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Florida
23

Florida State Parks

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USA Parks
Florida
North Central Region
Cedar Key Scrub State Reserve
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Cedar Key Scrub State Reserve © Melissa Thompson-Ruede
Cedar Key Scrub State Reserve © Melissa Thompson-Ruede
Cedar Key Scrub State Reserve © Melissa Thompson-Ruede
Cedar Key Scrub State Reserve © Melissa Thompson-Ruede
Cedar Key Scrub State Reserve © Melissa Thompson-Ruede
Cedar Key Scrub State Reserve © Melissa Thompson-Ruede
Cedar Key Scrub State Reserve © Melissa Thompson-Ruede
Cedar Key Scrub State Reserve © Melissa Thompson-Ruede
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CEDAR KEY SCRUB STATE RESERVE
CEDAR KEY SCRUB STATE RESERVE
Salt marshes on the Gulf of Mexico give way to a succession of swamps, hardwood forests, pine flatwoods, and scrub, providing splendid opportunities for nature study and wildlife observation. The scrub is dominated by species such as sand live oak, myrtle oak, and Chapman's oak, along with rusty lyonia, and saw palmetto. Hikers and off-road bicyclists who want to experience a mosaic of Florida habitats will find it on the miles of trails that wind through the park. The shallow waters and numerous creeks near the salt marshes are ideal for canoeing and kayaking. Rental canoes and kayaks are available in the city of Cedar Key. The park has a picnic shelter, tables, and grills. Located on State Road 24 about six miles east of Cedar Key.

Florida state parks are open from 8 a.m. until sundown 365 days a year.
Nature of the Area
The reserve consists of 5,028 acres north and east of the town of Cedar Key. The reserve contains diverse habitats such as salt marsh, pine flatwoods, and sand pine scrub. Although much of the property is relatively low and flat, elevations range from sea level on the western edge to 30 feet above mean sea level on the relict dune ridge in the northwest portion. These ridges are the highest and driest on the property, and support sand pine scrub and scrubby flatwoods.
History of the Area
The reserve consists of 5,028 acres north and east of the town of Cedar Key. The reserve contains diverse habitats such as salt marsh, pine flatwoods, and sand pine scrub. Although much of the property is relatively low and flat, elevations range from sea level on the western edge to 30 feet above mean sea level on the relict dune ridge in the northwest portion. These ridges are the highest and driest on the property, and support sand pine scrub and scrubby flatwoods.
Nearby Accommodations
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Hotels/Motels
Luxury Gulf Front condos with spectacular views. A tranquil spot on this usually quiet island, yet shops and restaurants are within walking distance. Cedar Key is a picturesque artist/fishing/naturalist village with a diverse history. Within 20 min. of several State Federal wildlife refuges parks. A birders paradise. 877-514-5096
3.6 miles from park*
Canoeing
The shallow waters and numerous creeks near the salt marsh provide excellent opportunities for canoeing and kayaking. There is no launch within the Reserve. Rental canoes and kayaks are available in nearby Cedar Key.



Picnicking
A small picnic area with a waterless composting toilet is located at the trail head 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.
Horse Area
The reserve utilizes existing jeep trails for multi-use trails, totaling about four miles on the east portion and eight miles on the western portion. The reserve is divided into two portions by CR347 which runs between Cedar Keys and Fowlers Bluff. These trails are primarily used for hiking, but are also available for horseback riding.
Trails
The reserve utilizes existing jeep trails for multi-use trails, totaling about four miles on the east portion and eight miles on the western portion. The reserve is divided into two portions by CR347 which runs between Cedar Keys and Fowlers Bluff. These 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.
Bicycling
The reserve utilizes existing jeep trails for multi-use trails, totaling about four miles on the east portion and eight miles on the western portion. The reserve is divided into two portions by CR 347 which runs between Cedar Keys and Fowlers Bluff. These trails are primarily used for hiking, but are also available for bicycling and horseback riding.

Visitor Comments, Memories and Reviews
September 25 Cedar Key Scrub Walks
park review stars; one to five Check out www.cedarkeyscrubwalks.com for a step-by-step description of two walks in the Reserve.
September 21 One of my favorite parks by Greg
park review stars; one to five Cedar Key Scrub is a wonderful State Park to visit. We take horses and have found the trails wide with markers all along the route. Park personnel really try to accommodate visitors and are multi-use friendly and particularly equestrian friendly. There are wonderful communities of Scrub Jay that can be watched from the trail. A real variety of bird, animal and plant life for those who are informed in those areas. Its another Florida gem among many others.
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Area Campgrounds
Sunset Isle RV Resort
11850 Florida 24
Cedar Key, FL
352-477-2799
Sunset Isle RV Resort
11850 Florida 24
Cedar Key, FL
352-477-2799
Cedar Blessings RV Park
11951 Southwest Shiloh Road
Cedar Key, FL
352-543-6268
Nearby Hotels
Booking.com

Directions
The site is located six miles east of Cedar Key on SR 24.

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Florida
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Florida State Parks

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