Canoeing/Kayaking the Rainbow RiverSo Rainbow Springs (the headspring) is a first magnitude spring (the 4th largest in Florida), pumping out approximately 400 -600 million gallons of beautiful spring water a day.
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The Rainbow Springs run is one of the largest spring runs in the world. It averages a discharge of more than 400 million gallons of water per day.
The first magnitude spring system that forms the Rainbow River has an average discharge rate of 763 cubic feet per second (cfs), or 493 million gallons per day (mgd) and is one of 33 first magnitude spring systems in the State.
Rainbow Springs State Park's refreshing cool waters of the headsprings are a perfect place to go for a swim or snorkel. You can also tube or kayak down the gentle spring run that is known as Rainbow Springs River. Besides the water activities, there are also shady gardens laced with azaleas, magnolias, and oaks.
The flow of the spring is the fourth highest among all the springs in Florida. The cool, clear waters of the headsprings are incredibly refreshing place to swim. The average depth in the natural swimming area runs from 10 to 18 feet, and the water temperature averages 72 degrees year-round.
The most significant natural feature is the first-magnitude headspring basin which produces between 400 - 600 million gallons (1.5 to 2.3 million m?) of fresh water per day, forming the Rainbow River. The looking-glass waters of Rainbow Springs come from several vents, not one large bubbling spring.
Tip: Rainbow Springs State Park has very high visitation on weekends and holidays, and will close once it reaches capacity. If you are planning a visit during these times be sure to arrive right at 8AM to get in.
The tourist attraction has been forced to close its doors as high maintenance costs and an uncertain future meant it was not financially viable, according to Ngai Tahu Holdings chief operating officer Craig Ellison.
The Withlacoochee River ultimately discharges into the Gulf of Mexico on the border of Citrus and Levy counties. Rainbow Springs has the fourth largest flow of all Florida's springs and provides fresh water to the Rainbow and Withlacoochee rivers.
On average, the Rainbow River is less than 10 feet deep, although there are places where it drops 25 feet. Close to the banks, it's shallow enough to stand. Look out for big branches to jump from and a rope swing or two.
The river supports abundant wildlife, including otters, alligators, many species of turtles and fish, and every variety of water bird—waders, divers and dabblers. Osprey, hawks and swallowtail kites soar along the river corridor while smaller birds and animals hide in the lush vegetation.
During the five-year period, 37 different species of fish were collected from the Rainbow River System. The study helps biologists tell how any impact, whether natural or man-made, is affecting the spring's ecosystem and ecology.
Rainbow Springs State Park is a Florida state park located on U.S. 41, 3 miles (5 km) north of Dunnellon, Florida. It comprises 1,459.07 acres (5.9046 km2) upland (which includes around 100 acres (0.40 km2) of wetlands) and 12.83 acres (51,900 m2) submerged.