Trail Map
Introduction
The Withlacoochee Gulf Preserve is a 413 acre parcel of undeveloped wetlands located on Florida’s Nature Coast. It consists of a mix of flatwood, hammock, and tidal marsh habitats.
The Preserve has a 30 foot observation tower, salt pond boardwalk, Gulf accessible canoe/kayak dock, and a 4500 square foot Education Center. Located at 1001 Old Rock Road, just off Hwy 40 West, in
Yankeetown Florida, the Preserve is open daily from dawn to dusk.
If you are looking for a great place for nature photography, hiking, paddling, or bird watching, we invite you to come and enjoy the Preserve. The Education Center hosts talks, presentations, and other events.
History of the Preserve
In the late 1990's the Town of Yankeetown saw an opportunity to protect and preserve a parcel of land that was to become the Withlacoochee Gulf Preserve. The property was purchased with a grant from the Florida
Communities Trust. Development of the Preserve land and infrastructure has been accomplished with grants
from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, Florida Recreational Development Assistance Program, Felburn Foundation, Southwest Florida Water Management District, the Town of Yankeetown, and the Friends of the WGP. The Preserve had its grand opening February, 2009.
- Map
The Preserve is located in Yankeetown Florida. The entrance is near the intersection of Hwy 40 and Hwy 40A. From the gate follow Old Rock Road to parking at the Salt Pond or at the Education Center. Directions (Open Maps App)
- Trail Map
The Preserve has several miles of footpaths, divided into the Red, Green and Yellow trails.
- Red - Salt Pond Trail (0.4 mi, wheelchair-accessible boardwalk)
- Green - Marsh Trail (0.5 mi)
- Yellow - Oak Hammock Trail (0.5 mi)
- Paddling
The Preserve Dock is accessible from the Withlacoochee Bay via Helverson Creek. A toilet, picnic area, and the Observation Tower are a short walk from the Dock. Note: Sections of Helverson Creek are shallow. Take care at low tide.
-
Bird Creek to WGP Dock Paddle (5 mile round trip)
Located at the end of Hwy 40 West, Bird Creek Beach is open during daylight hours. This Levy County Park has a covered picnic area and portable toilets.
- Allen Park Ramp to WGP Dock Paddle (7.5 mile round trip)
The Allen Park Ramp is located on a shallow tidal creek. To get to the Ramp turn on to Allen Park Road where Hwy 40A connects with Hwy 40 and drive about 1.5 miles to the end. Note: There are no facilities at this location. Also, this access is not useable during low tide.
-
Bird Creek to WGP Dock Paddle (5 mile round trip)