Marjorie Harris Carr Cross Florida Greenway

The Cross Florida Greenway is unique in many ways. Occupying more than 70,000 acres of land formerly known as the Cross Florida Barge Canal, the Greenway is a 110-mile linear park that is more than a mile wide in places. It hosts more than 300 miles of trails of all types—paddling, hiking, mountain biking, equestrian and paved multi-use. The Greenway is also a wildlife corridor and the first in Florida to have a “land bridge” across a major interstate that both trail users and wildlife utilize. Black bears use the Greenway as a major corridor, especially on the eastern end near the Ocala National Forest. The Greenway protects unspoiled segments of the Ocklawaha River and it offers campgrounds, too. All this and more are part of the Cross Florida Greenway experience!

Experiences

Birding
The Inglis Island trails are featured as a location along the Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail. These trails offer an ideal setting in which to observe native and migratory species of birds.

Boating
Boating in the Cross Florida Barge Canal from Inglis Lock to the Gulf of Mexico is available in this area as well as the approximately 1.5 miles of Withlacoochee River below the Inglis Main Dam.

Paddling
Canoeing & kayaking can be enjoyed on Lake Rousseau on the upstream side of the Inglis Dam and below the dam on the Withlacoochee River and the Cross Florida Barge Canal.

Fishing
Fishing is a popular activity in this area of the Greenway. From the Inglis Dam Recreation Area, there is great freshwater fishing to be had on Lake Rousseau, a prime spot for bass and bream. Below the dam there are fresh and saltwater fishing opportunities. There are several bank-fishing spots in the area for both fresh and saltwater fishing.

All fishing within the park must conform to regulations concerning size, number, method of capture and season.  A fishing license may be required.  More information is available at the Florida Wildlife Commission’s Fishing in Florida.

Mountain Biking
There are many mountain biking opportunities all across the Cross Florida Greenway. One of the most popular are the Santos trails.

Picnicking
Picnicking is available at the pavilions provided or in open grassy areas as desired.

Walking
The Florida National Scenic Trail main orange blaze through trail runs across the Kirkpatrick (Rodman) Dam westward into the Ocala National Forest and eastward 1.4 miles to the Rodman Campground. The Florida Trail Association produces detailed hiking maps by segment.

Wildlife Viewing
Wading birds and other aquatic avian species are regularly seen at Kenwood.  Whitetail deer, wild turkey and other species are also common.

Amenities

Horse Equestrian Trail
There are many equestrian trails to enjoy of the Cross Florida Greenway.

Boat Ramp
Boat launches at Inglis Dam Recreation Area and the Florida Marine Patrol Station provide access to Lake Rousseau and the Withlacoochee River/Cross Florida Barge Canal.

Canoe Kayak Launch
Use boat launches above and below Inglis Dam.

Accessible Amenities
Cross Florida Greenways is committed to providing a variety of accessible amenities to all visitors. Those amenities include:

Picnic pavilions and benches
Grills
Boundless playgrounds
Boat launches
Paved multi-use trails
Fishing piers
Accessible campsites
Historic Site
The Historic Santos Recreation Area has the remnants of a former African-American community that was established in the late 1800’s. The center of the community was uprooted between the late 1920’s and mid 1930’s for the depression era sea-level Cross Florida Ship Canal that was later abandoned until it was transformed into the Cross Florida Barge Canal in the 1960’s.

Pets
Well behaved dogs and cats are allowed on the Greenway with a maximum 6-foot, hand-held leash and owners must clean up after the animals as needed. For detailed information on pet policy, see Florida State Parks pet policy.

Playground
A small playground with mulch surfacing is available for day use at this location.

Water Fountain
Water fountains (potable water) are available at both Baseline Trailhead and Marshall Swamp Trailhead.