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Submission
We biked the trail on March ninth 2021. It was a beautiful clear day around 73 degrees with enough wind to keep down the bugs.
Took us about an hour and a half to ride the loop on hybrid bikes. It was a bit rough for us but manageable. As it hadn't rained recently the rutted portions of the trail were mostly dry and we could ride through most of of it. There's rutting on the entire loop but the stretch from mile two to mile three was the worst.
We took the loop to the left to see the salt marsh vistas first then rode on around through mostly pine lands and wet hammock.
Saw some birds and other animals and yes we saw the alligator... See three photos.
We'd recommend the trail when it's cool and windy to help reduce the bugs.
There are no facilities here.
Hiked to the 2 mile marker with our 3 & 7 year old. Trail was a little muddy. Be aware of the trails local residents, the snakes, otters, and water birds. We did come across a cotton mouth that was along the edge of the trail.
There is a map of the loop at the parking lot.
The 7 mile loop trail is a nature lover’s paradise. The trailhead is located off of W.State Park Street north of downtown Crystal River. Safe parking is provided for about 15 vehicles. The hiking/biking trail itself is a 7.2 mile loop that is not paved, but a sandy road. Take your time and enjoy birding and the occasional alligator sighting in the wetlands. Carrying your own water and bug spray is highly recommended and no restrooms are provided.
Husband and I went by this trail and spent about an hour going only the 2 miles and coming back so 4 miles total. The path is nice and open, there's some wildlife to see (gators, birds, bees, gopher tortoise), and a pleasant breeze blows through on occasion. The path is easy to walk. We walked it while a few other couples biked. We'll come back another time and go the whole stretch. Just be aware no bathrooms or water facilities but they tell you that in a warning sign at the front.
