Crystal River State Park 5 Mile Hike

Discover one of Florida's most productive and biologically diverse estuaries, where freshwater from stunning spring-fed rivers mixes with the saltwater of the Gulf of America.

Crystal River Preserve is a true mosaic. Within its borders are more than 27,500 acres of scrub, pinewoods, hardwood forests, salt marshes and mangrove islands. Much of the property is still untouched, allowing visitors a glimpse of what this area of Florida looked like centuries ago.

The park is a year-round destination for hiking, kayaking, paddle boarding and bird-watching. The preserve’s wetlands play an important role in refreshing Florida’s aquifer, making the area essential for Florida's wildlife and human communities.