Some trails exist just for an accessible view, and that’s the case with the short but sweet Gary Maidhof Walk to Nature.
Established in memory of a prominent Citrus County conservationist, this boardwalk spans three coastal habitats to an observation deck overlooking the Salt River.
Start of the boardwalk and adjacent accessible parkingResources
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Overview
Location: Crystal River
Length: 0.1 mile round-trip
Trailhead: 28.90458, -82.64748
Address: 12835 W Fort Island Trail, Crystal River
Fees: Free
Restroom: None
Land manager: Citrus County
Phone: 352-527-7540
Open sunrise to sunset. Accessible. Expect mosquitoes.
Directions
From the intersection of US 19 and SR 44, drive south 1.1 mile to Fort Island Trail. Turn right and continue west for 5.9 miles on the winding road. The pulloff is on the right just past the Salt River bridge. Two parking spaces are up front and a third, accessible spot is to the right near the start of the boardwalk.
Hike
It was 1978 when Sandra paddled and sloshed through the marshes of Salt River, an up-close and mucky introduction to Florida habitats.
At that time, high school biology students rotated through the Marine Science Station on multi-day expeditions for a hands-on education on coastal ecosystems.
Habitat transition along Salt CreekIt was just the kind of place that two decades later, Gary Maidhof, a Citrus County planner and advocate for conservation, would be found inspiring kids with stories of nature.
He was one of the prime forces beyond the protection of Three Sisters Springs, and worked with a variety of nonprofits holding nature events across the county.
Dedication signThe accessible walkway starts at a small pulloff just past the Marine Science Station and the Academy of Environmental Science.
Maidhof was a leader in this charter school expanding on the Marine Science Station curriculum, so the boardwalk is a a fitting living memorial along Salt River.
Boardwalk and observation deckFrom the accessible parking spot, follow the paved path to the start of the boardwalk, which begins in a coastal hammock.
The fringe of cedar trees and pines quickly opens into a palm hammock with scattered tall cabbage palms.
Transition zoneSalt-loving grasses fill the basin, with scattered sea myrtle. Large clusters of giant leather fern add a primordial touch.
Fingers of palm hammock stretch into the sea of needlerush along Salt River.
Palms and cedars along the needlerush expanseIn just a few hundred feet, the boardwalk ends at a sweeping panorama of the estuary surrounding Salt River.
At the far horizon, the streak of blue glimmering is where Salt River flows into Crystal River downriver from the mounds at Crystal River State Archaeological Site.
The confluence is framed by the Salt Creek estuaryBarren rock and mud is exposed at low tide at the base of the cedars near the observation deck. Below it, fiddler crabs scurry along salt marsh mud.
Enjoy and appreciate the views before the short walk back to the parking area.
Boardwalk back to the parking areaExplore More!
Video
Slideshow
See our photos of the Gary Maidhof Nature Walk
Nearby Adventures
Fort Island Beach Savor a sunset over placid waters at this "end of the road" park where Crystal River meets the Gulf of Mexico.
Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge Integral to the town of Crystal River, this water-based refuge protects wintering grounds for Florida manatees.
Crystal River Archaeological State Park A treasure trove of landforms and artifacts, this pre-Columbian complex of temple and burial mounds provides insight into Florida's ancient civilizations. 
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.
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- A.J. Henry Park - November 1, 2026
- Okeeheelee Nature Center Trails - October 22, 2026