A signposted series of walkways in Crystal River, the Kings Bay River Walk extends from NW 6th St at the Best Western to Kings Bay Park.
Along its route, the riverwalk connects boardwalks and overlooks along Kings Bay, part of the headwaters of Crystal River.
Watch manatees surfacing in still watersKnown for its wintering manatee population, Kings Bay is largely protected as Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge.
The riverwalk joins together points of interest in Crystal River, with benches and installations of wildlife art along the route.
One of several totem poles along the walk adjoins this overlookResources
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Overview
Location: Crystal River
Length: 2.1 miles in two round trips
Trailhead: 28.89890, -82.59401
Address: NW 2nd Ave, Crystal River
Fees: Free parking in a public lot along NW 1st Ave or downtown. $5 parking at Kings Bay Park.
Restroom: At Kings Bay Park
Land manager: City of Crystal River
Phone: 352-697-0933
Much of the River Walk is accessible, with the exception of a shell path leading to the east side of Kings Bay Lodge.
Pets are not permitted in Kings Bay Park.
Directions
From the intersection of SR 44 and US 19 in Crystal River, drive north on US 19 for 0.4 mile and make a left onto N Citrus Ave at the light. Two blocks down make a right on NE 5th St. Make the next right onto NW 1st Ave. A public parking lot is on the right just past the Kings Bay Lodge.
Hike
A prominent sign and entryway marks the obvious beginning of the original portion of the Kings Bay River Walk at US 19 across from NW 2nd Ave.
However, the walkway also extends west from this point. We discovered this during a stay at the Best Western Crystal River, where signs point you to it.
West end of the River Walk at NW 7th AveFuture connectivity via waterfront boardwalks to this western portion fronting Kings Bay is planned. We’d love to see a pedestrian crossing across US 19 to Little Springs Park, too.
For now, plan on two round-trip walks from this entry point. It’s also easy to loop around downtown from the eastern trail terminus at Kings Bay Park.
East end of the River Walk at Kings Bay ParkRiver Walk East
To explore the east side of Kings Bay, start at the entrance to the walkway along US 19. Pavers guide you under an archway within view of the water.
Spring-fed Kings Bay is a gathering spot for manatees in winter. This piece of the River Walk between US 19 and Kings Bay Park provides several overlooks on springs.
Starting point at US 19After its short but splashy start, the path becomes gravel spanning the gap between two overlooks on Kings Bay.
It meets the stone walkway again behind Kings Bay Lodge. A turn to the right leads to a dead end overlook. The path continues out to NW 1st Ave to the left.
Gravel section of the River WalkThe route loops around the lodge, a nicely kept vintage motel from the 1950s. Take the right after passing the office.
A straightaway leads to the next overlook, which faces a nearby spring. Paddlers often collect in this cove looking for manatees.
Kings Bay Lodge has a unique spring-fed pool for its guestsCross the street in front of the Crab Plant, a fishery and restaurant, and follow the path around its fence.
The River Walk ends abruptly where a future boardwalk is planned. But the grassy open spot offers a perspective on a small spring.
Spring near the end of this spurReturn past the Crab Plant and the many crab traps lined up next to the walkway, crossing to the overlook at the totem pole again.
Retrace your steps along Kings Bay Lodge to NW 1st Ave and turn right to cross the street. The distinctive “planked” stone of the River Walk leads past several residences.
Crab traps along the pathBetween houses, a sharp right turn takes the River Walk into a nicely landscaped corridor along a tall fence.
Rounding the next corner, enter Kings Bay Park. At a half mile, a spur of the walkway leads past a totem pole.
Entering Kings Bay ParkIt ends within sight of an interpretive sign marking the future location of a boardwalk connection towards the Crab Plant spur.
The main walkway parallels the spring-fed waterway past a series of picnic tables.
Picnic tables along the River WalkPassing the playground, the River Walk curves around a cove where the waterway flows into Kings Bay.
While the stone path ends soon after at the turnaround for visitors and outfitters near the docks, keep walking for more expansive views of Kings Bay.
Sunrise at the coveFrom the park kiosk, a pier stretches out into the bay, affording views of the small islands in its center.
A pathway continues along the waterfront parallel to the park entrance road and turns into a boardwalk.
Kings Bay at the boardwalkThe boardwalk overlooks a broad basin where manatees graze on seagrass in the winter months.
Reaching the end of the boardwalk, you can return the way you came for a 1.4 mile round trip.
Basin adjoining the boardwalkOr make a longer loop using the Crosstown Trail. Simply walk straight ahead a quarter mile walk along the NW 3rd St sidewalk to meet the Crosstown Trail and turn left.
Turn left again at the water tower and walk into downtown, following the sidewalk along US 19 back to your starting point.
You can also use any of the sidewalks in town to make a loop back to your vehicle. The residential streets are largely nicely shaded by large live oaks.
The River Walk across from the parking area on NW 1st AveRiver Walk West
To add on the piece of the River Walk by the Best Western, start at the same main entrance to the walkway along US 19.
Cross a bridge over the clear outflow of Little Springs and walk up sidewalk along US 19 past Charlie’s Fish House and Bird’s Underwater to NW 6th St.
Kings Bay as seen from US 19 sidewalkFollow the sidewalk along NW 6th St into the Best Western complex, passing an exhibit of historic watercraft once used in Crystal River.
Turn left onto NW 7th Ave around the two-story hotel building and look for the Kings Bay River Walk sign at the far end of its parking lot.
Sunrise from the boardwalk behind the Best Western poolThis walkway leads to a boat ramp. Cross that and go behind the hotel pool to join a boardwalk.
Providing great views of Kings Bay, the boardwalk wraps around past a series of docks and ends in front of Cracker’s Bar & Grill.
Boardwalk behind Cracker’sEventually it will be extended to the outflow of Little Springs. For now, backtrack to the pool complex and look for the marked Kings Bay River Walk through the center of the parking area.
Return to NW 6th St. Turn right and backtrack along the sidewalks back to the main entrance of the River Walk, completing a 3/4 mile round trip.
There is no safe crossover except at the light at Citrus Ave, but showy Little Springs is across US 19 from the River Walk and has its own parking areaTrail Map
Explore More!
Learn more about Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge
Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge Integral to the town of Crystal River, this water-based refuge protects wintering grounds for Florida manatees.Video
Slideshow
See our photos from the Kings Bay River Walk
Nearby Adventures
More worth exploring while you’re in this area.
Kings Bay Park Edging Kings Bay and spring-fed waterways flowing into it, this wooded downtown park provides some of the best views of Kings Bay.
Hunter Springs Park Besides access to its namesake spring for swimmers, Hunter Springs Park is also a popular put-in for paddlers headed to Three Sisters Springs.
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. 
Three Sisters Springs An important gathering place for manatees during the winter months, this beautiful cluster of springs along Crystal River can be visited by land or by water.
- Hal Scott Yellow Trail - November 3, 2026
- Hal Scott Preserve - October 28, 2026
- Tradewinds Park - October 27, 2026