Adventure Guide to Werner-Boyce Salt Springs State Park: Explore Nature in New Port Richey
Where does the Live Wildly team go to get wild near our home base of Tampa? Werner-Boyce Salt Springs State Park, of course!
Located just an hour from downtown Tampa, this unique park features springs that were used during the Civil War for salt production. The park now covers about 4,000 acres and is home to salt marshes, salt springs, and mangrove forests, all tucked into the Gulf coast.
Visit to explore the wild side of Florida, and discover new adventures close to Tampa’s CyberBay.
Words and photos by Sara Sheehy
Live Wildly Lead Adventurist
Things to Do at Werner-Boyce Salt Springs State Park
Take a Paddle
One of the biggest draws at Werner-Boyce Salt Springs State Park is the paddling. The brackish waters of the Salt Springs Run lead from the park out into the Gulf, where you can spy the famous Port Richey stilt houses in the distance. Look around for dolphins and manatees; both are regulars in the waters around Werner-Boyce Salt Springs.
More places to paddle: Explore Seven of Florida’s Best Paddleboarding Spots
Turn back toward land to paddle through a mangrove tunnel past the over 300-foot-deep Salt Spring. Keep an eye out for the sign marking the location of the spring, or you’re liable to miss it! Once through the mangrove tunnel, take a slow cruise around the small lake, where you can sometimes (but rarely!) spot an alligator.
You can bring your own canoe or kayak, or rent one on-site from Salty Dog Kayak Rentals. Owner Sarah Pinney offers guided paddling tours, too! We loved our time with Sarah out on the water at Werner-Boyce Salt Springs State Park.
Go Hiking
Werner-Boyce Salt Springs State Park offers numerous short hiking trails, but to get the best views of this slice of wild Florida, we recommend checking out the one-mile Salt Springs Trail. On this trail, you’ll spot many of the small artesian springs that this park is known for.
The section along the winding spring run is particularly beautiful – keep an eye out for birds like the bald eagle, cedar waxwing, and black-bellied whistling-duck.
Nature Observation
Interested in a wild wander? Nature observation opportunities abound at Werner-Boyce Salt Springs State Park. In the water, watch for dolphins, otters, alligators, and manatees. On land, gray fox, Florida black bears, and gopher tortoises can sometimes be spotted.
Explore more with 6 Nature Apps to Discover Wild Florida
Apart from the more charismatic species, you’ll find all sorts of plants and flowers that are fun to observe and identify. Look for bushy bluecurls, red mangroves, Florida jack-in-the-pulpit, and American beautyberry, amongst many others.
Cast a Fishing Line
Explore the wild with hook and sinker at Werner-Boyce Salt Springs State Park. This park allows fishing from the shoreline (the aptly named “Fishers Corner” is a great spot to start!) or from your canoe or kayak. There is a variety of fish to catch here, including speckled trout, redfish, and snook. Keep a close eye on the Florida Wildlife Commission’s regulations, as certain fish are restricted when their populations are affected by red tide.
Just getting started? Check out Your Beginner’s Guide to Fishing in Florida
Plan Your Visit to Werner-Boyce Salt Springs State Park
- Hours: Open daily from 8 a.m. until sunset.
- Fees: $3 per vehicle (up to 8 people) or $2 per person if you walk or bike in.
- Pets: Allowed; must stay on leash. Salty Dog Kayak Rentals is also dog-friendly!
- Facilities: Hiking trails, kayak launch, kayak rentals, and restrooms.
Werner-Boyce Salt Springs State Park’s accessible amenities include a nature trail boardwalk, interpretive exhibits, picnic facilities, parking, and restrooms.
