Felburn Park - Withlacoochee Bay Trail, Crystal River FL
LOCATION: 10201 North Suncoast Blvd. Crystal River, Florida 34428 (352) 236-7143 LENGTH: 6 miles TYPE: In and Out RANKING: Easy ACCESS: 8 am - Sundown USAGE: Moderate FEES: Free MAPS: No SURFACE: Paved Multi-Use FEATURES: Gulf, very small beach, fishing, & restrooms COMMENTS: Great bike ride, hike, or inline skating PET FRIENDLY: Yes on leash
The Withlacoochee Bay Trail and Felburn Park are the result of a cooperative partnership with the Felburn Foundation, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, the Florida Department of Transportation and Citrus County.
The Marjorie Harris Carr Cross Florida Greenway is on lands formerly known as the Cross Florida Ship and later Barge Canal projects and stretches from the Gulf of Mexico to the St. Johns River. This 110-mile corridor covers a variety of natural habitats, trails and recreation areas.
The Felburn Park Trailhead and Withlacoochee Bay Trail are located at the far western end of the Greenway. Felburn Park was formerly a 140-acre limerick mine and features the 40-acre "Phil's Lake."
The Withlacoochee Bay Trail is a 5 mile trail running west from the Felburn Park Trailhead to the Gulf of Mexico, along the southern side of the former Cross Florida Barge Canal. This is a 12-foot wide, multi-use paved trail and runs adjacent to the barge canal for the first 2.5 miles and then switches its path to the south side of the "berm" that was created by the canal's excavation. The westernmost 2.5 miles of the trail runs through scenic maritime hammock and salt marsh habitats.
We were here in January 2015 and found this bike ride to be very scenic and bike friendly. We enjoyed the many pavilions and platforms along the way to sit and enjoy the sun. They were great for viewing the water and wildlife. A few folks were enjoying a Sunday afternoon picnic.
Running parallel to the paved trail from Felburn Park, a vehicle access road runs from the U.S. 19 bridge westward for almost five miles. At the westernmost end of the access road a parking area and canoe/kayak launch are available on the south side of the paved trail.
There is also a 5.6 mile Equestrian trail beginning at the trail head. The Red Trail is 3.3 miles and the Green Trail is 2.3 miles.
DIRECTIONS: From the North –Inglis: Take US 19 South, crossing over the Cross Florida Barge Canal (US 19) Bridge. Turn Left onto the Suncoast Blvd. road. Follow the Suncoast Blvd. road North. Continue following signs to Felburn Park. Turn right at the Felburn Park entrance.
From the South– Crystal River: Take US 19 North. Turn right onto the Suncoast Parkway road (at the foot of the bridge). Follow the Suncoast Blvd. road North. Continue following signs to Felburn Park. Turn right at the Felburn Park entrance.