Inglis Dam & Island Recreation Area is a part of the Cross Florida Greenway that
extends for 110 miles from Yankeetown on the west coast to just south of Palatka
on the St. Johns River near the east coast of Florida.
Inglis Dam is one of two spillways that
block the natural flow of the Withlacoochee River and form Lake Rousseau.
Regulation of these spillways splits the downstream flow between the original
river basin and the bypass canal. A public parking area is available on the
south side of the Inglis Dam. A paved boat ramp provides upstream access to Lake
Rousseau for canoes, kayaks and motorboats. Several picnic shelters are also
near the parking area.
An additional parking area is also located south and downstream of the dam. A
ramp at that location provides access to the Withlacoochee River as it flows
about 1.5 miles and then joins the bypass canal. The river at this point is
normally brackish with a tidal flow ... but may have high freshwater flows when
there is a a significant discharge from the spillway. Fresh and saltwater fish,
as well as manatees, may be found in this section of the river.
The Inglis dam provides a bridge to the south side of Inglis Island. The island
has a 2.3 mile long 12 foot wide paved multi-use trail suitable for hiking,
bicycling or rollerblading. There are an additional 7.6 miles of natural surface
trails that may also be used by horse riders. Horse trailer parking is available
on the island with advance notice. See the State Park website (link below) for
contact information.
Activities & Facilities
Picnic shelter
Dogs allowed
Short hiking trails
Long hiking trails
Paved bike trails
Mountain bike trails
Horse trails
Swimming
River or lake kayaking
Motor boating
Fishing