Maps and Trails in the Lower Suwannee NWR

Maps

OVERVIEW 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.

Check our home page for the status of Refuge roads and trails.

All refuge maps were produced by Daniel L. Barrand, Refuge Forester.

Trail Guides (listed north to south)

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:

If you see a vehicle parked at a gate, it's best not to walk down that road
When hiking off the public driving roads, wear bright colors, like safety orange or fluorescent yellow; and lastly
It is not wise to carry deer antlers and clack them together making it sound like two bucks fighting. This type of noise attracts hunters. . .

Most Refuge kiosks have posters like this with QR codes leading to detailed maps and information.

7 Great Dixie County Adventures

hike/drive/paddle

various lengths

Favorite activities on the Dixie side.

10 Great Adventures

hike/drive/paddle

various lengths

Favorite activities on both the Dixie and Levy sides of the Refuges.

Gravel Riding (off-road biking)

bike

various lengths

Recommended rides chosen from nearly 200 miles of former logging roads available.

Dixie Mainline Guide by U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service

hike/drive/bike

9 miles

Activities and points of interest along the Dixie Mainline.

Dixie Mainline Hiking Trails

hike/drive/bike

8.5 miles

Hiking trails, history and habitats along the Dixie Mainline.

CR 349 Refuge Cycling Tour

bike

14.5 miles

Five primary but seldom traveled Refuge roads off CR 349 in Dixie County.

Tram Ridge Area Trails

hike/bike

Cypress Wetland Walk- 0.3 miles one-way

Palmetto Path- 0.3 mile loop

Tram Ridge- 2.8 mile loop

Primeval-looking swamp, bottomland hardwood forest, scrubby flatwoods, and cypress ponds, but no river view since Hurricane Idalia in 2023.

Nature Drive Guide

hike/drive/bike

9 miles one-way

This beautiful primary refuge road is the gateway to many refuge adventures.

Gate 3 and 15 in Levy

hike/bike

1.2 miles RT

Easy walk through nice pine flatwood habitat. Cross the road and continue on the Gate 14 trail (see below).

Gate 11 in Levy

hike/bike

1.3 miles RT

Although the trail goes near the Refuge Headquarters, access to the headquarters is not allowed from this trail.

Gate 12 in Levy

hike/bike

1.6 miles RT

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.

Gate 14 in Levy

hike/bike

1.2 miles RT

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.

Gate 21 in Levy

hike/bike

.8 miles RT

Easy, but often soggy, walk through riverine floodplain ending at edge of scenic Sandfly Creek.

Turkey Foot Loop Trail- Gates 23, 24, 28

hike/bike

2.17 mile loop

One of the best trails for seeing birds and butterflies, especially during spring.

Barnett Creek Loop Trail- Gates 31, 34

hike/bike

2.8 mile loop

This secondary road loop traverses some of our best land and water scenery.

Dennis Creek Trail

hike/bike

1 mile

Nearly all the Gulf of Mexico coastal ecological features are visible from land on this trail.

Shell Mound Trail

hike

.5 miles

Fascinating archaeological trail with interpretive panels.

Paddling and Fishing Guides
(listed north to south)

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.