St. Marks Wildlife Refuge

t. Marks National Wildlife Refuge offers a variety of outdoor recreation activities for the refuge visitor. The refuge Visitor Center presents a general overview of what there is to do and see. Trails for hiking, wildlife observation and photography are available. For current information and wildlife sightings, check at the Visitor Center. The refuge is open for daylight use all year long.

The Visitor Center is currently open Monday through Friday, 8:15am until 4:15pm and Saturday and Sunday, 10:00am until 5:00pm. It contains a number of displays describing refuge wildlife and habitats. The Center provides an excellent opportunity for the visitor to become acquainted with the refuge before venturing out, and is highly recommended for the first-time visitor.

Restrooms are located at the Refuge Visitor Center, Mounds Trail, and Otter Lake. Picnic facilities are next to Mounds Trail and at Otter Lake.

The main route to view wildlife is County Road 59. It is roughly seven miles from the Visitor Center to the historical St. Marks Lighthouse at the end of the road. Many visitors enjoy cycling this route early in the morning to see wildlife. A wildlife drive guide is for sale in the Visitor Center. The hiking trails and dikes marked on the map above also offer excellent wildlife viewing especially in the fall and winter.

Hunting is permitted for resident game species in designated areas fall through spring. Contact the refuge for current dates, regulations and permits

St. Marks Wildlife Refuge is open to fishing all year long. Freshwater fishing is available in refuge impoundments along County Road 59 and in Otter Lake on State Road 372A. Boats are permitted with motors of up to 10 horsepower. Federal and State regulations apply.

Boat launching is permitted during daylight hours where marked, except at the saltwater boat ramp near the Lighthouse on County Road 59 where boats may be launched 24 hours daily. Boats, including canoes, are permitted in refuge
pools from March 15 through October 15. Motors of up to 10 horsepower are permitted. Launching of commercial or sport net boats at the saltwater boat ramp is prohibited.

Popular spots for crabbing include the shore along the Lighthouse and in some of the brackish impoundments along County Road 59. Be careful of gators trying to eat your bait!

Hiking the refuge is most pleasant during the fall, winter and early spring. Two primitive walking trails are at the St. Marks Unit (7 and 13 miles) and two on the Panacea Unit (5 and 9 miles). For a shorter walk, try either the trail behind the Visitor Center or the one by Headquarters Pond, near Mounds Trail on County Road 39. Both are less than half a mile. Maps are available at the Visitors Center.

Plum Orchard Pond Trail is located directly behind the Visitor Center, this 1/3 mile trail has interpretive markers highlighting native plants and trees.

Mounds Interpretive Trail is one mile long and located off County Road 59 about 5 miles south of the Visitor Center, near the picnic area.

Florida National Scenic Trail has a 35 mile long segment in the Wildlife Refuge. Please see the Refuge office for regulations on hiking this trail.

Refuge Regulations

Entrance fees are required of all refuge visitors on the County Road 59 entrance into the refuge. Educational groups and official visitors must stop at the Visitor Center for a non-fee pass.

Camping is not permitted on the refuge, but is available at Newport Recreation Area, Ochlockonee River State Park and at various sites in the Apalachicola National Forest.

Please take your litter home.

Fires are permitted only in designated picnic areas due to potential fire hazards.

There is No Collecting. Taking of government property or any artifact, natural feature, animal or plant is prohibited.

Firearms, weapons or fireworks are prohibited.

Pets must be on a leash under control of owner at all times.

For more information contact: Refuge Manager St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge Post Office Box 68 St. Marks, Florida 32355 850.925.6121