Photo Fiona Sunquist ©

Chassahowitzka National Wildlife Refuge

Tel: (352) 563-2008

Located 6 km (4 miles) south of Homosassa Springs, this 12,560 hectare (31,000 acre) National Wildlife Refuge includes the scenic Chassahowitzka River and large areas of coastal marshes, estuaries and hardwood swamp. The refuge is accessible only by boat, but it is a relatively simple matter to rent a canoe and paddle down the Chassahowitzka River to the Gulf. The trip is highly recommended. Take lunch and spend the day canoeing the river and some of the side streams. Otters, Alligators, turtles and wading birds are commonly seen. Manatees regularly use the river in winter and often hang out by the canoe launch point. Winter and spring are good times to see some of the 250 bird species recorded in the refuge.

Avoid weekends and holidays when boaters speeding up and down the river will spoil the peace and quiet of your canoe trip.

More information on their web site

Chassahowitzka NWR web site

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