Facility Activities

St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge offers a variety of outdoor recreation activities for visitors. The Visitor Center presents a general overview of how the refuge is managed and what there is to see and do. For current information and wildlife sightings, check at the Visitor Center.

Hiking

Administrative roads and levees may be closed during prescribed burns, peak wildlife events, especially around eagle nests, shorebird and waterfowl areas. Please check with the Visitor Center, (850)925-6121, for the latest information concerning closures. 

Hiking is...

Wildlife watching

The St. Marks NWR has more than 150 miles of refuge roads, levee, and developed trails are used by many visitors for wildlife viewing, hiking, backbacking and jogging. Over 40 miles of the Florida National Scenic Trail (FNST) cross the refuge. The refuge has...

Fishing

Refuge waters include 2,000 acres of man-made pools open to bank fishing year-round and to boats (outboard motors not larger than 10 hp), March 15-October 15, in the St. Marks Unit. Otter Lake (120 acres), Alligator Lake (100 acres), Lake Renfro (20 acres) and other small lakes and ponds less...

Hunting

Hunting opportunities were expanded in 2015 with three of our management units open for quota hunts based on species and weaponry. All hunts, except small game, are quota based. Applications can be made through MyFwc.com. We also offer Hunter Safety classes, Youth hunts,...

Photography

At St. Marks NWR there are many photography opportunities including behind the gates tours. Check the event calendar for photo opps and Beginning Nature Photography Classes.

Check out our photography group on facebook

Education programs

Is your school, youth, environmental or other group interested in learning more about the wildlife, plants, habitats and ecology of a particular national wildlife refuge? Contact Lori Nicholson, Environmental Education Specialist, at lori_nicholson@fws.gov, or visit the St. Marks...