Facility Activities

There are 194 miles of refuge roads and trails for public access to view wildlife, hike, bike, drive in your vehicles, photograph, and fish.  The maintained lime rock roads are open to public driving.  The grass roads behind the locked gates are open to hiking and biking.  

The refuge hosts 10 different hunts; please consult the "Refuge Hunt Brochure" and "How to Buy a LSNWR Quota Hunt Permit" in our Library.

For mobility impaired hunters who wish to access the Refuge by alternative access means please read "Overview for Mobility Impaired Hunters SUP" and "Alternative Mobility Hunt Permit" in the Library

Hunting

Lower Suwannee National Wildlife Refuge protects one of the largest river delta and estuary systems in the eastern United States. This 53,000-acre refuge, located where the Suwannee River empties into the Gulf of Mexico, is home to all manner of interesting wildlife, including manatees,...

Fishing

Refuge waters include approximately a dozen ponds ranging in size from less than 1 acre to several acres. Bank fishing and boat ramps are available to access the Suwannee River and its tributaries or the Gulf of Mexico and its tidal creeks. Available freshwater species include largemouth bass,...

Hiking
Take your pick of 2,100 miles of refreshing trails and boardwalks. Whether you want a short, easy walk or a challenging hike, you’re likely to find what you want. Some trails are paved and universally accessible. Some trails include displays on visual arts, local history and culture or environmental education.
Biking
Biking is a good way to see wildlife, learn about habitats and photograph nature. Yield to pedestrians; many refuge routes are multi-use trails. Biking may be permitted at sites where it is consistent with a refuge’s statutory purpose. E-bikes are permitted on any refuge roads and trails where traditional bicycle use is allowed, if it is consistent with a refuge’s statutory purpose and the refuge manager determines it to be a compatible use.
Photography
Whether you wield a smartphone or a zoom lens, you’ll find photo-worthy subjects at national wildlife refuges and national fish hatcheries. Wildlife photography is a priority public use on national wildlife refuges, so you’ll find wildlife drives and blinds and overlooks to help you get the images you’re after.
Birding
From bald eagles to spoonbills, from condors to puffins, birds abound on national wildlife refuges. Refuges provide places for birds to nest, rest, feed and breed making them world-renown for their birding opportunities.
Boating - motorized
Boats provide the best way to see many refuges. Some refuges limit the use of motorboats to certain areas, subject to restrictions on engine size.
Boating - non-motorized
Many Fish and Wildlife Service sites make great destinations for flatwater canoeing or kayaking. Some sites have concessions that rent canoes or kayaks. Some sites offer scheduled paddle tours. See individual refuge websites for details.
Ranger-led programs
Rangers lead wildlife walks, tours and educational programs at many sites. Events may focus on wildflowers or birds or on seasonal spectacles, such as elk bugling or sea turtle nesting. Some programs may be limited in size or require advance registration. See individual websites for details.