Experiences
Werner-Boyce is a birder's paradise with several viewing stands located on trails where you might see bald eagles and other raptors, wading birds, shorebirds and migratory songbirds galore.
When paddling, look for American oystercatchers and Caspian terns resting on the offshore flats. Wood storks, great blue herons, roseate spoonbills and white ibis have been observed feeding in the estuarine tidal flats.
A group camping area is available for groups to rent. It is within walking distance of restrooms.
- The cost per night is $5 per adult and $1 per child, plus tax.
- Priority is given to established youth groups.
- For more information or to make a reservation, call the ranger station at 727-816-1890.
Each entrance to the park has hiking trails.
Scenic Drive Trailhead at 10333 Scenic Drive, Port Richey, which contains a picnic pavilion, tables, informational kiosk and the Springs Trail, a short half-mile long (corner of Cinema and Scenic).
Black Rail Trail Head is located at 6641 State Road 52. This trail is only 1-mile round trip but will take you through multiple habitats and reward you with a view across the salt marsh when you reach the end.
The Red Spring Trail and Cypress Oak Pass are our newest single-track trails. Red Spring trail is well marked and easily accessed from Fisher’s Corner or Eagle’s crossing. This trail is under 1 mile and provides multiple loops to explore; each loop will get you back to the trailhead.
Cypress Oak Pass Trail takes you north from the Salt Spring to the fire line trail, and you will pass through uplands, scrub, marsh and mangrove habitats. Although not more than a half-mile, allow extra time for viewing everything from mammals and birds to the ubiquitous mangrove crab, the only crab in our hemisphere that can walk straight forward and straight backwards as well as sideways.
Paddling enthusiasts are welcome to bring their own kayaks or canoes. For fun, paddle to Durney Key (outside the park), to swim and enjoy Florida’s sunshine. Maps are available at the kiosk.
A secluded area along the coast of Florida, the salt marsh is an expansive stretch of pristine waters at Werner-Boyce Salt Springs State Park. The calm waters of the salt marsh are a paddler’s dream - with plenty of shore from which to launch your kayak or canoe, you can float through the serene waters as you take in the quiet yet magnificent habitat around you.
As you drift along under towering mangrove trees, make sure to keep an eye out for the numerous creatures that make their home in the salt marsh. You may encounter a variety of wading and shore birds, crabs, and perhaps even a dolphin, manatee or otter.
Paddlers can access the state park from the Florida Circumnavigational Saltwater Paddling Trail. Paddlers can stay overnight at the park’s primitive camp, which is located on Hope Bayou. The Pithlachascotee River Trail, a 5-mile urban paddling trail, is also located nearby.
Amenities
Werner-Boyce Salt Springs State Park is committed to providing a variety of amenities accessible to all of our visitors. These amenities include:
- Nature trail boardwalk
- Interpretive exhibits.
- Picnic facilities with tables.
- Parking.
- Restrooms.
Service animals are welcome in all areas of Florida State Parks.
Mullet Boat and Kiosk
In the 1920s through the 1980s mullet fishing was extremely popular in the bayou waters of the park. Modern net regulations changed the mullet industry heavily in 1994 and this way of life was lost to history.
Due to the importance of mullet fishing in this area, we have built an accessible 25-foot mullet skiff that is on display in our main park. A sign interpreting the history of mullet fishing is located near the boat.
Turpentine Kiosk
On Salt Springs Trail, look for our turpentine informational kiosk. This will provide you with information on turpentining in the area, the purpose and methods. On display is an original tool dating back to the late 1800s.
Bird Stands
Throughout the park, and marked on the maps, you will find bird stands placed to provide optimal viewing opportunities. Just past Fisher’s Corner we also have an ADA accessible bird stand. Each platform includes up-to-date birding guides mounted on the rail to assist you with identifying the beautiful birds you see.
The Salt Works
The Salt Works display can be found just past the Salt Spring at the end of Salt Springs Trail. At the Salt Works you can learn the history of salt production right here in the park. There is a working display that is used for interpretive programming where you not only learn about the history, but also witness the production of salt, the same way it was done 150 years ago at the same site.
If you explore the salt works on your own, you will find two interpretive kiosks to provide the history and importance of the salt works, as well as hand-crafted tools, made using the same methods as was used in the 1860s.
Also on display in the historic potion of the salt works, you will see a 200 year old sugar pot that is what would have been used for small-scale salt production, a re-created oven built from the same stones that would have been used for the original oven, and a newspaper advertisement from the 1870s for salt sales that were taking place right where you are standing.
The eagle’s nest, bench and kiosk
At eagle’s crossing you will find our latest large interpretive project. The focal point of eagle’s crossing is the 12-foot diameter re-creation of an eagle’s nest. You are invited to walk around the interior and really get an idea of the sheer size of an actual nest. In the center of the nest, you can look down through the glass floor and see actual-size eagle egg reproductions, as well as the bones of the animals our eagles eat.
Near the nest we have placed a bench with a hand-carved eagle as the back rest. As you sit on the bench, try stretching your arms out to match the wingspan of this full-grown bird.
On the south side of the nest we have placed a kiosk with information specific to the bald eagle as well as some terrific pictures. Be sure to look at both sides of the kiosk so that you don’t miss anything.
Self-guided Native Plant Hike
As you travel through the trail system, you will find signage that was provided by our local Native Plant Society. The signs have been strategically placed to help you identify 20 native plants throughout the park.
The common names and Latin names are provided, and staff are always ready to assist with pointing out any plants that may be more difficult to discern depending on whether or not it is flowering.
Each entrance to the park has hiking trails.
Scenic Drive Trailhead at 10333 Scenic Drive, Port Richey, which contains a picnic pavilion, tables, informational kiosk and the Springs Trail, a short half-mile long (corner of Cinema and Scenic).
Black Rail Trail Head is located at 6641 State Road 52. This trail is only 1-mile round trip but will take you through multiple habitats and reward you with a view across the salt marsh when you reach the end.
The Red Spring Trail and Cypress Oak Pass are our newest single-track trails. Red Spring trail is well marked and easily accessed from Fisher’s Corner or Eagle’s crossing. This trail is under 1 mile and provides multiple loops to explore; each loop will get you back to the trailhead.
Cypress Oak Pass Trail takes you north from the Salt Spring to the fire line trail, and you will pass through uplands, scrub, marsh, and mangrove habitats. Although not more than a half-mile, allow extra time for viewing everything from mammals and birds to the ubiquitous mangrove crab. the only crab in our hemisphere that can walk straight forward and straight backwards as well as sideways.
Pets are welcome at Werner-Boyce Salt Springs State Park. All pets must be on a hand-held, 6-foot leash at all times. Pets may not be left unattended.
- Pet owners must pick up after their pets and properly dispose of all pet droppings in trash receptacles.
- Service animals are allowed in all areas of the park.
- See our Pet Policy.
