History

The Cedar Key Scrub State Reserve is located five miles east of Cedar Key.  It is over 5000 acres and is accessed from two trailheads, one is located on State Road 24 and the other is located on Levy County Road 347. 

These trailheads allow access to the over 13 miles of multi-use trails located within the reserve. These trails offers opportunities to hike, ride a bicycle, or horseback ride.

Contained within the reserve's boundaries are 12 distinct natural communities including one of the rarest in the state, Florida Scrub. These natural communities are home to a variety of wildlife including the Florida scrub-jay, Florida mouse, gopher tortoise, southern bald eagle and white-tailed deer. 

The reserves western boundary also includes some tidal marshes whose creeks are wonderful for either fishing from a canoe or kayak or for simply paddling around observing wildlife.

While the reserve does not have a canoe/kayak launch, the tidal marsh can still be accessed by launching at the public boat ramp located at the FWC Senator George Kirkpatrick Marine Laboratory, located off SR24 at the entrance to Cedar Key.