Redfish Hole Trail Crystal River Preserve
Discover a hidden gem on Florida's Nature Coast! Redfish Hole Trail offers a unique saltmarsh experience with abundant crabs and varied terrain.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Beat the heat and sun
Redfish Hole Trail Crystal River Preserve
Best Time
Beat the heat and sun
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover a hidden gem on Florida's Nature Coast! Redfish Hole Trail offers a unique saltmarsh experience with abundant crabs and varied terrain.
"This place really is a hidden gem; it's easy to miss when you are driving on Fort Island Trail."
🥾 Wear Sturdy Footwear
Trails can be muddy, with roots and rocks. Hiking boots are recommended for comfort and safety.
🦟 Bring Bug Spray
While mosquitoes aren't everywhere, they can be present, especially near the trees and marshes.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Crab-Filled Saltmarshes
Eastern side of the ponds
Witness countless crabs scurrying in and out of their holes in the unique saltmarsh environment.
Shady Woodland Path
Main trail entrance
Enjoy a cool, shaded walk through the trees before reaching the open ponds and saltmarshes.
Elevated Berm Trail
Western side of the ponds
A slightly more challenging, dry trail with uneven ground and sharp drops, offering a different perspective.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Elements
Hidden Gem Alert
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🥾 Wear Sturdy Footwear
Trails can be muddy, with roots and rocks. Hiking boots are recommended for comfort and safety.
🦟 Bring Bug Spray
While mosquitoes aren't everywhere, they can be present, especially near the trees and marshes.
☀️ Prepare for Sun
The open pond areas are exposed. Bring sunscreen, a hat, and water, especially for longer walks.
🦀 Watch for Crabs
The saltmarshes are teeming with crabs! Look closely at the holes for a fascinating display.
Tips
from all over the internet
🥾 Wear Sturdy Footwear
Trails can be muddy, with roots and rocks. Hiking boots are recommended for comfort and safety.
🦟 Bring Bug Spray
While mosquitoes aren't everywhere, they can be present, especially near the trees and marshes.
☀️ Prepare for Sun
The open pond areas are exposed. Bring sunscreen, a hat, and water, especially for longer walks.
🦀 Watch for Crabs
The saltmarshes are teeming with crabs! Look closely at the holes for a fascinating display.
🐾 Pet-Friendly (with caution)
Dogs are welcome, but be mindful of gator habitat and keep them leashed.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors describe Redfish Hole Trail as a beautiful, hidden gem on Florida's Nature Coast, offering a unique saltmarsh experience. While the shaded main trail is pleasant, some sections can be muddy or intensely sunny. The abundance of crabs and the varied terrain are frequently praised, though visitors advise wearing sturdy shoes and bringing bug spray.
"Awesome trail. Lots of horseflies. Gorgeous part of the Nature Coast."
Buster Levin
"Absolutely beautiful! The trail to the ponds is short, shady, and mostly dry. Once you break out of the trees, the sun is pretty unrelenting. 😎
The trail on the eastern side of the ponds has lots of puddles and is muddy. The smaller trail that forks off to the west is on a berm and is dry. It's a little more challenging with plenty of rock and root trip hazards, and the berm drops off sharply in some places.
This place really is a hidden gem; it's easy to miss when you are driving on Fort Island Trail.
↪️ There aren't too many mosquitoes 🦟 Once you leave the trees, but bug spray is a good idea."
JustHavinFun
"Saltmarshes aren't a usual trail option, so this is a great change of pace. There are three trails (unmarked but unmistakable) - the middle trail is lower and wider, probably very wet during the rainy season and always a litle puddly from tides, but you get to walk through the actual black needlerush; the right trail is elevated and shortest, a nice walk; the left trail is elevated, narrow, the longest, with lots of uneven ground, a cool little foot bridge, and only suitable for coordinated ambulatory folks.
Pet friendly, but this is gator habitat, so be cautious. Can be windy and sunny. Each trail will take 1/2 hr to one hour to leisurely walk. Can't find the actual milage out and back, but I think it might be right to left trail: 1 mile, 1.5 miles, and maybe 2 miles. The first fork is for the right and middle trail. The left trail forks off the middle a little further up."
Dusty R
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Redfish Hole Trailhead is located off Fort Island Trail in Crystal River, Florida. It's described as a hidden gem that can be easily missed, so keep a close eye out for the entrance.
While specific parking details aren't extensively covered, the presence of a trailhead suggests parking is available. It's advisable to arrive earlier in the day to secure a spot, especially during peak seasons.
