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Reported: December 2020

Lower Suwannee Nature Drive - Biking in Nature

Biking, Hiking in Lower Suwannee National Wildlife Refuge

Off CR 347 about 12 miles north of Cedar Key, the Nature Drive is a 9 mile limestone road suitable for biking. This old logging road today is a nature drive with varied habitat and wildlife observed. Activities include biking, hiking, fishing, birding and hunting. Some side roads lead to creeks and ponds, plus a boat ramp, boardwalk and observation deck. The insects can be voracious especially in the summer, bug spray is a must. (Map link and photos below.)

Map link... Lower Suwannee National Wildlife Refuge

Location: Levy County (Cedar Key)
End Points: CR 347 (Cedar Key)
Mileage: 9 miles on the main drive, more on the side roads and trails
Surface: Limestone
Nearby points of interest: Cedar Key, Suwannee River, Shell Mound

Support and Advocacy:
Friends of the Lower Suwannee and Cedar Keys National Wildlife Refuges

 Page Summary:

1. Eco-biking along Lower Suwannee Nature Drive
   - Main Loop Road
   - Side Roads
2. More Information and Resources

Eco-biking along Lower Suwannee Nature Drive... Comments and Photos

Main Loop Road - 9 Miles

The drive enters and exits onto CR 347. The pavement is hard limestone, and while biking is on hard-pack surface, it's not smooth - it's a long ride, so driving sections is a definite option (we alternated, one biked, while the other drove slowly). The ponds and a couple of creeks add some scenic variety. At the south gate are an information kiosk and game weighing station; at the north, an information kiosk.

Side Roads

Cabin Road (Mile 1.2)

Cabin Road is 1 mile (one way), passing Pond 2 and ending at gates leading to hiking trails.

McCormick Creek Road (Mile 1.7)

McCormick Creek Road is a short (2/10) mile road to a boat ramp. Small parking/turnaround area, nice views of the marsh.

Barnett Creek Road (Mile 3.2)

Barnett Creek Road runs one mile (one-way). Starting in a wooded area, it opens up onto a marsh and ends at the connector to Barnett Creek Trail. The road crosses McCormick Creek, a stop for fishing and to launch a kayak.

Pond 4 Road (Mile 3.9)

Pond 4 is just 1/10 mile down the road. The road continues for a mile where it ends at several hiking trail access points.

More Information and Resources

Nearby Biking:

Lower Suwannee NWR - overview page
Town of Cedar Key - small town biking in "Old Florida"
North FL Region - More trails plus Regional Overview map

Nearby Paddling:

Lower Suwannee River - numerous springs

Related Resources:

Nature Drive Guide - from Friends of Refuges