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The City of Crystal River is located in western Citrus County on the Gulf Coast. Just 79 miles north of Tampa and 88 miles northwest of Orlando, Crystal River Florida is the perfect area for you if you enjoy hiking, biking, boating, fishing, swimming with the manatees, or golfing. With so many activities and parks in the area, everyday will be a new discovery.
The Nature Coast Canoe and Kayak Trial are 17 miles of water way and takes paddlers through some of the most well-preserved salt marshes of the southeast. It begins on the Salt River off Crystal River near the Marine Science Center. Year round wildlife that can be seen includes osprey, eagles, a variety of wading birds, manatees, dolphins, alligators, and raccoons. The water way is marked by trail markers to help in navigation.
If swimming is more your style, then visit the Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge. Here you can swim with the manatees in fresh natural springs that are a constant and refreshing 72 degrees all year round. 600 Million gallons of water flow from the springs daily. The refuge is made up of twenty islands and several small parcels of land and is accessible only by boat.
The Crystal River State Archaeological Site offers an amazing look at our Native American history. This 61 acre pre-Columbian site is a six mound complex and is thought to be one of the largest continuously occupied sites in Florida. It is estimated 7,500 Native Americans may have visited the site each year. The site consists of a burial mounds, temple/platform mounds, a plaza area, and a midden or refuse heap. The Crystal River State Archaeological Site is surrounded by the Crystal River Preserve State Park. In the Preserve State Park you´ll find 9 miles of trails for the more experienced hiker or biker. If a slower pace is more your speed then try out the 2 ½ mile Eco-Walk Trail. Here you can study the native plants and wildlife and with 11 discovery zones that offer sensory sensitivity tips to increase outdoor skills, it´s a great educational experience for the kids. |