Trails

Administrative roads and levees may be closed during prescribed burns, peak wildlife events, especially around eagle nests, shorebird and waterfowl areas. Please check with the Visitor Center, +1-850-925-6121, for the latest information concerning closures. 

Hiking is most pleasant on the refuge during the fall, winter and early spring.

Plum Orchard Pond Trail - (temporarily CLOSED) located behind the Visitor Center and Nature's Classroom.

Primitive Trails – Deep Creek is 12 miles; Stoney Bayou is 6.5. Both trails start 1.5 miles south of the Visitor Center on Lighthouse Rd. 

Tower Pond Trail – (also known as Mounds Trail), it is located 5 miles south of Visitor Center, with parking next to the restrooms. 

Headquarters Pond Trail – this ¼ mile trail located across from the Tower Pond trail head provides access to a small wooden observation deck at the edge of the pond. 

Cedar Point Trail – located near the saltwater boat ramp, this is a ½ mile trail open to foot traffic only.

Lighthouse Levee Trail – this ½ mile trail is located at the end of Lighthouse Rd. at the right of the parking lot. Open to foot, bicycle and horseback riding traffic.

Cathedral of the Palms  - This area is located in the Wakulla Unit of St. Marks NWR on the Florida National Scenic Trail. 

Create your own – all levees and woodland roads are open to hiking, bicycling and horseback riding. Make up a trail that meets your needs! Refuge maps.

Florida National Scenic Trail - Approximately 56 miles of the Florida Trail traverse the Refuge.  Information, permit, map

Florida Circumnavigational Saltwater Paddling Trail - Follows the coast of the Refuge.  Information, permit, map

Cedar Point Walking Trail

Located near the saltwater boat ramp, this is a ½ mile trail open to foot traffic only.
Trail Length (mi)
0.29
Trail Difficulty
Difficulty Meter / intermediate
Moderate
Route Type
Point to point
View Trail

Deep Creek Trail

Trail Length (mi)
4.34
Trail Difficulty
Difficulty Meter / introductory
Easy
Route Type
Lollipop
Suitability
Kid friendly
View Trail

Florida National Scenic Trail

Approximately 56 miles of the Florida Trail traverse the Refuge. For more information including a permit and map, visit https://www.fws.gov/library/collections/florida-national-scenic-trail-information
Trail Length (mi)
45.91
View Trail

Headquarters Pond Trail

This ¼ mile trail located across from the Tower Pond trail head provides access to a small wooden observation deck at the edge of the pond.
Trail Length (mi)
0.09
Trail Difficulty
Difficulty Meter / introductory
Easy
Suitability
Kid friendly
Wheelchair friendly
View Trail

Lighthouse Levee Trail

This ½ mile trail is located at the end of Lighthouse Rd. at the right of the parking lot. Open to foot, bicycle and horseback riding traffic.
Trail Length (mi)
0.27
Trail Activities
View Trail

Plum Orchard Trail

Trail is closed at this time for maintenance.
Trail Length (mi)
0.42
Trail Difficulty
Difficulty Meter / introductory
Easy
Route Type
Lollipop
Suitability
Kid friendly
View Trail

Shepherd Spring Trail

Trail Length (mi)
0.05
View Trail

Stoney Bayou Trail

Trail Length (mi)
3.09
Trail Difficulty
Difficulty Meter / intermediate
Moderate
Route Type
Lollipop
Trail Activities
Suitability
Dog friendly
Kid friendly
View Trail

Tower Pond Trail

Located 5 miles south of Visitor Center, this trail has parking next to the restrooms.
Trail Length (mi)
1.11
Route Type
Lollipop
View Trail