The refuge was established in 1931 to provide wintering habitat for migratory birds. It is one of the oldest refuges in the National Wildlife Refuge System. It encompasses over 70,000 acres spread out between Wakulla, Jefferson, and Taylor counties, and includes about 43 miles along the Gulf Coast of northwest Florida.
The refuge includes coastal marshes, islands, tidal creeks and estuaries of seven north Florida rivers, and is home to a diverse community of plant and animal life. The refuge also has strong ties to a rich cultural past, and is home to the St. Marks Lighthouse, which was built in 1842 (current tower) and is still in use today.
- Over 17,000 acres are protected under the Federal Wilderness Act.
- Longleaf Pine Land Management Research and Demonstration Area;
- Globally Important Bird Area
- Outstanding Florida Waters
- Class 1 Air Quality area
St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center
45 min.
Ramp to entrance; nature interpretation, gifts, information; outside deck overlook of Plum Orchard Pond “Bring your camera, the view of the pond is wonderful”
Comments:
“Very friendly staff”
“We saw a fawn sleeping under the ramp”
The St. Marks NWR provides opportunities for both fresh and salt water fishing. In addition to many lakes, ponds, creeks and rivers, the refuge has two boat launching sites for access to Apalachicola Bay.
Mounds Pool and Lighthouse Pool Dock Fishing
Activity Time: 30 minutes or more.
Lighthouse Pool dock with portable toilets; paved to dock; Mounds Pool Dock unmarked parking on hard packed dirt across street.
Reviews & Comments
“Great for birdwatching and fishing."
“Accessible boat transfer on Lighthouse dock."
Headquarters Pond Trail
St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge
45 min. ¼ mile;
hard packed surface bound by board & railing; interpretation in English/Braille;
ramp to platform
Comments:
“View from the observation platform is amazing”
“Trail is very easy to maneuver by wheelchair”
“Pathway has great signage”
“Excellent wildlife viewing”
Multi passenger trams can transport groups to view birds and wildlife on the refuge.
Backcountry Tram
Activity Time: 2 hours.
Golf cart tram; open at back for easy access.
Operates on the 3rd Sunday of the month at 1-3 PM from September to May, free, reservations required (call 850-925-6121 well in advance).
Lighthouse Levee Trail
St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge
45 min. .4 miles;
packed dirt/grass path circles Lighthouse Pond, benches, can return along roadway
Comments:
“Excellent views”
“Good for sturdy wheelchairs”
Picnic Pond
St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge
1 hr.
Packed dirt surface to tables on concrete pad
Comments:
“Great lake view”
“Friendly Grackles”
“Saw two Bobcats here in the spring”
Drive the main route to the lighthouse, looking for birds in the ponds along the way
