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Please be advised that portions of the boardwalk are currently under construction and will be temporarily inaccessible and not all areas of the boardwalk can be walked at this time.
Land Access at Three Sisters Springs
Three Sisters Springs, a unit of the Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge (CRNWR), is the gem of the Nature Coast. Visitors to the refuge can enjoy wildlife viewing, hiking trails, and bicycling when visiting this beautiful refuge. The boardwalk has viewing platforms to observe the springs and native wildlife. There are also nature trails that offer views of Magnolia Springs, Lake Crystal, and the wetlands. Three Sisters Springs is a world-renowned winter sanctuary for the West Indian Manatee. Over 100 different native and migratory bird species use the refuge year-round.
The 57-acre refuge that surrounds the Three Sisters Springs is an example of a restored wetland habit. Visitors can explore hiking trails to view the Wetland, Lake Crystal, Magnolia Spring, and the scenic boardwalk that surrounds Three Sisters Springs.
Visitors can observe mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians common to a Florida spring ecosystem. Cold winter days bring 100's of manatees seeking warm water refuge into the springs.
US Fish & Wildlife Service volunteers offer guided walking tours and are available to field questions concerning the refuge, native wildlife, and the Florida spring system. Click link for guided walking tours schedule: https://www.fws.gov/refuge/crystal-river/visit-us/activities/ranger-led-programs
In an effort to preserve the shoreline vegetation, control erosion, and maintain water clarity, the Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge and the City of Crystal River do not allow water access to visitors from this site, nor do they allow land access from the water.
- Land access is open daily 8:30 am - 4:30 pm
- No visitors are admitted after 3:30 pm
- NO Pets on the refuge, service animals are welcome.
- There is no parking permitted on the refuge, however, there are a limited number of handicapped parking spaces available with a valid permit.
- Restroom facilities are available on the refuge. Restrooms are also available at the Three Sisters Springs Center.
- Leave only footprints, take only pictures. Leave rocks, plants, and other natural features as you find them so they can be enjoyed by future generations.
