Welcome to Crystal River Preserve State Park 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
nine miles of trails or study the native wildlife and plants on the
two-and-a-half 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. On the third Saturday
of each month, the visitor center features the Redfish Revue
Theatre, a video presentation about the park.
This is one of the 7 caches I placed on a 22 Mile bike
ride.
Laurie had the car at school, and I wanted to place caches, so I
got my lunch and water ready, threw my cache stash in a back pack,
(for those that have have met me, you know what that bag looks
like) and jumped on my bicycle.
The Crystal River Preserve is about an 6 mile ride from home, but I
wanted to stop off and check on "In Memory of Abe" on my way out
there.
About the Nine Mile Trail: This trail is not for the faint of
heart, the trail is riddles with mud puddles, and in some areas you
may need to wade through Mid-calf deep water. All except one of the
caches are just off the trail, This trail can be hiked or biked,
expect the trail itself to take 4 hours to hike and 3 hours to
bike, but allow extra time to search for the caches.
Don't make my mistake, I forgot my water at home, the trail is
rough enough with water, but it's brutal without it.
Along the trail you may encounter a wide variety of wildlife.
BRING BUG SPRAY, you may encounter the infamous Tiger Striped
Mosquito, it's about 10 times the size of a traditional
Mosquito.
GOOD LUCK!