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Revision 1/10/2010 8:51 PM
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KP Hole - Dunnellon FL


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The K.P. Hole is one of many public parks in Marion County Florida that highlights the natural beauty of the area. The entry into the park is framed by stately live oaks draped with ghostly Spanish moss that sets this area of Florida apart from the big cities and theme parks. The park rests on the banks of the Rainbow River. The river is about six miles long and originates at Rainbow Springs State Park about one mile north up river. There are no runoff tributaries so the spring fed river is nearly perfectly clear. Clarity is its number one feature. The glass like surface makes it all the better to see more clearly the wonderful array of flora and teaming organisms both big and small. Underwater visibility is 150 feet plus. With no wind or waves, one can see to the bottom of the deepest hole. That would be Devil’s Elbow at about 23 feet. You may even see a small musk turtle crawling on the very bottom chasing a fresh water shrimp. The entire Rainbow River was designated as a Registered Natural Landmark in 1972. Then an Aquatic Preserve in 1986 and an Outstanding Florida Waterway in 1987. The River is fed from numerous springs and vents starting at the headwaters and popping up the full length of the river. Over 500 million gallons of water pour into the river at a constant tempeture of around 72 degrees. This is what makes it a melting pot for all sorts of water sports and recreational activies. People come from virtually thousands of miles away to dip their feet into this quaint little river!