The Cedar Key Loop

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The Cedar Key Loop will combine the historic Town of Cedar Key, one of the oldest ports in Florida, with the unspoiled nature of the Lower Suwannee Wildlife Refuge.

The Cedar Keys form a chain of barrier islands ideally suited to a vast range of migratory and shore birds, including the elusive white pelican, roseate spoonbill and bald eagle. The variety of natural habitats, from salt marshes to Indian shell mounds, makes this truly a nature lover's paradise.

The original City of Cedar was originally on Atsena Otie Key, about three miles off the mainland of Florida, but eventually moved a little closer in to Way Key the terminus of Florida's first railroad, connecting it to the east coast.

Today it has become a haven for artists and writers who find the unspoiled environment inspirational to their work. Many people visit each year to walk the historic streets browse the shops and galleries, explore the back bayous and enjoy the world-famous restaurants featuring seafood fresh from local waters.

 

The Camp Azalea Road is an interesting drive, some hard surface, some well maintained dirt roads. Camp Azalea itself is a fishing camp right on the Suwannee River. If you don't want to take this road, you can cut across the red road above which is part of 347 and connects with 345.

Fowler's Bluff is another fishing camp and small community on the Suwannee. The boat ramp area gives a great view of the river.

Drive through the 53,000 acre Lower Suwannee National Wildlife Refuge, established in 1979 to protect one of the largest undeveloped river-delta estuarine systems in the United States. The constant influx of nutrients from the river combined with numerous off-shore islands and tidal creeks create excellent wildlife habitat. Swallow-Tailed Kites, Bald Eagles, West Indian Manatees, Gulf Sturgeon, Whitetailed Deer, and Eastern Wild Turkeys are but a few of the wildlife species that inhabit the Refuge. Natural salt marshes, tidal flats, bottomland hardwood swamps, and pine forests provide habitat for thousands of creatures – both large and small.

Shell Mound Park, managed by the Lower Suwannee Wildlife Refuge unique feature was created by Archaic period Eastern Woodland Indian cultures by discarding oyster and clam shells they used as a food source. The area was inhabited by this culture for at least 1,000 years from about 450 to 1,800 years ago. Beautiful picnic, camping, and playground area.

Please Visit Our Fine Sponsors During Your Visit to the Cedar Key area
Kayak Cedar KeysPure Water Wilderness

Click on the Points of Interest below

Cedar KeyChieflandShell Mound
Lower Suwannee National Wildlife Refuge Sub Loop


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