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Lower Suwannee
National Wildlife Refuge
16450 NW 31 Place
Chiefland, F, FL   32626
E-mail: lowersuwannee@fws.gov
Phone Number: 352-493-0238
Visit the Refuge's Web Site:
http://www.fws.gov/lowersuwannee/		 Canoeing, kayaking, biking, hiking or driving are all great ways to view the vast natural areas of Lower Suwannee National Wildlife Refuge.
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  Recreation and Education Opportunities

Environmental Education
Structured educational programs are available for schools. Contact the refuge office for information and supplies. Programs include teacher's workshops and volunteer training.

Fishing
The fishing is excellent, both salt and freshwater. The refuge provides fishing piers at Shell Mound, Shired Island, and Salt Creek. Local charters and guides from the towns of Fowler's Bluff, Cedar Key, Horseshoe Beach and Suwannee are available for either river or Gulf trips.

Hunting
Portions of the refuge are open to hunting for various types of large and small game during fall and winter months. Contact the refuge office for current application procedures, permit requirements, and hunting regulations.

Interpretation
Interpretive brochures are available at the refuge office. Informational kiosks are located at the trail head to the Suwannee River walking trail and boardwalk, and at the begining of the Dixie Mainline auto tour route near the town of Suwannee. Interpretive signs for a significant archaelogical site can be viewed at Shell Mound walking trail in the Shell Mound area. The refuge also takes parts in special outreach events such as annual open houses, celebrations, festivals and the State Fair.

Wildlife Observation
The Suwannee River, can be navigated by power boat; but the tributaries are enjoyable in a quiet canoe, allowing unnoticed approach to experience the diversity and abundance of wildlife in the area. There is a designated canoe trail at Demory Creek near the town of Suwannee and the coastal estuary is great for sea kayaking. Kayak access is best from the town of Suwannee, Shired Island and Shell mound. A boardwalk overlooking the river accompanies a self-guided walking trail and breath taking vistas of the coastal salt marsh can be seen from observation decks at Salt creek, Shell Mound and Shired Island. There are 50 miles of refuge roads open to driving, plus 40 miles of old logging roads give hikers a glimpse into the pristine beauty of this national treasure.

Hours
hours are from 7:30 AM until 4:00 PM weekdays. No weekend hours.

Entrance Fees
N/A

 		 
 
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