Drive | Hike | Bike Trail - Discover the Dixie Mainline

The Dixie Mainline Trail parallels the coastline at the northeast edge of the Lower Suwannee Wildlife Refuge. Once a logging access road, much of the trail was inaccessible until the U.S. Wildlife Service recently rebuilt five small bridges across the tidal creeks, opening up areas virtually untouched for a quarter of a century.

Hike, bike or slowly drive (25 mph maximum) this nine-mile trail north from the community of Suwannee. The trail passes through upland pine forest, hardwood hammock, wetlands and tidal creek environments. Expect special nature and wildlife experiences in this undisturbed environment. Watch for herons, egrets, ibis, barred owls, alligator, turtle, small mammals and a variety of plant life.

Along the trail, stop at Salt Creek Lookout. Then continue enjoying the old Florida landscape and turn left at paved CR 357. Here you will find the historical Fishbone Cemetery and Fishbone Creek Overlook. The road ends near the Shired Island County Park, which is the perfect place to end the day, watching the sunset on the Gulf. (Brochures are available from the U.S. Wildlife Service with maps of the marked canoe trails and an interpretive guide to the Dixie Mainline.)