The Inglis Bypass 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
Bypass is a manmade canal constructed to divert water from the Withlacoochee River
as part of the Cross Florida Barge Canal ... a failed public works project from
many years ago. The bypass canal includes a spillway to regulate fresh water flow
into the lower Withlacoochee. The original plan for the bypass included a lock to
allow boat traffic along the canal.
Access to Inglis Bypass Recreation Area is via Canal Road, which runs south from
State Road 40 along the east margin of Inglis' Buddy Risher Park. Canal Road
follows the north bank of Inglis Bypass for about 3/4 of a mile. At its western
terminous, Canal Road becomes Spillway Road. Access to both sides of the canal is
provided by a walkway across the spillway. There are two picnic pavilions at that
location, as well as public restroom facilities.
The picnic area at Inglis Bypass Recreation Area overlooks the point where the bypass
canal flows into the lower Withlacoochee River. From that point, the river continues
downstream through the town of Inglis and on to
Yankeetown before flowing into the Gulf of Mexico. The River provides opportunities
to fish for both fresh and saltwater species, since the water at that point is influenced
by outflow from the spillway and tidal flow from the Gulf.
Mowed grass paths, suitable for hiking or off-road biking, run to the east toward
Inglis Lock Recreation Area, and to the west all the way to U.S. Highway 19 - a
total distance of about 3 miles.Activities & Facilities
Picnic shelter
Dogs allowed
Short hiking trails
Mountain bike trails
Open gulf kayaking
River or lake kayaking
Fishing