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

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