St Marks is one of the oldest refuges, established in 1931 to provide a wintering ground for migratory birds. It covers 83,000 acres along the coast of the Florida panhandle with a range of habitat including
saltwater marshes, islands,
tidal creeks, and estuaries. Black bears, bobcats, otters,
raccoons, foxes, coyotes, amphibians, alligators, snakes, freshwater and saltwater fish, and many different species of birds all find a home at the refuge.
Activities include hiking, fishing, hunting, and wildlife viewing. There a five units in the refuge. We visited the St Marks Unit which features a visitor center, a lighthouse with keepers quarters, and several hiking trails. The lighthouse has very steep stairs with a ladder to access the very top so visitors are not permitted to climb it. The keepers quarters has been restored and is now a museum with knowledgeable docents.
The keepers quarters has a long ADA ramp to the porch and is accessible inside. We tried a few of the trails and found the short Headquarters Pond Trail to be accessible as stated. The Lighthouse Levee Trail which goes west from the lighthouse is very sandy. The Tower Pond Trail has many obstacles - roots, wet spots, hills, and steps. It also has confusing signs. We didn't make it to the visitor center before it closed for the day but it has a long ASA ramp.
The lighthouse parking lot is large enough for any RV. RVs can be parked along the loop road at the Headquarters Pond Trail lot. Refuge 30.15155, -84.1473
OMGosh, now you're talking our old stomping grounds. Jimmy and I spent many a happy day at St Marks, hiking, birding, kayaking, biking, and even running (when we were practicing for a half marathon!). So glad you could stop by for a visit.
ReplyDeleteI think there is so much more to this place. We saw just a little bit. We'll have to spend more time in the panhandle!
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