The great outdoors are awaiting you

Published Nov. 21, 2007
Marion County is blessed with one national forest, two state parks and the lion's share of the Marjorie Harris Carr Cross Florida Greenway, a 110-mile green corridor across Florida that was once slated to be the Cross Florida Barge Canal and is now a world-class wonder.

Marion County has not one, but two, state parks. Both are on the Web at www.floridastateparks.com. Ten natural communities, miles of trails and a spectacular view of the Silver River await visitors to Silver River State Park, 1425 N.E. 58th Ave., Ocala, FL 34470, phone 352-236-7148. Admission: $4 per vehicle up to eight people. Come back on weekends to visit Silver River Museum and Environmental Education Center, open to the public from 9 a.m to 5 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. Admission is $2 per person.

Rainbow Springs State Park in Dunnellon has the state's fourth largest spring. The headwaters are a popular starting point to canoe, swim, snorkel and kayak on the Rainbow River. Admission is $1 per person, children under 6 admitted free. Address: 19158 S.W. 81st Place Road, Dunnellon, FL 34432, phone 352-465-8555. Tubers launch at nearby K.P. Hole County Park.
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