Hike Levee Trail in the stunning St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge located south of Tallahassee, Florida. The Levee Trail is basically a narrow strip of land in the ocean.
| 0.9 Miles Total | |
| Elevation Gain | 3 ft | |
| Trail Address |
Located in the heart of Florida’s Gulf Coast, St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge is a stunning natural sanctuary that offers visitors a chance to explore diverse ecosystems, wildlife, and scenic landscapes. Among the many trails in the refuge, the Levee Trail stands out as a must-visit, offering hikers a picturesque journey through coastal marshes, salt flats, and tidal creeks. Combined with the scenic Long Island Strip Trail, it provides a unique opportunity to experience the biodiversity and natural beauty of one of Florida’s most treasured wildlife refuges.
Levee Trail at St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge
The Levee Trail is a 2.3-mile out-and-back trail that runs along a levee, providing hikers with sweeping views of the coastal marshes and tidal creeks that define much of the refuge’s landscape. The trail is considered easy to moderate, making it accessible for most hikers, including families and casual nature lovers.
As you walk along the levee, you’ll pass through areas of salt marshes where the land is constantly shaped and reshaped by the ebb and flow of the tides. The shallow waters of the marsh create a rich environment for mangroves and wetland plants. It’s a great place to see wildlife up close, including oysters, crabs, and an abundance of shorebirds. The trail offers multiple opportunities for wildlife observation, with wading birds like herons and egrets often spotted along the water’s edge.
At the end of the trail, you’ll be treated to a stunning view of the St. Marks River as it empties into the Gulf of Mexico. Depending on the time of year, you may also catch glimpses of migrating waterfowl or even a manatee cruising through the waters. The ever-changing landscape, shaped by tides and seasons, ensures that no two hikes along the levee are ever the same.
Exploring St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge
Covering over 68,000 acres, St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge is one of the oldest wildlife refuges in the United States, established in 1931. Located in Wakulla County, just south of Tallahassee, the refuge is a vital sanctuary for migratory birds and countless other species. It spans several habitats, including salt marshes, wetlands, pine forests, oak hammocks, and tidal flats, making it a hotspot for nature lovers, birdwatchers, and outdoor enthusiasts.
The refuge is a crucial part of the Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail and is especially known for its importance as a migratory stop for birds, including waterfowl, shorebirds, and wading birds. It provides critical habitat for species such as the American white pelican, sandhill crane, and roseate spoonbill. Additionally, the refuge is home to a wide variety of reptiles, amphibians, mammals, and marine life, making it a great destination for biodiversity enthusiasts.
The Levee Trail is one of the refuge’s most popular hiking paths, offering an up-close look at the different ecosystems that make this area so rich in wildlife and plant life.
Biodiversity at St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge
One of the key features of St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge is its incredible biodiversity. The refuge is home to over 250 species of birds, more than 50 species of mammals, and hundreds of plant species, making it a haven for wildlife enthusiasts and birdwatchers alike.
The diverse habitats within the refuge support a wide range of species, including:
- Migratory Birds: St. Marks is an important stop for migratory waterfowl, particularly in the fall and winter months when species like ducks, geese, and pelicans pass through the area. The refuge provides a critical resting and feeding ground for these birds along the Eastern Flyway.
- Shorebirds and Wading Birds: The salt marshes and mudflats along the trails are teeming with life, including herons, egrets, sandpipers, and stilt species.
- Reptiles and Amphibians: The wetlands of the refuge are also home to various reptiles, including alligators, turtles, and snakes. The refuge is also a great place to spot frogs and salamanders in the wetlands.
- Marine Life: The coastal habitats provide refuge for a wide variety of marine species, including manatees, dolphins, and sea turtles.
- Plant Life: The refuge is rich in plant diversity, with ecosystems ranging from salt marshes and coastal grasslands to pine forests and oak hammocks. Look out for mangroves, salt-tolerant grasses, and a variety of wildflowers that bloom throughout the year.
In case you’re interested in an adventure near the area, Check out Cravens House here.