Resources
Resources for exploring the area
Disclosure: As authors and affiliates, we receive earnings when you buy these through our links. This helps us provide public information on this website.
Exploring Dunnellon
Settled in the late 1800s after the first discovery of phosphate in Florida, Dunnellon was a mining boomtown in its early history.
One of the mining areas, on a bluff overlooking a beautiful spring, was converted to Rainbow Springs, as a public garden in the 1930s and later a natural attraction.
It’s been a Florida State Park for several decades now, which preserved it from development.
Dunnellon is a fabulous destination for anyone who loves trails. It’s on the Florida Trail, which comes in and out of town on paved bicycle paths and becomes a footpath east on the Cross Florida Greenway.
The Withlacoochee State Trail starts just south of town and heads to Dade City. The Dunnellon Trail is one paved segment of a network of paved trails under development on the Cross Florida Greenway.
Paddlers can head out on both the Withlacoochee River and Rainbow River right from downtown, with canoe, kayak, and SUP rentals available at several locations.
Tubing is huge on the Rainbow River in the summer months, aided by outfitters who specialize in shuttling and providing tubes for a float down to Blue Run Park.
Trails and Parks around Dunnellon
Big Cypress Trail Deep in the heart of an ancient swamp, the Goethe Giant - one of Florida's largest cypress trees - stands tall at the end of a boardwalk in Goethe State Forest.
Blue Run of Dunnellon Park Enjoy a gentle family-friendly hike along the Rainbow River at Blue Run of Dunnellon Park, where woodland footpaths and paved trails keep you mostly in the shade with dry feet as you explore the river floodplain.
Buck Island Pond Trail Looping around a cypress-lined pond in the midst of pine flatwoods northwest of Dunnellon, the Buck Island Pond Trail at Goethe State Forest has quite a few interesting features, including a pitcher plant bog.
Florida Trail, Cross Florida Greenway 43.8 miles. A prime destination for backpacking and day hiking south of Ocala, the Florida Trail follows the Cross Florida Greenway through woodlands between the Withlacoochee and Ocklawaha Rivers.
Florida Trail, Dunnellon 2.3 miles. Tunneling through dense floodplain forests to bridge the Withlacoochee River, the paved Dunnellon Trail segment of the Florida Trail offers accessible users an opportunity to enjoy the outdoors.
Florida Trail, Pruitt to Ross Prairie 7.5 miles. With switchbacks, scrambles, and ancient oaks, the Pruitt section of the Florida Trail along the Cross Florida Greenway offers a fascinating hike into the history of the Cross Florida Ship Canal.
Florida Trail, Ross Prairie to SW 49th Ave 6.5 miles. With hilly terrain to traverse past fern-covered boulders and large sinkholes beneath the pines, this is a rugged and interesting segment of the Florida Trail on the Cross Florida Greenway.
Florida Trail, Western Corridor 241.1 miles. With segments linking Withlacoochee State Forest and the Cross Florida Greenway, the Western Corridor provides access to wild spaces between Tampa and Ocala 
Holly Hammock Hiking Trail A 2.4 mile loop showing off the habitat diversity of Ross Prairie State Forest, this easy hike provides scenic panoramas across the prairie on a mostly shaded trail.
Inglis Dam & Island Recreation Area The former deeply wooded north shore of the Withlacoochee River became an island in the 1960s with construction of the Cross Florida Barge Canal.
Johnson Pond Trail A mosaic of upland habitats along the northern edge of Withlacoochee State Forest surrounds a large prairie long known as Johnson Pond.
Rainbow Springs Sandhills Trail A stroll through the gardens of Rainbow Springs leads to rolling terrain punctuated with centuries-old ravines created by phosphate mining for a walk into Dunnellon's past.
Rainbow Springs State Park A botanical and a geological delight, Rainbow Springs wraps the beauty of a first-magnitude spring with gardens and waterfalls once part of a classic Florida attraction. 
Ross Prairie Loop 3.5 miles. Circling the largest prairie ecosystem on the Cross Florida Greenway, the Ross Prairie Loop showcases massive oaks and panoramic views.
Withlacoochee Gulf Preserve Immerse in the beauty of an expansive coastal estuary at Withlacoochee Gulf Preserve in Yankeetown to take in the panoramic views.
Withlacoochee State Forest Oxbow Trail With two loops along an oxbow in the Withlacoochee River, the Oxbow Trail is the northernmost trail in Withlacoochee State Forest, a scenic short walk.
Withlacoochee State Trail Tracing 44 miles of railroad history down forested corridors, past big lakes and city parks, and through quaint communities, the Withlacoochee State Trail is one sweet rideRelated Articles
Sunflower Season at Cannon Farms (6/11/2019) When a sea of sunflowers pops up along the Cross Florida Greenway, it's an attention getter. Meet Cannon Farms, a family farm right along the Florida Trail in Dunnellon.
The new 50 Hikes in Central Florida (10/5/2018) We launched a new full-color edition of 50 Hikes in Central Florida at the National Trails Festival in Deland the first weekend of October. Take a peek inside.NEARBY: Crystal River, Inglis, Inverness, Ocala, Williston | PART OF: Central Florida