Crystal River Preserve State Park

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 the Europeans arrived 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 primary recreational opportunities at the Preserve are hiking, biking (including a 7-mile trail),[1] birding, kayaking, fishing (freshwater, near shore, and saltwater)[2] and nature observation.

Crystal River, which provides refuge to wintering manatees,[3] is located 3 miles southeast of the main park entrance.