Discover the wonders of Inglis Bypass Recreation Area! Embrace the joy of bank fishing, where both fresh and saltwater species await your line. The serene bypass spillway seamlessly channels the freshwater of Lake Rousseau into the lower Withlacoochee River, gracefully meandering through the charming towns of Inglis and Yankeetown before embracing the vast embrace of the Gulf of Mexico. Nestled approximately four miles east of U.S. 19 along the picturesque County Road 40, the entrance to Inglis Bypass Recreation Area beckons you. Follow the paved entrance road as it winds southward through Inglis’ Buddy Risher Park, then turning westward for 0.75 miles along the enchanting Bypass Canal Road until it leads you to the serene Bypass Spillway Recreation Area.

Gaze upon the tranquil waterfront from the two idyllic picnic pavilions, providing solace from the sun and a front-row seat to observe the vibrant birds and wildlife that call this place home. Witness the history etched in the construction of the Bypass Canal and Spillway, an ingenious addition by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers as an aftermath of the Cross Florida Barge Canal project. The canal diverts the flow of the original Withlacoochee River channel, creating a sanctuary for freshwater to thrive before its grand journey to the gulf.

Immerse yourself in the beauty of mowed grass paths that gracefully stretch along the bypass canal, offering endless opportunities for hiking, biking, and various recreational activities. Explore the paths as they lead you eastward from the spillway and westward from the barge canal, bridging the gap between nature and adventure until they seamlessly connect with U.S. 19. Inglis Bypass Recreation Area invites you to experience nature’s splendor and create unforgettable memories amid its tranquil surroundings.