The refuge is bisected by 20 miles of the famous Suwannee River and includes 30 miles of coastal marsh habitat along the Gulf of Mexico. Established on 10 April 1979, the salt marshes and tidal flats at the river's mouth are a paradise for shorebirds and fish. The flow of the Suwannee River fuels the highly productive
Maybe — confirm before you go.
This U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service site may charge a fee your pass covers — confirm before you go.
- Fee type Fee unknown — The fee structure here is unconfirmed.
- Source Find on Recreation.gov ↗
- Last verifiedJuly 6, 2026 · Check
- Official pagewww.recreation.gov ↗
- Contact 352-493-0238 · lowersuwannee@fws.gov
Common questions
Quick Yes / No / Depends answers for Lower Suwannee National Wildlife Refuge — always confirm with the managing site before you go.
Depends Does the America the Beautiful pass work here?
Maybe — This U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service site may charge a fee your pass covers — confirm before you go. Check with the managing agency before you go.
Yes Can you fish at Lower Suwannee National Wildlife Refuge?
Yes — fishing is one of the listed activities here. You’ll need a valid state fishing license.
Yes Can you kayak, paddle, or boat here?
Yes — there’s water for boating and paddling at Lower Suwannee National Wildlife Refuge. Hand-launched craft usually need no permit; motorized boats may need registration or a launch fee.
Yes Are there hiking trails?
Yes — trails here include Northwest Hodge Road, Northwest Brier Island Road, Brier Island Road, and more. Check length and difficulty before you go.
Yes Can you bike here?
Yes — biking is available at Lower Suwannee National Wildlife Refuge. Confirm which roads or trails allow it.
Yes Can you watch wildlife or birds here?
Yes — Lower Suwannee National Wildlife Refuge is a spot for wildlife and bird watching. Keep your distance and never feed animals.
Depends Is hunting allowed?
Yes — hunting is permitted here in season, with the required state license and tags. Check seasons and unit rules.
Depends Can you bring a dog?
Often restricted to protect wildlife — many refuges limit or prohibit pets. Check this refuge before you go.
No Are drones allowed?
No — launching, landing, or operating drones is prohibited on National Wildlife Refuge land.
Nearby sites
LittleT889 / CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Cedar Keys National Wildlife Refuge
CheckThis U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service site may charge a fee your pass covers — confirm before you go.
Joyce Kleen; U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Southeast Region / Public domain · Wikimedia Commons U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Chassahowitzka National Wildlife Refuge
CheckThis U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service site may charge a fee your pass covers — confirm before you go.
