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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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Experiences & Amenities

Back to Cedar Key Scrub State Reserve

Park Menu

  • Experiences & Amenities
  • Events

Experiences

Bicycling
Bicycling

The reserve uses existing service roads for multi-use trails and firebreaks, totaling about 4 miles on the east portion and 8 miles on the western portion. These trails are primarily used for hiking but are also available for off-road bicycling and horseback riding.

The trails on the eastern portion are mostly sugar sand, so we recommend riding on the western portion where the ground allows for better traction. 

The trailhead of the western portion is located on County Road 347, which runs between Cedar Key and Fowlers Bluff.

  • Helmets are highly recommended for all cyclists and Florida law requires helmets for cyclists age 16 and under.
Birding
Birding

The diverse habitats of the reserve provide opportunities for nature study and wildlife observation. The reserve is an important stop-over for migratory birds and is home to the Florida scrub-jay, bald eagle and other birds.

Fishing
Fishing

Saltwater fishing is popular in the adjacent waters. The shallow waters and numerous creeks of Cedar Key Scrub State Reserve's salt marsh provide excellent opportunities for fishing from a canoe or kayak. Rental canoes and kayaks are available in nearby Cedar Key. 

There is no launch within the reserve. We recommend using the boat ramp located at the FWC Senator George Kirkpatrick Marine Laboratory, off State Road 24 at the entrance to Cedar Key, to access the reserve's waters.

  • All fishing within the park must conform to regulations concerning size, number, method of capture and season. A fishing license may be required. More information is available at the Florida Wildlife Commission’s Fishing in Florida.
Geo-Seeking
Geo-Seeking

Explore the park in a new and challenging way. Experienced Geocachers have requested permission to hide caches containing trinkets, treasures or information in various places around the park. Please check the Geocaching website for the most up-to-date information and clues to locate these caches. 

  • Operation Recreation GeoTour 
Hiking
Hiking

The reserve uses existing service roads for multi-use trails and firebreaks, totaling about 4 miles on the east portion and 8 miles on the western portion. The reserve is divided into two portions by County Road 347, which runs between Cedar Key and Fowlers Bluff. The main trailhead is located on State Road 24.

There is also a trailhead on County Road 347 that allows for direct access to the trails in the western portion of the reserve. All of the trails are primarily used for hiking but are also available for bicycling and horseback riding. The diverse habitats of the reserve provide opportunities for nature study and wildlife observation.

Horseback Riding
Horseback Riding

The reserve uses existing service roads for multi-use trails and firebreaks, totaling about 4 miles on the east portion and 8 miles on the western portion. The reserve is divided into two portions by County Road 347, which runs between Cedar Key and Fowlers Bluff. The main trailhead is located on State Road 24.

There is also a trailhead on County Road 347 that allows for direct access to the trails in the western portion of the reserve. All of the trails are primarily used for hiking but are also available for bicycling and horseback riding.

The diverse habitats of the reserve provide opportunities for nature study and wildlife observation. 

  • Riders must possess proof of negative Coggins test for any horse on the property.
Paddling
Paddling

The shallow waters and numerous creeks of Cedar Key Scrub State Reserve's salt marsh provide excellent opportunities for canoeing and kayaking. Rental canoes and kayaks are available in nearby Cedar Key. 

  • There is no launch within the reserve. We recommend using the boat ramp located behind the FWC Senator George Kirkpatrick Marine Laboratory, off State Road 24 at the entrance to Cedar Key, to access the reserve's waters.
Picnicking
Picnicking

A small picnic area with a waterless composting toilet is located at the State Road 24 trailhead on the eastern portion of the reserve. A picnic shelter, picnic tables, grills and informational kiosk are also located in this area. The trailhead has a stabilized parking area to accommodate about 15 vehicles.

Walking and Running
Walking and Running

The reserve uses existing service roads for multi-use trails and firebreaks, totaling about 4 miles on the east portion and 8 miles on the western portion. The reserve is divided into two portions by County Road 347, which runs between Cedar Key and Fowlers Bluff. The main trailhead is located on State Road 24. There is also a trailhead on County Road 347 that allows for direct access to the trails in the western portion of the reserve.

Wildlife Viewing
Wildlife Viewing

The diverse habitats of the reserve provide opportunities for nature study and wildlife observation. The reserve is home to the Florida scrub-jay, gopher tortoise and white-tailed deer among others.

Amenities

Accessible Amenities
Accessible Amenities

Cedar Key Scrub State Reserve is committed to providing a variety of amenities accessible to all of our visitors.

These amenities include:

  • Picnic facilities with tables and grills.
Equestrian Trail
Equestrian Trail

The reserve uses existing jeep trails for multi-use trails and firebreaks, totaling about 4 miles on the east portion and 8 miles on the western portion. The reserve is divided into two portions by County Road 347, which runs between Cedar Key and Fowlers Bluff. The main trail head is located on State Road 24. 

There is also a trailhead on County Road 347 that allows for direct access to the trails in the western portion of the reserve. All of the trails are primarily used for hiking but are also available for bicycling and horseback riding.

The diverse habitats of the reserve provide opportunities for nature study and wildlife observation. 

  • Riders must possess proof of negative Coggins test for any horse on the property.
Nature Trail
Nature Trail

The reserve uses existing service roads for multi-use trails and firebreaks, totaling about 4 miles on the east portion and 8 miles on the western portion. The reserve is divided into two portions by County Road 347, which runs between Cedar Key and Fowlers Bluff. The main trailhead is located on State Road 24.

There is also a trailhead on County Road 347 that allows for direct access to the trails in the western portion of the reserve. All of the trails are primarily used for hiking but are also available for bicycling and horseback riding. The diverse habitats of the reserve provide opportunities for nature study and wildlife observation.

Parking
Parking

There are two parking areas, one at each trailhead in the reserve. The eastern portion of the reserve can be accessed using the parking and trailhead on State Road 24 and the western portion using the parking and trailhead located on County Road 347.

Pets
Pets

Well-behaved dogs are welcome at Cedar Key Scrub State Reserve. They must be kept on a 6-foot leash at all times and cannot be left unattended for more than a half-hour. Please clean up after your pet. See our Pet Policy.

Picnic Pavilion
Picnic Pavilion

A small picnic area with a waterless composting toilet is located at the trailhead located on State Road 24.

Restroom Facilities
Restroom Facilities

A small picnic area with a waterless composting toilet is located at the trail head located on State Road 24.

Florida State Parks

Main Menu

  • Plan your visit
    • Accessibility
    • FAQs
    • Fees
    • Rules & Regulations
    • Camping & Lodging
  • Find a Park
  • Learn
    • Newsletter
  • Resources
  • Experiences & Amenities
    • Educational Opportunities
    • Programs
    • Research & Collecting
  • Get Involved
  • Events

Have Questions?

Contact the Statewide Information Line:

(850) 245-2157

Or send an email to:

FSP.Feedback@FloridaDEP.gov

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