St. Marks Stoney Bayou & Deep Creek Loops

The Stoney Bayou & Deep Creek Trail is an approximately 12.5 mile loop on a gravel forest road that begins in a slash pine forest and ends on a levee in the marshes. In addition to the changing landscape, we will certainly see some alligators and birds, and may see some other animals such as otters, armadillos, and deer. This is a wide, flat trail that is relatively easy to walk on. We will take periodic breaks and a longer break for lunch at the halfway point, so please bring a bag lunch. The trail is relatively open with little shade, so please also bring sunscreen, bug spray, and plenty of water. You may also want to have a pair of binoculars. Restrooms will likely not be open when we arrive at the Visitor Center, but there are some about three quarters of the way down the Lighthouse Road by the picnic area. Children accompanied by a parent or guardian and dogs on a leash are welcome.

Please bring $5 for the refuge entry fee.

Trail information: stmarksrefuge.org/explore/off-road-trails/primitive-trails

8:30: Meet at the St. Marks Visitor Center parking lot (1255 Lighthouse Rd., just past the pay station)

8:45: Carpool to trailhead--a very short drive from the Visitor Center, but parking at the trailhead is limited

9:00: Start the hike

Activity leaders: Jules Bailey (850) 210-5779 and Lissa Fahlman (727) 203-2243

If you would like to share any photos or videos of the event on social media, please tag @Apalachee Chapter of the Florida Trail Association on Facebook or @apalachee.fta on Instagram, OR email your photos and videos to apalachee@floridatrail.org.