Information regarding public transport to Redfish Hole Trail is limited. It's generally recommended to have your own vehicle for exploring the Nature Coast area of Florida.
Crystal River Preserve State Park, which includes areas like Redfish Hole Trail, is best accessed by car. It's located on Florida's Nature Coast, and driving allows for flexibility in exploring the surrounding areas.
Yes, Crystal River is known for its abundant wildlife, including manatees, and offers opportunities for kayaking and paddleboarding. Three Sisters Springs is a popular nearby attraction for manatee viewing. +2
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Redfish Hole Trail is part of the Crystal River Preserve State Park, which typically has an entrance fee. It's recommended to check the official Florida State Parks website for the most current admission prices and operating hours.
State parks generally have daylight operating hours. For the most accurate information, consult the Florida State Parks website for Crystal River Preserve State Park.
State parks are typically open year-round, weather permitting. However, it's always a good idea to check for any temporary closures or advisories before your visit.
While specific guided tours for Redfish Hole Trail are not widely advertised, the Crystal River area offers many guided kayaking and manatee tours. +1
Yes, the preserve is a great place to launch your own kayak or paddleboard to explore the waterways. +1
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can expect to see a variety of wildlife, including numerous crabs in the saltmarshes, various bird species, and fish. It's also important to be aware of potential gator habitat.
Each trail at Redfish Hole can take between 30 minutes to an hour for a leisurely walk, depending on the specific path chosen.
The trails are described as unmarked but unmistakable. There are three distinct paths to choose from.
The terrain varies. The middle trail is lower and can be wet or muddy. The right trail is elevated and shorter. The left trail is elevated, narrow, and has uneven ground with trip hazards.
The trails offer varying levels of challenge. The left trail, in particular, is only suitable for coordinated ambulatory folks due to its uneven ground.
📸 📸 Photography
The saltmarshes with their abundant crabs, the shaded woodland paths, and the unique elevated berm trails offer great photographic potential. The clear waters of nearby springs are also a draw for photographers.
Mornings offer softer light and fewer crowds, making it ideal for capturing the natural beauty. The contrast between the shaded woods and the sunny saltmarshes can also create dramatic shots.
Absolutely! The preserve is home to various birds, crabs, and fish, providing excellent opportunities for wildlife photography. Remember to maintain a respectful distance.
The elevated trails offer slightly higher vantage points over the saltmarshes, providing a broader view of the landscape and wildlife.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive saltmarsh views, while a telephoto lens can be useful for wildlife. Waterproof gear might be beneficial if you plan to explore the wetter trails.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Be prepared for varying trail conditions. While some paths are straightforward, others can be muddy or have uneven terrain, so sturdy shoes are a must. Bringing bug spray and plenty of water is also advisable. If your family enjoys a bit of adventure, the elevated berm trail offers a slightly more challenging, yet rewarding, experience. Remember to keep a close eye on children, especially near the water and in gator habitat.
🚶♀️ Nature Walk Enthusiasts
The trail system provides options for different preferences. Whether you prefer a shaded woodland stroll or a more challenging walk along an elevated berm, there's a path for you. The opportunity to explore a less common habitat makes this a rewarding experience for anyone looking to discover the quieter, wilder side of Florida's Nature Coast.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Saltmarsh Ecosystem
Navigating the saltmarsh requires a bit of preparation. While the main trail offers shade, the exposed areas can be intensely sunny. The trails themselves vary in difficulty; the middle path is lower and can be quite wet, especially during the rainy season, while the western berm trail is drier but presents more of a challenge with uneven terrain and sharp drop-offs. This variety makes it an interesting hike for those seeking a different kind of nature experience.
Remember that this is a natural habitat, and while the trails are distinct, they are not always formally marked. The experience is about discovery and appreciating the raw beauty of the Florida coast. It's a place where you can truly connect with nature, observing the intricate details of the marsh and its inhabitants.
Wildlife Encounters in Crystal River
Beyond manatees, the waters around Crystal River are also a hotspot for fishing. Redfish, tarpon, and snook are frequently sought after by anglers, with many local charters and guides available. The clear waters of the springs and the coastal areas provide excellent conditions for both recreational fishing and observing marine life.
When visiting Redfish Hole Trail, keep your eyes peeled not only for the crabs and birds but also be aware that it is gator habitat. While direct encounters are not common on the trails, it's a reminder to stay aware of your surroundings and keep pets close. The diverse ecosystems in and around Crystal River offer a rich tapestry of wildlife experiences for nature enthusiasts.
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