Levy County encompasses clear springs, shady forests, winding rivers, the Gulf Coast and numerous trails. This diversity is reflected in a range of landscapes and experiences: on nature trails, you’ll encounter forests and wildlife, while springs, rivers and coastal waters offer further perspectives on nature.

Springs and Forest Trails

Manatee Springs State Park is home to a first-magnitude spring that releases about 100 million gallons of water daily. An 800-foot-long boardwalk winds through a cypress forest and offers views of the spring. There are also 8.5 miles of nature trails. If you enjoy walking, you can explore spring landscapes and forests along the park’s trail network.

Fanning Springs also offers a direct connection to the water: the spring produces 65 million gallons daily. Visitors can reach Fanning Springs State Park by boat from the Suwannee River or by vehicle via U.S. Highway 19. A canoe and kayak launch provides easy sandy access to the river. This means visitors can choose to arrive by water or by road.

Goethe State Forest lies in southeastern Levy County near the Gulf of America. Access to its trail network is available from more than seven separate trailheads. During daylight hours, the forest is open for picnicking, hiking, biking, fishing, wildlife viewing and horseback riding. The range of activities lets you tailor your visit to your interests; opening hours are limited to daylight.

Coastal Landscapes and Wildlife Viewing

The network of roads and trails at Lower Suwannee National Wildlife Refuge spans 194 miles. According to the listed activities, it is suitable for wildlife viewing, hiking, biking, scenic drives, photography and fishing. The refuge’s outdoor areas are open from sunrise to sunset. Check current visitor conditions before you go.

At Cedar Keys National Wildlife Refuge, possible nature experiences include bird and dolphin watching, as well as spotting eagle rays and manatees. The refuge consists of twelve offshore islands that can only be reached by watercraft. Together with the University of Florida’s Seahorse Key Marine Research Lab, the refuge offers environmental education programs. The watercraft-only requirement is important to keep in mind if you plan to visit the islands.

Waccasassa Bay Preserve State Park is also accessible only by boat. Its salt marshes and tidal creeks provide habitat for saltwater fish, crabs and shellfish. Another way to experience local wildlife is at Cemetery Park and Boardwalk, where the mangrove boardwalk offers opportunities to spot herons, egrets, dolphins and manatees.

Culture and Discoveries in Cedar Key

In Cedar Key, the self-guided Clam Sculpture Trail combines public art with a walking tour of downtown. Cedar Key Arts Center complements its galleries with rotating exhibitions and hands-on workshops. Every spring, the center also coordinates the Old Florida Celebration of the Arts; check event dates before your trip.

The City of Cedar Key Historical Museum presents Cedar Key’s history in two buildings. Topics include early Indigenous residents, the Civil War, and the pencil-making, fishing and railroad eras. At Cedar Key Museum State Park, a walk past pine and oak trees leads to Cedar Key’s salt marshes. The historic Whitman House recalls the life of St. Clair Whitman; the museum displays his shell collections and artifacts from Indigenous communities.

For an outdoor visit, Cedar Key’s Public Beach and Lil’ Shark Park together offer beach access, a playground, a basketball court, picnic tables and restrooms. The Levy County Quilt Museum preserves and exhibits historic quilts. The Cedar Key Seafood Festival is one of Cedar Key’s seafood festivals; check current event dates before your trip.

A Regional View of Water and Trails

Activities at Big Bend Seagrasses Aquatic Preserve include swimming, wildlife viewing, boating, canoeing, kayaking, scalloping and fishing. The preserve includes Levy County, and Cedar Key is one of the coastal communities along the area. In Levy County, you can also fish for redfish, sea trout, bass and sunfish in the Gulf’s shallow coastal waters and in rivers.

A 55-mile section of the Big Bend Saltwater Paddling Trail between Suwanee and Yankeetown includes Shell Mound County Park, which is managed by Levy County. Three primitive campsites are located in Waccasassa Preserve along this section. Check campsite availability and permits in advance. This allows you to choose waterways and nature experiences based on the specific conditions at each location.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Chiefland, Cedar Key, Morriston and Inglis. More destinations: Madison County, Columbia County, Nassau and Highlands County.

For the main travel overview: Florida.