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Description
Cedar Key Scrub State Reserve is divided by CR 347 into east and west tracts. The east side has 4 miles of color-coded, trails and features flatwoods, sandhills and scrub. The west portion has 8 miles of trails and slopes down through Black Point Swamp to tidal creeks and salt marsh. Listen for Clapper Rail, Marsh Wren (rare) and Seaside Sparrow (rare). More common in the area are birds like Eastern Towhee, Red-bellied Woodpecker, Carolina Wren and Blue-gray Gnatcatcher. Additional habitats on the west side include flatwoods, basin marsh and hydric hammock. Watch overhead for Short-tailed Hawk (rare), Osprey and Bald Eagle. The migratory Swallow-tailed Kite is a seasonal resident (From March to August). You may even catch a glimpse of one of Florida’s most famous birds: the Florida Scrub-Jay, endemic to Florida. The Scrub-Jay once used the reserve as a breeding ground, but now sightings are uncommon.
The mornings are the best times to see the scrub come to life with the many different species of birds that visit and live in this sandy scrub habitat. Note that in the middle of summer, bird activity in general is much lower and fewer birds can be seen.
Details
Access
Cedar Key Scrub State Reserve is located five miles east of Cedar Key. The 5,000 acres reserve is open from 8 a.m. until sundown, no fee required. It is accessed from two trailheads, one on State Road 24 and the other on Levy County Road 347. Click on a P in the map for directions or coordinates. The trailheads provide access to 13 miles of multi-use trails located within the reserve. Come with water and prepare to hike or bike. Portions of trails may be flooded at times. Although no launch is provided within the reserve, paddlers may explore the tidal creeks and salt marsh; canoes and kayaks are available for rent in Cedar Key. A small picnic area with a waterless composting toilet is located at the trail head located on State Road 24.
Terrain and Habitat
Wetland , Mud flats , Scattered trees and bushes , Sea , DunesConditions
Flat , WetCircular trail
YesIs a telescope useful?
NoGood birding season
All year roundBest time to visit
Spring , WinterRoute
Wide path , Narrow trailDifficulty walking trail
EasyAccessible by
Foot , BicycleBirdwatching hide / platform
NoExtra info
Photo Cedar Key Scrub State Reserve by Ebyabe, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0, via Wikimedia Commons