Copyright: Florida Division of Recreation & Parks Cedar Key Scrub State Reserve

Description - Little development has taken place at Cedar Key Scrub State Preserve, which is located in western Levy County near the Gulf coast. The Florida Division of Recreation and Parks, Wildlife Conservation Commission, and the Division of Forestry jointly manage the parcel of land. Mountain biking, hiking and picnicking are the low-impact recreations offered.

Attractions - The 5,028-acre reserve contains a variety of important habitats including salt marsh, pine flatwoods, and sand pine scrub. The park is one of Florida's few where elevations reach much above sea level. This remains true for most of Cedar Key Scrub with the exception of the northwest area that is graced with a 30-foot relict dune supporting both sand pine scrub and scrubby flatwoods. Bird-watchers should note that these are the necessary habitats for the threatened Florida scrub jay.

Recreation - Cedar Key Scrub State Preserve offers multi-use trails totaling approximately 12 miles. The trails are open to hikers, mountain bikers and horseback riders. The reserve is divided into an eastern portion and western portion, divided by County Route 347. The eastern side has four miles of trail and the western side has eight miles. Besides trail use, visitors come here to picnic, nature study and observe wildlife.

Climate - Florida experiences mild, comfortable winters and warm to hot, humid summers. The area offers a great warm escape for outdoor recreation during the cold northern months. Summer temperatures average in the low 80's Fahrenheit and mid 20's Celsius. Winters are mild with temperatures averaging between the high 40's to the high 50's Fahrenheit. The average precipitation for the north central area is diverse. The central western area receives more than 60 inches per year while the central eastern tract receives about 50 inches. August and September are peak months of the hurricane season that lasts from June 1 through November 30.

Location - Cedar Key Scrub State Preserve is located near the Gulf coast approximately 3 miles north of Cedar Key. Access is from Routes 347 and 24.

LAT: 29.1623551251
LONG: -83.0511474609