Marion County, Florida

Top Spots in and near Marion County

Silver Springs, Florida
Hike the Bear-N-Oak Trail to Indian Lake

1.4 mi

The adventure begins at the main trailhead and parking area for The Bear-N-Oak hiking trail. Located on the East side of County Rd 35 just north of Baseline and Hwy 326 intersection. Grab everything in the packing list and prepare to enjoy a leisurely hike through some of Central Florida's most b...
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Silver Springs, Florida
Paddle Silver Springs State Park

5.0

Silver Springs State Park is rich with history dating back to the 1500’s when it was first settled by the Timucua Indians. This area has also been explored by the Spanish and was once a settlement of the Seminole Indians. Native American relics can be seen at the museum located in the park or wh...
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Williston, Florida
Snorkel & Dive at Devil's Den

4.6

Located in central Florida, this prehistoric spring is a MUST to add on your bucket list. Devil’s Den is a cave that has an underground spring inside. The spring is crystal clear and is a stable 72 degrees F year round. This spot is well known to local divers as it’s depth is 200 feet. Open swimm...
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Gainesville, Florida
La Chua Trail

4.6

2.55 mi / 98 ft gain

Located in Gainesville, FL this easy to moderate trail is approximately 3.1 miles round trip. Approximately a quarter of the trail is an elevated boardwalk that is handicapped accessible. Along the hike, you'll often see alligators, wild turkeys, wild horses, bison, and various migratory birds. ...
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Micanopy, Florida
Sweetwater Wetlands Park Loop

4.5

3.46 mi / 256 ft gain

Sweetwater Wetlands Park is over 125 acres of wetlands and ponds that were created to help improve the quality of water contained in the Paynes Prairie wetlands and the Florida aquifer. This initiative by the city of Gainesville has led to improved water quality as well as a place for people to c...
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5271 Florida 19, Florida
Kayak Silver Glen Springs

4.0

Silver Glen Springs is a popular recreational area that has many activities for the entire family. Located in Ocala National Forrest this park sits on a spring leading out to Lake George. You are able rent Kayaks on site and are able to rent them for as long as you would like. There is also a des...
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Crystal River, Florida
Kayak & Swim with Manatees at Three Sisters Spring

4.8

When the ocean becomes too cold for the manatees, they take refuge in the 70 degree water at Three Sisters Spring. So, the best time to see the manatees in the spring is just after a cold front has come through. We also learned that they will swim back out to the ocean before low tide to avoid be...
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Crystal River, Florida
Three Sisters Springs

5.0

1.28 mi / 36 ft gain

Three Sisters Springs is a loop trail that takes you by a lake located near Crystal River, Florida.
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Keystone Heights, Florida
Hike at Mike Roess Gold Head Branch State Park

4.0

7 mi / 70 ft gain

Gold head branch state park has been called the grand canyon of Florida. It hangs on the north central ridge of Florida as some of the first land that came out of the sea, which is the reason for all of the Sandhill ecosystem. The ravine was created by the headspring and flow of the Gold Head Bra...
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Altoona, Florida
Camp at Alexander Springs

1 mi / 0 ft gain

Alexander Springs Recreation Area is an incredible natural area that provides something for any adventure seeker to love. The main attraction here is the beautiful headspring, which is one of the 27 first magnitude springs here in Florida. This spring in particular maintains a cool 72 degrees f...
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Crystal River, Florida
Kayak to Shell Island, Florida

5.0

Take Fort Island Park Rd (Hwy 44) all the way until it dead-ends, it will end at Fort Island Park. The park also has a sandy entrance for paddle or small crafts to the left of the main boat ramp. This area is very popular for fishing, swimming, kayaking, and boating.Leaving from the boat ramp or ...
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Homosassa, Florida
Photograph Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park

1.1 mi / 0 ft gain

Homosassa Spring State parks showcases native Florida wildlife including the manatees which can be seen from an underwater observatory in the main spring. Other animals you will see will include black bears, panthers, bobcats, flamingos, alligators, American crocodiles, river otters and many diff...
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Lecanto, Florida
Dames Caves and Lizzie Heart Sink Loop Trail

4.02 mi / 344 ft gain

The Dames Caves and Lizzie Heart Sink Loop Trail in Lecanto, Florida is a moderate difficulty hiking trail that spans approximately 4.02 miles. The trail is known for its unique geological features, including a series of caves and sinkholes that are scattered along the route. The most notable of ...
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High Springs, Florida
Swim at Blue Springs Park

4.5

Blue Springs Park is a privately owned property that encompasses a few springs along the Santa Fe River, you can learn more here. The main, Blue Spring, has a large swimming area lined with white sand beach. The main feature is a 12ft high platform over the main spring. Since the spring is upward...
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High Springs, Florida
Swim at Ginnie Springs

4.6

A few hours north and many worlds away from Disney, the Santa Fe River winds its way through the woods of north central Florida, headed for the Suwannee River. This is the real Florida. Although the river is dark during most of the year (except the dry summer months), there are dozens of crystal ...
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High Springs, Florida
Dive Devil's Spring System: Eye and Ear

5.0

Nestled on the banks of the Santa Fe River, at the end of a long country road, six springs add a burst of clear water to the dark, winding river. These springs make up a park called "Ginnie Springs," a popular place for both locals and international visitors - and it's not just the clear water an...
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