Visit Wilderness

In the language of the Seminole Indians, Chassahowitzka means "Hanging Pumpkin," although no one seems to remember just how this region earned that moniker. Regardless, Chassahowitzka National Wildlife Refuge protects mangrove islands, saltwater bays, estuaries, and brackish marshes, fringed with an oak-cypress-cedar hardwood swamp on the eastern side.

Originally established to benefit waterfowl, the Refuge now also provides critical habitat to numerous endangered species such as the West Indian manatee and whooping crane, and also provides for the preservation of wilderness character. Three-quarters of the refuge is designated Wilderness. The Chassahowitzka River runs between the northern and southern expanses of Wilderness. The Homosassa River runs on the north side of the Wilderness.

The tidal bays, rivers, and creeks of Chassahowitzka NWR provide summer habitat for the West Indian manatee. These gentle aquatic mammals consume 10 to 15 percent of their body weight each day. With some animals exceeding 1,000 pounds, the abundant growth of musk grass in Chassahowitzka's shallow bays provides an important food source for manatees. While manatees frequent the refuge most often during the summer months, whooping cranes can only be seen on the refuge during the winter months.

Other resident wildlife species include some 250 birds, more than 40 reptiles and amphibians, and about 25 mammal species all of which find food, shelter, denning and/or nesting sites here.

To see the Wilderness and watch for birds and other wildlife that call it home requires a boat. The Homosassa and Chassahowitzka Rivers offer access routes for canoeing and kayaking to the Wilderness, and the Florida Circumnavigational Saltwater Paddling Trail (a designated National Recreation Trail commonly referred to as the “CT”) passes into or along the edge of the Wilderness. Allowed uses on the trail are non-motorized boating (canoeing and kayaking).

Anglers visit for fishing year-round.

The sound of motorboats travels many miles over water and from many portions of the Wilderness motorboats can be heard operating in the Gulf and other nearby waters. The state or county allows motor boats in some of the waters in the Wilderness under their administration, but motor boats must abide by slow speed restrictions to protect manatees.

Camping in the Refuge, including the Wilderness, is prohibited.

Please see the “Trip Planning” tab above for more detailed information on recreational activities.

Leave No Trace

How to follow the seven standard Leave No Trace principles differs in different parts of the country (desert vs. Rocky Mountains). Click on any of the principles listed below to learn more about how they apply in the Chassahowitzka Wilderness.

1. Plan Ahead and Prepare
2. Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces
3. Dispose of Waste Properly
4. Leave What You Find
5. Minimize Campfire Impacts
6. Respect Wildlife
7. Be Considerate of Other Visitors

For more information on Leave No Trace, Visit the Leave No Trace, Inc. website.

Rules & Regulations

Contacts