The Chassahowitzka River Trail is boat-accessed. The river trail starts at the boat landing at the Chassahowitzka River Camp ground. The trail follows the river and its tributaries through State lands for about four miles to the National Wildlife Refuge.

Chassahowitzka NWR is unspoiled estuarine habitat that serves as important breeding and feeding grounds for marine life. Shallow bays support an abundant growth of musk grass, which provides food for birds and manatees. The trail is made up of swamp, hardwood forest and sea grass. Wildlife is abundant: the refuge is home to river otter, dolphin, black bear, and manatee to mention a few.

The refuge is the new home of the next migratory population of whooping cranes. Crane area is off limits to the public. The cranes do fly outside the pens and may be observed from a boat. Plan on a four to six hour trip. There is a boat dock at Dog Island on the refuge with picnic and toilet facilities, maintained by the Fish and Wildlife Service.

The Chassahowitzka River Trail is reached from US19 at the junction of US98. Turn west on Miss Maggie Drive. Follow Miss Maggie Drive for four miles to the Citrus County Campground and the boat landing at the end of the Drive. There is a parking fee of $1.50. Canoe and johnboat rental is available at the boat landing. No motor rentals.

Chassahowitzka River is one of Florida's scenic rivers. It is spring fed and slow moving and can be very shallow in winter. High tide is the best time to go out on the river. Check at the camp store for tide conditions.

Birding starts in the parking lot at the boat landing. Be sure to walk around the parking lot for passerines. The trees across from the boat landing are a roost for turkey vultures and black vultures. Bald eagles nest along the river near the sign for the Chassahowitzka NWR. A golden eagle has been seen out on the Refuge for the last couple winters.

Wading birds are found all along the trail. It is easy to see forty to fifty bird species in a morning canoe ride on the Chassahowitzka. Of all our trails, a birder does not want to miss this one. Pick up a bird checklist for Crystal River NWR and Chassahowitzka NRW at Refuge headquarters in Crystal River or at the kiosk at the boat dock. The best time to bird this trail is from October to April.