Tallahassee: Stoney Bayou
This 7.7-miler in St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge swings through salt marshes and forested swamps with birds, butterflies, and an occasional gator.
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Trail Facts
- Distance: 11.5
Waypoints
Winding Trail
Location: 30.1398181915283, -84.1304779052734
Trail is highlighted by the splashes of rusted red and yellow-green as the trees begin to change for fall.
©Eli Schelin
Grazing Deer
Location: 30.1404151916504, -84.1350860595703
Hike E; peer through flaxen-grass clearing for white-tailed deer.
©Eli Schelin
Lurking Gator
Location: 30.1248340606689, -84.1389999389648
Stoney Bayou pools, a wildlife oasis alive with alligators basking in the sunlight
©Eli Schelin
Stony Bayou Pools
Location: 30.1234226226807, -84.1387786865234
The serene view of Stony Bayou Pools unfold as the trail follows the ribboning shoreline.
©Eli Schelin
Soaring Flocks
Location: 30.1325435638428, -84.1133728027344
During spring migration, this area is a parade of rainbow-plumed birds.
©Eli Schelin
Swimming Predator
Location: 30.118537902832, -84.1288452148438
An alligator glides through the murky pools– a fascinating but potentially dangerous sighting.
©Eli Schelin
Upland Estuary Forest
Location: 30.1351490020752, -84.1104431152344
Thick vegetation and lime green ferns are a startling contrast to the murky brown and blue pools along the shore.
©Eli Schelin
SBT001
Location: 30.1408405303955, -84.1386566162109
Hike E; peer through flaxen-grass clearing for white-tailed deer
SBT002
Location: 30.1397705078125, -84.1300277709961
R @ T to Stoney Bayou pools, a wildlife oasis alive with croaking bullfrogs, slithering snakes, and alligators basking in the sun
SBT003
Location: 30.1237106323242, -84.1394424438476
L @ 4-way; trail joins Florida National Scenic Trail and follows the shore of Stoney Bayou; grassy tufts and lily pads float in the marsh
SBT004
Location: 30.1137599945068, -84.1189117431641
L @ T; walk down a corridor flanked by a saltwater estuary and brackish forest swamp, scanning trees for the elusive bald eagle
SBT005
Location: 30.1367778778076, -84.1070785522461
L @ T. During spring migration, this area is a parade of rainbow-plumed birds; in fall, flocks of butterflies speckle the forests with vibrant color
SBT006
Location: 30.1401195526123, -84.1169815063476
L @ Y to follow main trail
SBT007
Location: 30.1397895812988, -84.1191329956055
R @ Y through longleaf pine forest where the rare red-cockaded woodpecker makes its woody nest
SBT008
Location: 30.1394596099854, -84.1266632080078
R @ Y; multitudes of ibises, ospreys, and blue herons rule the sky
SBT009
Location: 30.1394901275635, -84.1276016235352
L @ Y; in .7 mi., veer R and return to lot