Crystal River Preserve State Park - Crystal River, FL - Florida State Parks

A place of exceptional natural beauty, the undisturbed islands, inlets, backwaters and forests of this Crystal River Preserve are especially cherished by nature lovers and photographers. The park borders 20 miles of the northern Gulf Coast between the two cities of Yankeetown and Homosassa. Visitors can hike or bicycle along seven miles of trails or study the native wildlife and plants on the two mile interpretive trail. Anglers can walk down a short path to the Mullet Hole for a relaxing afternoon of fishing. Paddlers can launch a kayak or canoe into the waters of the scenic Crystal River to see the park from the water. During the winter, on the third Saturday of each month, the visitor center features nature films at the Redfish Revue Theatre.  The Crystal River Preserve State Park is truly a unique area on Florida's Gulf Coast. Being situated at a transition between temperate and sub-tropical zones it has plant communities that occur in each. In addition to the climatic zones, it also protects expansive grass flats that extend many miles into the gulf. The estuarine system is fed fresh water from seven rivers in the county and provides for an abundance of sea life. The overall environment of this wonderful area has provided for animal and human residents for thousands of years.  Many new pre-Columbian archaeological sites have recently been added to the Florida Site Files and it is anticipated that the pre-historic and historic inventory will continue to increase. It is important that we gain knowledge based on the impacts of our predecessors on the environment as well as, biological, hydrological, geological, climatic changes that have occurred in the past so that we might better understand our own impacts and the continuing changes in the systems for comprehensive management.