Chassahowitzka National Wildlife Refuge
Located 15 miles south of Crystal River, Chassahowitzka National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1943 to support wintering waterfowl. Today, it also serves as an important habitat for endangered West Indian manatees, which use its tidal bays, creeks, and rivers. The refuge’s mix of saltwater bays, estuaries, marshes, and hardwood swamps provides vital breeding and feeding grounds for marine life. Most of the refuge is accessible only by boat. We recommend visiting two locations in the refuge, Mason Creek Trail and Chassahowitzka River Trail, located twenty minutes apart by car. Boat launches are available at both areas. Land access is available at the Salt Marsh Trail off Mason Creek Road, where visitors can hike and observe wildlife from a two-story tower.
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Sites At This Location
Chassahowitzka National Wildlife Refuge: Chassahowitzka River Trail (B)
The Chassahowitzka River Trail is another outstanding birding and wildlife viewing opportunity for paddlers. Start at the Chassahowitzka River Campground and bird the hydric hammock around the parking area for songbirds in migration. Vultures roost in the trees across from the boat landing. Next, launch your canoe or kayak and head west towards the refuge. On the way to the Gulf, you will wind through hydric hammock, salt marsh and mudflats and barrier islands.
Hours: Open 24 hours/day.
Mason Creek Trail
The Mason Creek Trail leads boaters into the Chassahowitzka National Wildlife Refuge, which is accessible by canoe, kayak or motorboat. Mason Creek winds westward through salt marsh and past mudflats and hardwood hammocks for 5 miles out to the Gulf of America. Fall through spring is best for wildlife viewing, for comfort as well as for spotting Royal Terns and Bald Eagles. Be forewarned, however, that the creek can be extremely shallow during the winter. Wading birds, Ospreys, Clapper Rails and Least Bitterns are common here. Bring your own boat, drinking water, food and sun protection, and be sure to have maps and a compass/GPS unit. The boat ramp has adequate parking but no other facilities. This water trail also connects to the Nature Coast Canoe and Kayak Trail. As always, bring your life jackets and all necessary supplies; take appropriate precautions when boating. No signs or markers are present on this water trail.
Site Information
This Site is Free to Enter
View Seasonal Hunting Information
Managing Agency
US Dept. of the Interior, Fish and Wildlife Service
Operational Hours: Open 24 hours/day.
Size: 183 acres
Chassahowitzka River Trail
The Chassahowitzka River Trail is another outstanding birding and wildlife viewing opportunity for paddlers. Start at the Chassahowitzka River Campground and bird the hydric hammock around the parking area for songbirds in migration. Vultures roost in the trees across from the boat landing. Next, launch your canoe or kayak and head west towards the refuge. On the way to the Gulf, you will wind through hydric hammock, salt marsh and mudflats and barrier islands thick with wading birds, shorebirds, gulls, terns, Bald Eagles and more. Watch for alligators, otters, dolphins and manatees as well. Shallow water in some places limits the propeller boat traffic; airboats are sometimes present, however. Depending on your route to the refuge’s boat dock at Dog Island (the recommended turn-around point, restrooms available here), you will paddle between 3.5 to 4.5 miles one way (about 6 miles round-trip, counting the loop at the end). Take your time to enjoy the scenery, but allow enough time to return before nightfall.
Site Information
This Site is Free to Enter
View Seasonal Hunting Information
Managing Agency
Southwest Florida Water Management District
Operational Hours: Open 24 hours/day.
Size: 532 acres
Entrances
Chassahowitzka National Wildlife Refuge: Chassahowitzka River Trail (A)
Address: 8600 Miss Maggie Dr., Homosassa, FL 34448
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Chassahowitzka National Wildlife Refuge: Chassahowitzka River Trail (B)
Address: 8600 Miss Maggie Dr., Homosassa, FL 34448
