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Storm Update – Park and Overnight Accommodations Closed 

Effective Oct. 1, 2024: To help ensure the safety of visitors and staff, the park and any associated overnight accommodations are closed due to Hurricane Helene. The Florida State Parks reservation team will email guests with affected reservations to make alternate arrangements or issue refunds. The park and its overnight accommodations will reopen as soon as conditions allow. Please visit our Storm Updates page for more information.

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Cedar Key Scrub

Cedar Key Scrub State Reserve

Gulf salt marshes give way to scrubby flatwoods, the rare Florida scrub and its special plants and wildlife

Hours

8 a.m. until sundown, 365 days a year

Fees

No fee required

Location

Cedar Key Scrub State Reserve
Cedar Key FL 32625

Get directions

Contact Info

352-543-5567

Park Menu

  • Experiences & Amenities
  • Events

Welcome to Cedar Key Scrub State Reserve

Twelve natural communities provide splendid opportunities for wildlife observation along miles of trails.

Located five miles east of Cedar Key, the reserve is over 5,000 acres with much to explore. It is accessed from two trailheads, one on State Road 24 and the other on Levy County Road 347. The trailheads provide access to 13 miles of multi-use trails located within the reserve - hike, bike or ride a horse.

Contained within the reserve's boundaries are 12 distinct natural communities, including one of the rarest in the state, Florida scrub. These natural communities are home to a variety of wildlife, including the Florida scrub-jay, Florida mouse, gopher tortoise and bald eagle. 

The reserve's western boundary includes tidal marshes where creeks are wonderful for either fishing from a canoe or kayak or simply paddling to observe wildlife. While the reserve does not have a canoe/kayak launch, the tidal marsh can be accessed by launching at the public boat ramp located at the FWC Senator George Kirkpatrick Marine Laboratory, located off State Road 24 at the entrance to Cedar Key.

Plan Your Visit

Park Manager, Ferlain Hoover
Learn

Manager's Message

When I hike through Cedar Key Scrub State Reserve over white sand hills and between towering longleaf pines, I’m reminded of what we call the Real Florida.
Scrub jay on ground at Cedar Key Scrub State Reserve
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Bird-watching at Cedar Key Scrub

Diverse habitats provide opportunities to observe many bird species, from soaring eagles and swallow-tailed kites to rare sparrows and wrens.
Pine tree and trail with blue sky at Cedar Key Reserve
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Miles of Trails for Equestrians

A leisurely ride in the sandhills, between pine trees and through the sunny scrub provides a taste of some of the natural communities that make Florida so diverse and scenic.

Experiences

Bicycling
Bicycling
Birding
Birding
Fishing
Fishing
Geo-Seeking
Geo-Seeking
Hiking
Hiking
Horseback Riding
Horseback Riding
Paddling
Paddling
Picnicking
Picnicking
Walking and Running
Walking and Running
Wildlife Viewing
Wildlife Viewing

Amenities

Accessible Amenities
Accessible Amenities
Equestrian Trail
Equestrian Trail
Nature Trail
Nature Trail
Parking
Parking
Pets
Pets
Picnic Pavilion
Picnic Pavilion
Restroom Facilities
Restroom Facilities

Cedar Key Scrub State Reserve Photo Gallery

Star-filled dark sky over the salt marsh and pine trees at Cedar Key
Walking in Cedar Key Scrub
Horseback Riding in Cedar Key Scrub
Picnic Area in Cedar Key Scrub
Vista of Cedar Key salt marsh and blue sky with wispy clouds
Vista of green vegetation and pines trees
Yellow, wispy flower blooming in the groundcover
Looking across an open wetland with pine trees on the horizon
Thick plants cover the white sands in the scrub
Learn

Wild Places of Cedar Key Scrub

As the name implies, Cedar Key Scrub State Reserve protects one of Florida’s rarest and most unique natural communities: scrub. Scrub is found on deep white “sugar sand” ridges across Florida.
Florida Scrub Jay
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Florida Scrub-Jay

It’s the state’s only endemic bird, which means the Florida scrub-jay is found nowhere else, and its need for a specific habitat is one reason why scrub-jay numbers are declining. The only bird species that requires a sandy, scrubby habitat to survive is the Florida scrub-jay.

People Make the Parks

A man in uniform stands in front of a scrub habitat.

Staff Spotlight

Tommy Barry does a little bit of everything. Some of his favorite days on the job are when he can jump on an airboat or assist with a prescribed fire.
Volunteer

Volunteer with us!

Help fulfill the Florida State Parks' mission. Assist park employees to preserve, interpret and restore ...the Real Florida.
Florida State Parks Foundation

Florida State Parks Foundation

The statewide nonprofit partner meeting critical funding needs for universal access, conservation, education and preservation.

Park Map

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Florida State Parks

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Contact the Statewide Information Line:

(850) 245-2157

Or send an email to:

FSP.Feedback@FloridaDEP.gov

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