Size
9,000 acres
Location
Hernando County coast, west of Weeki Wachee
About the Property
The Weekiwachee Preserve is part of a regional system of conservation lands that extends up to Crystal River Buffer Preserve, preserving the southernmost coastal hardwood hammock in western Florida. The preserve provides a rich mosaic of habitats including several miles of Weeki Wachee River frontage, portions of the Mud River, dense hardwood swamps, fresh and saltwater marshes, and pine-covered sandhills. The preserve is best known for its Florida black bear population. The bears are shy, elusive and pose no threat to people, spending most of their time deep within the swamp.
Since the 1940s, the southwest corner of the preserve was mined for limerock. Mining ended with the public purchase of the property in 1995. The 45- to 60-foot deep rock quarries have since filled with clear water from the Floridan aquifer, creating scenic, spring-like lakes. A variety of grasses and shrubs struggle to grow through the limestone around the quarries, giving the appearance of open grassland. Restoration projects have begun to revegetate the scraped mine surfaces and to develop shoreline habitat.
Public ownership protects the wetlands’ natural functions of conveying spring water to the Gulf, cleansing surface water and providing flood protection, as well as buffering nearby residential communities from tropical storms.
Research/Limited Area
While exploring Weekiwachee Preserve, you may encounter an area marked with “Research Area, Please Do Not Enter” signs. This area is closed to public access. The District is conducting a variety of restoration experiments to learn how to improve wildlife habitat in the mined areas. Please help the restoration effort by avoiding the research area.
Access and Parking
- Enter on foot or bicycle from Shoal Line or Osowaw Boulevard access points. On second Saturday of each month, visitors may drive into preserve through the Osowaw Boulevard entrance and park at end of paved road.
- ADA access and facilities available.
Hours of Operation
Daily from sunrise to sunset.
Restrooms and Water
Portable toilet available at end of paved road; no water available.
Recreational Opportunities
Bicycling and Inline Skating
- 5.5 miles of bicycling on interpretive trail and paved road.
- 1.3-mile paved road adjoining the Osowaw Boulevard entrance, but is not recommended due to poor road conditions.
- Always wear helmet. Florida law requires bicyclists under 16 to wear helmets.
- Always yield trail to wildlife and visitors on foot.
Bird Watching
- Site 69 on west section of Great Florida Birding Trail.
- Contact Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) for more information.
Boating and Paddling
- Lakes open to hand-launched boats, canoes and kayaks.
- Electric trolling motors allowed.
- Gas-powered outboards not allowed.
- Use caution launching boats — banks can be unstable. Do not back vehicles or trailers onto bank.
Fishing
- Numerous lakes inhabited by both fresh and saltwater species. Caution: banks can be unstable.
- Contact FWC for license requirements.
Hiking
- 5.5-mile interpretive trail and paved road.
- 4.3 miles of marked, scenic woods roads.
- Compass and topographical map recommended for cross-country travelers.
- Interpretive guide books available at three locations on trail.
Nearby Recreation Lands
- Chassahowitzka National Wildlife Refuge
- Chassahowitzka River and Coastal Swamp
- Chassahowitzka Wildlife Management Area
- Crystal River Buffer Preserve
For More Information
Land Resources Department, Southwest Florida Water Management District, 1-800-423-1476 (FL only) or (352) 796-7211, ext. 4470
