Blue Cypress Lake
WEBSITE: http://www.ircgov.com/Departments/Public_Works/Parks_Maintenance_Division/Blue_Cypress_Park.htm

Blue Cypress Lake, located about 35 miles west of Vero Beach, is considered the headwaters of the St. Johns River which, as Florida’s longest river, flows 300 miles north to Jacksonville and out into the Atlantic Ocean.  The Lake is the largest natural body of freshwater in Indian River County measuring 4.8 miles long and 3 miles wide. The Lake is part of the larger Upper St. Johns River Basin and is included in the Blue Cypress Conservation Area managed by the St. Johns River Water Management District.

Activities in the Conservation Area include wildlife viewing, fishing, seasonal hunting, bicycling, hiking, camping, canoeing/kayaking, and boating/airboating.  There are many opportunities for wildlife viewing in the Area, especially for birds.  Aside from an occasional White-tailed Deer and the seemingly ever-present Alligator, the bird life is rich and varied.  Watch overhead for a variety of passing Hawks, especially the Red-shouldered and the Red-tailed.  Other birds of prey include an abundance of Ospreys around Blue Cypress Lake and an occasional Bald Eagle.

In the eastern portion of the Area, be on the lookout for the endangered Everglades Snail Kite.  The Snail Kite is unique in that the bird’s diet consists almost entirely of the Apple Snail that lives in shallow wetlands and marshy areas like those that dominate the eastern portion of the Conservation Area.   Other common birds to look for are the Great Blue Heron, Little Blue Heron, Turkey & Black Vultures, Anhinga, Great Egret, White Ibis, Belted Kingfisher, Fish Crow, Tricolored Heron, Red-bellied & Pileated Woodpeckers, and the Boat-tailed Grackle.

The visitor to the Conservation Area may pick from several choices to access the area.  Indian River County maintains Blue Cypress Park, 7400 Blue Cypress Lake Road, adjacent to Blue Cypress Lake.  The park amenities include a boat launch, restroom facilities with showers, covered pavilions, and a campground.  Also located in the park is the Middleton Fish Camp with a bait shop and small store featuring limited food and drink items for sale.  To reach the park from the intersection of I-95 and State Road 60, go west on Route 60 about 18 miles then turn right onto Blue Cypress Lake Road.  This is a dirt road that dead-ends after about 5 miles at Blue Cypress Park.  Watch for Wild Turkeys, White-tailed Deer, and other wildlife while driving Blue Cypress Lake Road.

Another access point with a boat ramp and hiking trailheads is maintained on County Road 512.  Go north on C.R. 512 from State Road 60 and proceed a few miles until the paved parking lot of the Blue Cypress Recreation Area comes into view.  A kiosk is onsite with maps and information about the area.  There is no running water, but there are restrooms and pavilions around the parking lot.

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