As we continue to explore our new backyard, today we’re traveling just 30 minutes southeast of Tallahassee to the beautiful St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge. And this park has it all! Over 76 miles of hiking/biking trails, sandy shores along the Gulf Coast, fishing, boating and an abundance of wildlife, this Florida gem is a nature lovers delight in the National Wildlife Refuge network.

It was “established in 1931 to provide winter habitat for migratory birds, and is one of the oldest refuges in the National Wildlife Refuge System. It encompasses over 86,000 acres in Wakulla, Jefferson and Taylor counties, and includes about 43 miles of north Florida’s Gulf coast. Congress has designated 17,350 acres of the Refuge a National Wilderness Area.”

”Elevations on the St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge range from the open water of Apalachee Bay to about 30 feet above sea level. Seven rivers and numerous creeks cross the Refuge, contributing to its unique National Wildlife Refuge status. Annual rainfall averages 55 inches, and the driest months tend to be April, May, October and November.

”The St. Marks Lighthouse, first constructed in 1830, is located at the terminus of Lighthouse Road (Co. Rd. 59) in the St. Marks Unit of the Refuge, a 15-mile drive from the City of St. Marks. The Lighthouse has guided maritime activity ever since. It has survived gun boat battles, the landing of Federal troops during the Civil War, and many major storms. Today it is on the National Register of Historic Sites.

Definitely worth the time and effort to visit, a short drive after to the fishing town of St. Marks provides an opportunity to enjoy fresh, locally caught seafood and reflect back on a day well spent exploring the National Wildlife Refuge.