Maps & Trails |
Maps & Trails |
MapsOVERVIEW MAPS GEOSPATIAL MAPS Import these into the Avenza app for offline use on your mobile phone. Instructions |
General Guides
The Refuge us open sunrise to sunset. Ticks and winged biting insects can be abundant. Pets are allowed on a leash. |
Behind the gates you sometimes find the best hiking, cycling, and wildlife observation. You are welcome to explore the Refuge's 194 miles of former logging roads, but please do not block the gates with your car in case a refuge vehicle or equipment needs access. Most secondary roads are mowed regularly.
Bikes and E-bikes are permitted. During hunting season, non-hunters are free to access the Refuge and can do so safely by following these basic guidelines from Andrew Gude, Refuge manager:
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hike/drive/paddle
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various lengths
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Favorite activities on the Dixie side.
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hike/drive/paddle
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various lengths
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Favorite activities on both the Dixie and Levy sides of the Refuges.
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bike
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various lengths
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Recommended rides chosen from nearly 200 miles of former logging roads available.
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hike/drive/bike
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9 miles
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Activities and points of interest along the Dixie Mainline.
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hike/drive/bike
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8.5 miles
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Hiking trails, history and habitats along the Dixie Mainline.
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bike
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14.5 miles
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Five primary but seldom traveled Refuge roads off CR 349 in Dixie County.
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hike
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River Walk-1 mile
Tram Ridge- 2.8 mile loop
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In 2023, Hurricane Idalia destroyed the River Walk boardwalk. The trail is now closed.
The Tram Ridge Trail is still open, giving access to bottomland hardwood forest, scrubby flatwoods, and cypress ponds, |
hike/drive/bike
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9 miles one-way
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This beautiful primary refuge road is the gateway to many refuge adventures.
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hike/bike
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1.2 miles RT
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Easy walk through nice pine flatwood habitat. Cross the road and continue on the Gate 14 trail (see below).
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hike/bike
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1.3 miles RT
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Although the trail goes near the Refuge Headquarters, access to the headquarters is not allowed from this trail.
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hike/bike
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1.6 miles RT
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There is a spur to the left .12 miles from Gate 12 with a round trip of 1.4 miles. This spur goes through similar habitats with University of Florida insect study facilities near its end.
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hike/bike
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1.2 miles RT
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Easy walk through longleaf pine habitat merging into riverine floodplain and then ending at expansive view of Suwannee River. Take camp chairs and enjoy the view on the small beach.
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hike/bike
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.8 miles RT
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Easy, but often soggy, walk through riverine floodplain ending at edge of scenic Sandfly Creek.
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hike/bike
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2.17 mile loop
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One of the best trails for seeing birds and butterflies, especially during spring.
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hike/bike
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2.8 mile loop
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This secondary road loop traverses some of our best land and water scenery.
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hike/bike
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1 mile
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Nearly all the Gulf of Mexico coastal ecological features are visible from land on this trail.
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hike
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.5 miles
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Fascinating archaeological trail with interpretive panels.
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Refuge waters include approximately a dozen ponds ranging in size from less than 1 acre to several acres. Bank fishing is allowed, and boat ramps are available to access the Suwannee River and its tributaries or the Gulf of Mexico and its tidal creeks.
Some of the wonders of the Refuges are best explored by paddling. The paddling trails below are listed north to south. Click the links below for more information and downloads for each paddle. Downloadable 11" x 17" panels are free for your personal use. They are copyrighted by Friends and may not be sold or used for any commercial purpose without permission of Friends. |
3 mi.
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1.5 hr.
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Salt water
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Open/Protected
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Intermediate
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4.8 mi.
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2.5 hrs.
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Salt water
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Protected
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Beginner
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6.4 mi
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3.5 hrs.
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Salt water
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Open/Protected
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Advanced (length & navigation)
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5.9 mi.
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3 hrs.
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Salt water
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Open/Protected
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Intermediate (no wind protection)
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6.9 mi.
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3.5 hrs.
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Fresh water
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Protected
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Advanced (length & navigation)
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3.8 mi.
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2 hrs.
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Fresh water
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Protected
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Beginner
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7.4 mi.
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4 hrs.
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Fresh water
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Protected
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Intermediate (length & navigation)
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8 mi.
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3-4 hrs.
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Fresh water
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Protected
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Intermediate (length)
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3.5 mi.
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2 hrs.
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Fresh/salt water
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Protected
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Beginner skills but advanced navigation
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3.1 mi.
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2 hrs.
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Salt water
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Open/Protected
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Intermediate (no wind protection)
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4.3 mi.
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2.5 hrs.
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Salt water
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Open/Protected
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Intermediate (no wind protection)
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2.8-3.3 mi.
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1-1.5 hr.
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Salt water
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Open
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Intermediate (no wind protection)
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Friends of the Lower Suwannee & Cedar Keys National Wildlife Refuges
P. O. Box 532 Cedar Key, FL 32625 [email protected] We are a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. |
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