Park Summary for Print - Cedar Key Scrub State Reserve

The flaming orange sun sets over the humped back of a forested barrier island. The island is canopied by storm sculpted oaks and cabbage palms. It emerges from the shallow gulf waters just beyond the vast reach of verdant salt marsh.

Welcome to 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 is located on SR 24, six miles east of Cedar Key, and has a picnic shelter, tables, and grills.

Contact the Florida Park Service Information Center for general inquiries.
For Information about Cedar Key Scrub State Reserve, please call 352-543-5567.

Hours of Operation

Florida state parks are open from 8 a.m. until sundown 365 days a year.

Driving Directions

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

Park Fees

Admission Fee:

No entrance fee is required to enter this park.

Activities at Cedar Key Scrub State Reserve

	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.
	Canoeing & Kayaking 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.
	Fishing Saltwater fishing is popular in the adjacent waters. Do you need a Fishing License?
	Horse Trail 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.
	Nature 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. Download the Cedar Key Scrub State Reserve Trail Map
	Pets Well-behaved dogs are welcome at Cedar Key Scrub State Reserve. They must be kept on a 6-foot leash at all times and can not be left unattended for more than a half-hour.
	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.
	Wildlife Viewing The diverse habitats of the reserve provide opportunities for nature study and wildlife observation. The Reserve is home to the Florida Scrub Jay, Southern Bald Eagle, and other various birds.

Special Events for Cedar Key Scrub State Reserve

FESTIVAL OF TREES
Date: November 26th through December 28th, 2009. 10:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. The museum is closed on Tuesday and Wednesday, and on Christmas Day.
Description: Celebrate the holiday season in Cedar Key! View four beautiful theme decorated Christmas trees on display in the Museum lobby. Each tree is decorated by a different non-profit organization in the Cedar Key area. Trees are on display at Cedar Key Museum State Park.

Directions: Take S.R. 24 west into Cedar Key. Once in town, follow the official signs to locate the museum at 12231 SW 166th Court.

Fees: Free to view the trees. Museum entrance is $2.00 per person; children 5 and younger are free.
Contact: For more information, call 352-543-5350.

Participation Requirements
CEDAR KEY SCRUB HAYRIDE
Date: Saturday, December 19, 2009 at 12:00 noon AND 2:00 p.m.
Description: Enjoy a leisurely interpretive hay ride through Cedar Key Scrub State Reserve. Learn about the natural communities and the wildlife that call the Scrub home.

Reservations are required for this program. For more information and to reserve your spot, call 352-543-5567.

Directions: Hayrides will depart from the Cedar Key Scrub State Reserve picnic area, located six miles east of Cedar Key on S.R. 24

Fees: This event is free!
Contact: For more information, call 352-543-5567.

Participation Requirements

Cedar Key Scrub State Reserve Ranger Programs

SCRUB JAY WALK
By appointment. Primarily designed for school and environmental groups. This program combines a walk into the scrub with the story of our local scrub jay population.

Call 352-543-5567 for more details.

Frequently Asked Questions about Cedar Key Scrub State Reserve

Question: Is camping available?
Answer: There are no campsites available at Cedar Key Scrub State Reserve.

Question: Are the hiking trails marked?
Answer: All trails are marked for convenience.

Question: How many trails are available in the reserve?
Answer: There are six trails on the west side with access from CR 347 and two trails on the east side off SR 24.

Question: Is the area good for bird watching?
Answer: Yes, the Reserve is home to one of the rarest populations of Florida Scrub Jays. It is also summer home for Southern Bald Eagles, Swallow-tail Kites, and other various birds.

Cedar Key Scrub State Reserve History

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.

Cedar Key Scrub State Reserve Volunteer Information

Volunteers can do many things -- greet visitors, conduct tours, help rangers remove exotic plants or maintain the natural beauty of a beach, waterway or trail.