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Shaded bridge over a wetland

Crystal River Eco Walk

Traversing floodplain forests and mesic flatwoods, the ecological diversity of the Eco-Walk trail is stunning, though at times it may require wet shoes to complete the loop.

Crystal River Preserve State Park   |  Crystal River
( 28.947495, -82.627889 )      2.3 miles

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Encompassing over 27,000 acres along the Gulf Coast, Crystal River Preserve State Park is an integral piece of conservation land, protecting environmentally sensitive salt marshes and neighboring woodlands.

A large portion of the preserve is only accessible by boat, though a few trails allow for exploration on foot.

One of three loop trails in the northern part of the preserve, the Eco Walk showcases a variety of wildlife and offers multiple benches for resting and reflection along the route.

Bench under trees Bench in a shaded spot


Resources

Resources for exploring the area

50 Hikes in Central Florida Central Florida Orlando Explorers Guide book cover Hikers Guide to the Sunshine State book cover

Disclosure: As authors and affiliates, we receive earnings when you buy these through our links. This helps us provide public information on this website.


Overview

Location: Crystal River
Length: 2.3-mile loop
Trailhead: 28.947495, -82.627889
Address: 5990 N Tallahassee Rd, Crystal River, FL 34428
Fees: Free
Restrooms: No
Land manager: Florida State Parks
Phone: 352-228-6028
Open Sunrise – Sunset. Dogs are allowed on a leash.

Bridge in forest


Directions

 
From the intersection of US 98 and N Citrus Ave in downtown Crystal River, head west on US 98 for 4 miles, turning left at W Curtis Tool Ln. In 0.9 miles, turn right onto N Tallahassee Rd. The entrance to the trailhead is the first left in less than 100 feet.

Hike

At the trailhead, an information kiosk stands next to a box of maps. To begin the loop in a counterclockwise direction, stay to the right immediately after passing the kiosk.

Trailhead kiosk behind a fence Kiosk and maps


Cabbage palms and live oaks border the grassy pathway as it leads into a subtropical jungle.

In a quarter mile, the habitat transitions slightly where sporadic pines rise from thick clusters of shrubs covered in tangles of grapevines and catbriers.

Mounds of grapevines in front of pines along pathway Pines and vines


As the trail crosses slightly undulating terrain, low areas can hold water depending on the time of year and recent rains.

Shortly after passing a bench, the pathway skirts around the edge of a small pond that is a hospitable home to alligators.

Alligator in a marshy pond Alligator floating among the pickerelweeds


Wax myrtles line the trail as it leads through patches of mesic pine flatwoods.

Pickerelweed flourishes in the wetter areas alongside blue flag irises that bloom in the spring with stunning purple and yellow flowers.

Close up of purple iris bloom Blue flag iris


As the trail approaches the one-mile mark, a bridge flanked by red maple and bay trees crosses over a swampy area before the footpath begins to weave southward.

Passing a stand of sweetgum trees, the path leads into a shaded oak hammock.

Bridge in a bayhead Swamp bridge


Stately live oaks blanketed with resurrection ferns and Spanish moss extend their branches over the trail, forming a thick canopy over dense clusters of cabbage palms.

Several benches line the corridor, offering spots to rest within this picturesque environment.

Live oak leaning over footpath Live oak amongst the palms


Beyond the oak hammock, the sun shines brightly on an impressive variety of sweetgum, oak, palms, wax myrtles, and pines.

Turning to the east, the trail becomes soggier while passing along the perimeter of a hardwood swamp.

Grassy corridor between palms Mixed habitat


Sturdy bridges and boardwalks with integrated benches navigate sections of standing water as the trail meanders through a floodplain forest.

Ascending into a pine flatwoods habitat, the pathway gradually becomes less shaded before crossing a small clearing and completing the loop.

Boardwalk with bench in woods Boardwalk


Trail Map

Crystal River Eco Walk Trail Map


Explore More!

Learn more about Crystal River Preserve State Park

Marshes and distant river

Crystal River Preserve State Park

Crystal River Preserve State Park spans 20 miles of the Gulf Coast between Yankeetown and Homosassa, protecting key manatee habitats along estuaries of the Gulf.

Video

A virtual walk in the woods on the Crystal River Eco Walk


Nearby Adventures

More worth exploring while you’re in this area.

Boardwalk in verdant forest

Churchhouse Hammock Trail

Providing a peek at the estuary along Crystal River, the Churchhouse Hammock Trail at Crystal River Preserve State Park has accessible and adventuresome options.

View of Crystal River

Crystal River Archaeological State Park

At Crystal River Archaeological State Park, a paved interpretive trail winds through a ceremonial mound complex built more than 2,500 years ago. The park is the home of Florida’s only petroglyph.

View of salt marshes from 30 foot tower

Withlacoochee Gulf Preserve

Immerse in the beauty of an expansive coastal estuary at Withlacoochee Gulf Preserve in Yankeetown to take in the panoramic views.

Homosassa Springs fishbowl

Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park

Looking for manatees? You’ll see them up close at Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park, where families can get up close to Florida wildlife in a natural setting.

Trail Map (PDF) Official Website

Category: Central Florida, Day Hikes, Hikes, Loop Hikes, TrailsTag: Crystal River, Crystal River Preserve State Park, Dog-friendly, Inglis, Wildflowers

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