Crystal River Preserve State Park
Crystal River Preserve State Park is a pristine stretch of Florida coastline that has remained largely unchanged since European settlers arrived 500 years ago. Spanning over 27,500 acres, the preserve features scrublands, pinewoods, hardwood forests, salt marshes and mangrove islands. Nature enthusiasts and photographers will appreciate the untouched islands which provide habitat for a variety of wildlife, including Bald Eagles and Wood Storks, thriving in both the aquatic and upland environments of the park.
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Sites At This Location
Redfish Hole and Dixie Shores Trailheads (B)
Two stops and multiple trails managed by Crystal River Preserve State Park are accessible from CR 44/Fort Island Trail and W. Dixie Shores Dr. Each offers a hike through brief upland forest habitats, then out to tidal marshes.
Hours: Open all year, dawn to dusk.
Crystal Cove Trail (B)
The Crystal Cove area of this state park has several options. The 1.7-mile Crystal Cove Trail starts at the day use fishing area (locally known as the "Mullet Hole") and follows a limerock path around a freshwater pond, through scrubby areas and mixed pines/hardwoods down to a salt marsh and canal which connects to the Crystal River. For an even wilder experience, take the 7-mile hike/bike trail loop which begins at the end of W. State Park St.
Hours: Open all year, 8:00 AM to sunset.
Fort Island Trail
Two stops and multiple trails managed by Crystal River Preserve State Park are accessible from CR 44/Fort Island Trail and W. Dixie Shores Dr. Each offers a hike through brief upland forest habitats good for Common Ground-Doves, Common Nighthawks, Eastern Towhees and songbirds in migration, then out to tidal marshes good for wading birds, Clapper and King Rails, Nelson’s Sparrows (winter) and more. To begin, stop at the trailhead parking area on W. Dixie Shores Dr. (make an immediate U-turn to reach the parking area at the intersection with Fort Island Trail). At the large kiosk, consult the trail map and hike southward on the Marsh End Trail and the Hammock End Trail. Additional trailheads (no parking) on W. Dixie Shores Dr. lie to the west of the kiosk on both sides of the road. Here, you can access the Hammock End Trail to the south, or take the West Lake Trail and the Lakes Trail to the north. Farther north on CR 44, the Redfish Hole Trail runs southward to a series of ponds good for wading birds. The wooded area near the entrance has migratory songbirds in spring. Summer is buggy, but there’s something to see every month.
Site Information
This Site is Free to Enter
Managing Agency
FL Dept. of Environmental Protection, Div. of Recreation and Parks
Operational Hours: Open all year, dawn to dusk.
Size: 198 acres
Entrances
Redfish Hole and Dixie Shores Trailheads (A)
Address: W. Dixie Shores Dr., Crystal River, FL 34429
View on Google Maps »
Redfish Hole and Dixie Shores Trailheads (B)
Address: W. Dixie Shores Dr., Crystal River, FL 34429
Eco-Walk Trail
Enhance your outdoor skills on the Eco-Walk Trail, part of the scenic 27,295-acre Crystal River Preserve State Park. Numerous benches and 11 interpretive “discovery” stations along the trail make this a great educational spot and a fun destination for family outings. This pleasant foot trail loops for 2 miles through wet prairie, hardwood hammock, pines and freshwater swamp and offers up a surprising diversity of birds. Yellow-breasted Chats, Worm-eating Warblers and Swainson’s Warblers pass through in spring, Soras and both bitterns inhabit the ponds in season, and House and Sedge Wrens skulk in the vegetation during fall/winter. Other Neotropical migrants like Eastern Kingbirds and Yellow-throated Vireos turn up in fall. Open areas are good for American Kestrels and Red-shouldered Hawks, as well as Swallow-tailed Kites in summer. White-tailed Deer, Wood Ducks, Sandhill Cranes, Northern Bobwhites, Osceola Wild Turkeys, Pileated Woodpeckers and Carolina Wrens are possible here.
Site Information
This Site is Free to Enter
Managing Agency
FL Dept. of Environmental Protection, Div. of Recreation and Parks
Operational Hours: Open all year, 8 AM to sundown
Size: 160 acres
Crystal Cove Trail
The Crystal Cove area of this state park has several options. The Crystal Cove Trail starts at the day use fishing area (locally known as the “Mullet Hole”) and follows a limerock path around a freshwater pond, through scrubby areas and mixed pines/hardwoods down to a salt marsh and canal which connects to the Crystal River. Shorebirds like Wilson’s Snipe and Spotted Sandpipers, plus Clapper Rails, Least Bitterns and numerous songbirds are possible at this location. Mississippi Kites frequent the area in summer. A second trailhead and parking area lie farther south. The Eagle Scout Trail, which starts almost directly across the road from the “Mullet Hole” entrance, offers hydric hammock good for migratory songbirds in spring. You may also stroll and bird along the wooded Sailboat Ave. (stay on the shoulder) down to the park office and visitor center. Pontoon boat tours leave from the dock here where you may spy manatees, Red-breasted Mergansers, Ospreys and much more. You can also launch your own kayak or canoe here. For an even wilder experience, take the 7-mile hike/bike trail loop which begins at the end of W. State Park St. (this also connects to the Eagle Scout Trail) and runs through flatwoods, marsh, hammocks and swamp.
Site Information
This Site is Free to Enter
Managing Agency
FL Dept. of Environmental Protection, Div. of Recreation and Parks
Operational Hours: Open all year, 8 AM to sundown.
Size: 66 acres
Entrances
Crystal Cove Trail (A)
Address: 3266 N. Sailboat Ave., Crystal River, FL 34428
View on Google Maps »
Crystal Cove Trail (B)
Address: 3266 N. Sailboat Ave., Crystal River, FL 34428
