Crystal Cove Trail

The Crystal Cove Trail is one of only a couple trails inside the largely undeveloped Crystal River Preserve State Park. The 1.3-mile out-and-back trail passes through a small section of the park that runs parallel to a salt marsh before ending at a bench looking out over the Crystal River, a waterway that is popular with recreational boaters and fishermen as well as seasonal visiting manatees. The trail's path through limestone gravel and hardwood swamps make it popular for birding, as spotted sandpipers, clapper rails, Mississippi kites and osprey all have been seen here. The trail is generally flat, and parts of it pass under a scenic archway of pine and hammock that can be vibrant with the songs of birds and insects. Hikers should be prepared for a heavy presence of mosquitoes. There is a dedicated parking area and trail map located at the trailhead. An additional trailhead can be found at the "Mullet Hole" area of the park.