Put-in: Inglis Island Dam
Take-Out: Inglis Island Dam where we put-in.
Directions: Located between Inglis and Crystal River off of SR 19. On 19 go east on W Riverwood Dr follow until you come to park.....See Map for Area Details
Parking: Plenty of paved parking.
Facilities: Restroom (porta-john type), pavillions for viewing Lake Rousseau.
Park Fee: None; open from Dawn to Dusk
There is plenty of paved parking here. There are also 3 pavillions overlooking Lake Rousseau. From the boat ramp you can look across and see Inglis Island. Inglis Island was developed as part of the construciton of the Inglis Dam and Lock. The Dam was built in 1903 for power generation. The lock was started in the late 60's and halted in the early 70's due to cost concerns and environmental consequences. The Lock was planned to lift and lower seagoing traffic from the gulf into the rest of the system, and was part of the Cross-Florida Barge canal project. Now Inglis Island has been set aside by the DEP.
Pines encompass the outmost edges of the island, along with water hyacinths and other water loving plants. There are still remnants of trees left here from where it was flooded to make the man-made lake. You have to be careful in some areas because of debry under the water.
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The island is comprised of approximately 1200 acres. It includes cypress swamps, pine flatwoods, and mixed hardwood hammocks. There are about fifty to sixty bird species that frequent here during the spring and fall. A 3.9 mile loop wilderness trail winds its way around the island. There are a few picnic areas, one is Cherokee Point, where the BSA troop camp.
Along the trail you will see many cypress and hardwoods. Also there were a few wild flowers in bloom.
If you keep paddling around the island you will come to Inglis Lock. They have a section set aside where they fly model airplanes. It is an enjoyable easy paddle. Make sure you try it one day.
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