natural world, forests are not just ecosystems--they are sanctuaries for healing and life. When forests are destroyed, the impact ripples beyond what the eye can see. From a trauma EcoTherapy and Shamanic perspective, the loss of these sacred spaces profoundly affects both human and animal well-being, cutting us off from the very source of life and spiritual restoration. Forests as Sacred Healing Spaces For millennia, forests have been places where humans and animals alike retreat to heal. The earth beneath our feet, the ancient trees, and the rhythmic cycles of nature hold a profound wisdom that facilitates physical, emotional, and spiritual recovery. For those carrying the weight of trauma, nature is not just a place to visit--it is a partner in the healing process. EcoTherapy recognizes that human trauma is intricately linked to the trauma of the earth. Just as humans suffer from wounds of the psyche, the destruction of the environment mirrors and exacerbates those wounds. Forests provide safety, quiet reflection, and an energetic container to process deep pain. When these spaces are destroyed, we lose a vital source of healing. The Animal Kingdom's Silent Suffering Animals, too, seek refuge in forests, not only for survival but for their own innate healing. Trees provide shelter and medicine, while ecosystems offer nourishment and safety. When their homes are destroyed, animals experience displacement, stress, and often death. This destruction severs the ancient relationship of mutual healing between humans and animals--relationships where animals often serve as guides, teachers, and mirrors for our own emotional landscapes. The Consequences of Disconnection When we lose access to nature, our collective trauma deepens. Urban environments, stripped of living ecosystems, amplify feelings of isolation, anxiety, and grief. Without forests to retreat to, trauma survivors are cut off from the natural cycles that regulate the nervous system and reconnect us to a sense of belonging. From a Shamanic perspective, every living being carries a soul contract with the Earth. Trees, animals, and humans are interconnected through unseen threads of spiritual purpose. When forests are razed, these sacred agreements are shattered, leaving open wounds in the physical and energetic worlds. The destruction of nature is not only ecological--it is a spiritual betrayal that fractures our relationship with the Earth Mother herself. Healing Through Sacred Reciprocity Healing these wounds requires a return to reciprocity--a sacred exchange of care between humans and the Earth. By protecting forests, we protect the sanctuaries where healing can occur for both people and animals. Through EcoTherapy practices, we can reconnect with the natural world, remembering that as we care for the Earth, the Earth cares for us. It is our responsibility to stand as guardians of the forests, to preserve the living beings who inhabit them, and to ensure future generations have access to the profound healing that only nature can provide. In the heart of every tree and every creature, there is a truth--when we destroy the Earth, we destroy ourselves. Pamela Nations-Weissman (Namdag Tsomo) Shamanic Life Path Coach, EcoTherapist, Hypnotherapist, and Trauma Specialist "Truth lives in The Dark - It's up to each of us to bring our Truth into the Light and share it with the world. It is our duty as human beings on this planet to do so." I was saddened and sickened by this visit. tried to post photos of the massacre but wasn't able to get yelp site to cooperate.

"Withlacoochee State Trail is a 46-mile (74 km) long paved, multi-use, non-motorized rail trail in…read moreFlorida located in Citrus, Hernando and Pasco counties. It follows along the Withlacoochee River and passes through the Withlacoochee State Forest. It is the longest paved rail trail in Florida." Probably the best paved trail in Florida. A little over 46 miles one way and has a lot of very scenic spots along the way. It is in Florida so it's fairly flat but it does have some elevation changes and some overpass over the busier/wider state roads on the route. Multiple trailheads w parking lot and restrooms. My favorite trailhead is the one in Inverness. Beautiful town along the route.

What a beautiful park! So many trails to take advantage and never enough time!…read more Great and helpful staff (who will allow you to loan binoculars if you forgot yours and give you ideas on which trails are best for you based on what you are looking to experience) If you are in the area and are a nature nut (like me), come and take a look around. We saw deer, alligators and plenty of birds in our short excursion!

We took advantage of our Florida State Park Pass (saved us the $6 entrance fee) and took a drive to…read morethe park. This is a beautiful park to drive or hike. The drive in and to the visitor center is so pretty! The trees make a nice, shady canopy. You can see various animals from the observation tower, open range or hiking. It was late afternoon and hot when we were there so we didn't see much (one deer!) and I'm sure the animals were in the shade somewhere.

Hidden gem! We loved swimming and my boys enjoyed climbing the palm tree…read more We did a short trail and saw plants and bugs! We had a picnic at a table but moved to the sun because the boys were cold.

Great place, excellent for small kids because of depth! Cold, very cold though but refreshing place…read moreto be in the summer

I drove through here on the way home from the Panhandle. It reminded me of what I thought Florida…read morewas like when I was a child growing up in Massachusetts. Forrests and springs, fishing, canoeing, swimming, and yes, gators. There are over 400,000 acres in the Ocala National Forest. It needs more than one visit to fully explore this wonder. There are many opportunities for camping and backpacking. I want to come back soon to go on a nature hike. Like Dave O. says, this is the wilderness so don't be naive. You must go in prepared with water, protein snacks, and emergency supplies. This is not Disney, this is the real Florida adventure.

Another spot of beautiful nature in Wild Florida…read more I love going on nature hikes, and this trail has plenty of wildlife and plants to see. Even with the paths seeming wild and free, they're easy to follow and I wasn't afraid of getting lost.

Awesome for what it is. Devil's Millhopper makes for a lovely, quick walk and neat views from…read morewithin a huge sinkhole. The park features a maintained trail and great boardwalk steps into the sinkhole. It also has excellent informational signs throughout the park. The trail wasn't very long, so if you're looking for longer treks I do not recommend Devil's Millhopper. Although I wouldn't classify it as a "must see", it's great for what it is. It's a state park, so expect to pay a few bucks for parking.

Such beautiful grounds hiding within Gainesville! We had a wonderful time taking advantage of the…read moretrails and stairs to the bottom of the sinkhole! It's a great spot for those who - Want a nice, but non strenuous walk (about a mile around in circle. The stairs are a bit more but there are stops between levels) Wonderful shading with a sweet bird filled environment. Non busy area out of the hustle of life