Cedar Key Scrub State Reserve in Florida, USA - map and visitor information

Research checked: 2026-11-11. Check linked official notices before travel.

Cedar Key Scrub State Reserve protects more than 5,000 acres east of Cedar Key, Florida. Its trail network serves hikers, cyclists, and horseback riders. Storm damage has closed the County Road 347 trailhead on Side B. Check current access before setting out for the State Road 24 trailhead.

Choose a trail outing or a marsh paddle

Start on land for a trip on the shared trails through the reserve. If you want to paddle the tidal marsh, plan to launch from the public ramp near Cedar Key and approach by water.

Know before you go

Fees, hours, and seasonal access

Stay out of storm-closed areas

Follow park staff directions and stay out of posted closure areas. Seasonal hunting takes place in the reserve. Use the regulations brochure linked from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s Cedar Key Scrub page to check current hunt dates, areas and permit rules before choosing a trail.

Use the shared trail network

Expect people on foot, bikes, and horses on the multiuse trails. Carry proof of a negative Coggins test for each horse and show it if park staff ask. Check which routes you can reach from the open trailhead before you plan a loop.

Two approaches east of Cedar Key

The reserve is about five miles east of Cedar Key. State Road 24 serves Side A. Levy County Road 347 serves Side B, where the trailhead is closed. The Cedar Key area map shows how the reserve sits between town and other conservation land.

Nearby parks

• Cedar Key Museum State Park. Head into Cedar Key to the museum on SW 166th Court.
• Lower Suwannee National Wildlife Refuge. County Road 326 leads to the Shell Mound area.

Hike, cycle, or ride horseback

Side A has about four miles of trails, mostly on loose sugar sand. Side B has about eight miles of trails, but its County Road 347 trailhead is closed. Use the park’s trail and amenities guide and current notices when choosing your route.

Side A picnic area and mainland boat ramp

The State Road 24 trailhead has parking, a picnic shelter and accessible picnic tables and grills. The composting restroom at this trailhead is permanently closed. Plan a restroom stop before you arrive.

Use the public boat ramp by the FWC Senator George Kirkpatrick Marine Laboratory, off State Road 24 at the entrance to Cedar Key. This is the launch for reaching the reserve’s tidal marsh by water. Check the weather and tides before launching.

Follow Florida’s equipment rules for paddlecraft. Carry a U.S. Coast Guard-approved wearable life jacket for each person and a bell, horn or whistle audible from at least half a nautical mile. Children under six must wear their life jackets. Carry a white light for use at night or in restricted visibility. Check the additional nighttime requirements before paddling in coastal waters after sunset.

About the reserve

Scrub and tidal marsh

Cedar Key Scrub State Reserve combines inland scrub and tidal marsh.

Contact the reserve

Call 352-543-5567 or check the Florida State Parks reserve page for the current trailhead notice.