Crystal River/Citrus County, FL

Crystal River Preserve State Park Loops

Aurélie Vilmer

Run longest unpaved loop in Citrus County! Crystal River Preserve State Park comprises 27,500 acres of scrub, pinewoods, hardwood forests, salt marshes and mangrove islands. It’s a popular spot for hiking, kayaking, paddle boarding and bird-watching. This route was inspired by AurĂ©lie Vilmer.

The signature running route at the Preserve is the Seven Mile Loop Trail, an easy and attractive unpaved path around the preserve. You’ll cross over three tidal creeks, pass saltwater marsh flats, and see a champion contender loblolly pine tree.

Another option is the Eco-Walk, a 2.1 mile trail at the northeast part of the park, which can be run standalone or connected to the Seven Mile Loop Trail. There’s a map of the trail at the Trailhead off N Tallahassee Rd. Interpretive signs dot the trail, which passes through meadow, pine forest, Oak savannah, and a a mixed hardwood freshwater marsh.

 

Essentials
  • Seven Mile Loop Trail: 7.1 mile (11.4 km) loop; Eco-Trail: 2.1 mile loop
  • 160 feet (49m)
  • 7 Mile Loop Trail: trailhead off W State Park St. Eco-Trail: trailhead off N Tallahassee Rd.
  • Parking in area

Comment on this Route/Share a Photo!

Share your feedback on this route and see that of other Great Runs users. Click on the image icon to upload a photo. And please let us know if there are notes or changes we should incorporate!

Subscribe
Notify of

0 Comments
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments
Essentials
  • Seven Mile Loop Trail: 7.1 mile (11.4 km) loop; Eco-Trail: 2.1 mile loop
  • 160 feet (49m)
  • 7 Mile Loop Trail: trailhead off W State Park St. Eco-Trail: trailhead off N Tallahassee Rd.
  • Parking in area