Hiking Options
During your stay on the Nature Coast take advantage of our local hiking and walking trails.
Local Hiking Trails
Withlacoochee Gulf Preserve
📍 1001 Old Rock Road, Yankeetown, FL 34448 (Off Highway 40 W)
The Withlacoochee Gulf Preserve is a 413 acre property of undeveloped wetlands.
Enjoy a hike along the boardwalk loop and around a saltwater pond (.4 mile loop). It includes several viewpoints and has great opportunities for wildlife and bird watching. Park at the first parking lot. Restroom facilities are available here.
Take the Marsh Trail off shoot (unpaved, .5 miles) through the marshland towards a tidal creek. Stop at several more view points before ending near the education center (closed) and alternative parking lot.
From the parking lot at the education center (center closed, parking open) hike down the unpaved Old Hammock Trail (.5 miles) to the 30 foot observation tower for fantastic views of the preserve, tidal creeks and surrounding marshland areas.
Follow the unpaved path past the observation tower to the Western-most viewpoint, short loops and fishing pier. Several picnic tables are available between the observation tower and Western viewpoint. Restroom facilities are available at the fishing pier.
*Be aware of the tides. During very high tides (king tides) parts of the unpaved trails to the observation tower, fishing pier, marshland areas and Western viewpoint may be wet and/or underwater.
Felburn Park
📍 10191 N Suncoast Blvd, Crystal River, FL 34428
Felburn Park sits on the south shore of the Cross Florida Barge Canal. It has paved and unpaved parking areas, paved hiking/biking trails, potable water, and picnic pavilions.
A paved, multi-use trail approximately 6 miles long starts at the parking area and runs west to the Gulf. It is part of the Withlacoochee Bay Trail and the Cross-Florida Greenway. Hike along the barge canal and stop at any of the many canal and marshland overlooks. The pavilion at the end of the trail faces west to the Gulf.
Several more miles of paved and unpaved multi-use trails stretch east of the parking area and along the barge canal.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Our recommendations:
Wear comfortable clothing
Sneakers or closed toe shoes
Sunscreen
Bug spray
Drinking water in a reusable bottle/jug
Snacks (Domenic says optional; Adrienne says must.)
Please adhere to the Leave No Trace principles.
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Yes, our shop has some new, gently used and vintage hiking supplies. Stop by to see what is in stock as item availability changes frequently.
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Along the hiking trails you may see many bird species such as spoonbills, herons, ibises, swallowtails, ospreys, eagles, several crab species, deer or even wild pigs.
In the Gulf you may see dolphin, sharks, many of the sea birds listed above plus pelicans and cormorants, several crab species, and of course, lots of saltwater fish.
In the river and canal you may see manatees, loads of freshwater and brackish water fish, water snakes and alligators. They call us the Nature Coast for a reason.
Reminder: Florida has insects all the time and some of them bite or sting. Bug spray (and sunscreen) is a useful tool all the time in Florida, no matter the season.
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In case of an emergency call 911. The 911 operator will assess the options and dispatches necessary emergency services.
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You can reach us anytime via email or DM on social media. We aim to respond quickly—usually within one business day.
📍 108 Highway 40 West, Inglis, FL 34449
📧 Email: SundownRepublic@gmail.com
💌 Direct Message through any of our social media accounts (linked below): @sundownrepublic