Crystal River Preserve State Park is a Florida State Park, originally known as the Crystal River Buffer Preserve. The Preserve comprises 27,500 acres of salt marsh, tidal creeks, mangrove islands, hardwood forests, coastal scrub and pine flat woods.
The Crystal River Preserve is a remnant of the Florida coastline that has changed little since Europeans more than 500 years ago. It is located in a transitional area from a temperate and sub-tropical climate zone and contains plants and animals from both regions. The preserve follows 20 miles (30 km) of coastline along the Gulf of Mexico from Crystal River though Ozello to Homosassa. The Crystal River Archaeological State Park is located within the park boundary and managed by the Crystal River Preserve State Park.
The primary recreational opportunities at the Preserve are hiking, biking, birding, kayaking, fishing and nature observation. Crystal River, world renowned for providing refuge to wintering manatees is located 3 miles southeast of the main park entrance. Find out how to plan Crystal River trip without stress by asking Inspirock to help create an itinerary.
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Crystal River Preserve State Park reviews
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I hiked a portion of the 7-mile trail at Crystal River Preserve SP. A cold front had just come through making it cold and the trails really wet. I didn’t have much trouble hiking around the wet spots.... more
I hiked a portion of the 7-mile trail at Crystal River Preserve SP. A cold front had just come through making it cold and the trails really wet. I didn’t have much trouble hiking around the wet spots.... more »
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Enjoyed a hike there around lake and along river . Saw an alligator 🐊 in the wild which was exciting! Also saw a snake a crab several lizards 🦎 and birds and squirrels. Was a beautiful day and nice.... more
Enjoyed a hike there around lake and along river . Saw an alligator 🐊 in the wild which was exciting! Also saw a snake a crab several lizards 🦎 and birds and squirrels. Was a beautiful day and nice.... more »
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Loved our visit here! Great trails, very clean, clear signage. Big should out to Park Services Specialist Allan Ritchie who found my lost dog collar and mailed it back to me. For sure plan to come here and visit again.
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A GREAT little trip!! Our captains had lots of local insight on various birds, aquatic life and local history. We spotted a momma Manatee and her calf within the first 5 minutes of the tour. I would recommend this trip if you have an hour of free time to kinda get the lay of the water and points of interest.
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