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Hiking/Biking
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| From the salt marshes in Cedar Key Wildlife Refuge, to the hammocks and sandhills, maple, ash, and cypress swamps at Manatee Springs State Park, to the floodplain swamps, upland mixed, hardwood, and pine forests at Fanning Springs, and the Nature Coast Trail State Park, hikers will never want for scene variation.
Everywhere you look, there are examples of Florida's beautiful natural diversity: plants, trees, animals, flowers, and environment.
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Spend a day or even a weekend hiking through the numerous natural and man-made trails throughout the area.
Hiking is not complicated so bring a fishing pole or tent and supplies to make the most of your camping experience.
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| Just be sure to follow these safety guidelines below: |
- Always let someone know your plans; where you are going, the route you plan to take and planned return time or date.
- Stay on established pathways and trails. Always sign in at established register points and study or carry maps before you start.
- Check your gear and supplies before starting. Carry drinking water and a compass; wear appropriate clothing and footwear.
- Check weather advisories before and during your hike.
- Plan restroom stops to avoid pollution of the habitat.
- Leave no litter. Carry necessary trash bags and pack out trash. Recycle when possible.
- Keep noise down. You'll see more and disturb less.
- Remember, this is Florida, where heat can be oppressive and bugs overwhelming. Know and respect your limitations.
- Obtain permission to hike on private land and public land, where necessary.
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Lower Suwannee Hiking
Fifty miles of roads are open to public vehicle traffic and and additional 50 miles of secondary woods roads provide access for foot and bike traffic.
* Levy County: 9.0 mile Loop Road that passes through managed upland pine forests and hardwood swamps. There are several spurs off this main road which end at saltwater creeks or refuge ponds. There are also gated roads for foot or bicycle traffic.
There are several walking trails available which provide a glimpse of the historical and natural features of the refuge. There is also a canoe trail.
* The River Trail and Boardwalk: 0.4 mile trail which leads to the historic and beautiful Suwannee River; located just north of the refuge headquarters.
* The Dennis Creek Trail and the Shell Mound Trail: 2 trails are available at Shell Mound. There are many other activities available at the Shell Mound Unit including fishing, boating and wildlife observation.
* The Canoe Trail: with launch sites available in the town of Suwannee, the trail winds its way along the river and through several brackish and freshwater creeks. A Canoe Trail Guide is available.
There are several boardwalks and observation towers available for wildlife/wildlands observation and photography.Wildlife observation is best in the early morning or evening hours and in the winter and spring months.
* Fishbone Creek an elevated observation deck provides breathtaking vistas. There is also a small boat launch.
* Salt Creek Boardwalk: Located off County Road 347 near the town of Suwannee, this accessible boardwalk provides spectacular views of the the salt marsh.
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Biking
Many of the same trails used for hiking can also be used for bikers. Manatee Springs and Fanning Springs offer biking trails.
The Lower Suwannee Wildlife Refuge, open year-round, offers 40 miles of roads for hiking, biking, and motorized vehicles. Fifty miles are designated for hikers and bicyclers.
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The Nature Coast Trail State Park extends more than 31 miles.
The trail is open year-round from 8 a.m. to sunset and equipment, including the bicycles themselves, can be rented along the trail. For those taking a daylong excursion, sandwich shops and other rest areas are also located periodically along the trail. Bicycling offers great exercise at a quicker pace, but there are some safety guidelines that one should follow.
- Observe right-of-way rules and be aware of traffic traveling both ways. Do not be caught off guard by potential hazards or obstacles.
- Do not linger on the sides of roads or trails when resting or stopped. Always move a reasonable distance from the road or trail.
- Travel in a straight line and move slower in congested or heavy-traffic areas.
- When passing other pedestrians, give a loud audible warning and pass to the left.
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Hit the Trails
Many visitors to Florida's Nature Coast decide to utilize alternative modes of transportation and take to the many state trails that offer hiking and bike opportunities.
From the St. Marks State Trail in the northern region of the Nature Coast to the newly opened hiking and biking trail that parallels the Suncoast parkway in Pasco and Hernando Counties, there are plenty of places to get off the highway and take to the trails. Below are four areas of interest.
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1. St. Mark State Trail - This 16-mile stretch of trail runs from Tallahassee to St. Marks in Wakulla County. This was the first designated state trail in Florida.
For more information call 850-922-6007.
2. Nature Coast State Trail - Recovered from old railroad right-of-way, this trail parallels U.S. 19 and State Road 26 in Dixie, Levy and Gilchrist Counties. While paving of this trail is continuing, all trail corridors are open for use. This 32 acre linear park, links diverse wildlife viewing areas, a natural swimming spring and the historic Suwannee River. Trailheads are in Cross City, Old Town, Fanning Springs, Trenton and Chiefland.
For more information call 352-493-6073.
3. Withlacoochee State Trail - This 46-mile paved trail runs from Trilby in Pasco county north through Hernando County to just south of Dunnellon. The trail goes through Floral City, Inverness and Citrus Springs. It also takes users through the Withlacoochee State Forest. Trailheads are in Trilby, Ridge Manor, Silver Lake Campground, Floral City, Inverness and Citrus Springs.
For more information call 352-394-2280.
4. Suncoast Parkway Bike Trail - This 29-mile trail follows along the route of the Suncoast Parkway from State Road 50 near Brooksville to the southern border of Pasco and into northern Hillsborough County. The trail is separated from the highway by fencing and landscaping. It crosses through several rivers and wildlife areas. Areas to access the trail in the Nature Coast are at State Road 50 in Hernando County, Grove Road in Hernando County and at State Road 52 in Pasco County.
For more information call 727-856-4488.
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| For more information about: |
Cedar Key National Wildlife Refuge, call (352) 493-0238
The Nature Coast Trail State Park, call (352) 493-6072
Manatee Springs State Park, call (352) 493-6072
Fanning Springs State Park , call (352) 463-4520
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