2-In-1 Cedar Key Hike: Dennis Creek And Shell Mound Trails

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I’ve done both of these trails a fair number of times and it’s high time I finally write about them here.

Both of these trails being the Dennis Creek Trail and Shell Mound Trail, combined into one slightly longer trail.

First, you have to stop at the Shell Mound Observation Deck. Take the short walk to enjoy the views before heading into the woods for the hike.

The deck is popular for fishing, and I usually see a few people there but it’s never busy.

Shell Mound Trail

After enjoying the view from the deck, we headed to the Shell Mound Trail, which is just back by the parking area.

This is a short loop trail that circles Shell Mound, that’s right, a mound of shells built by Native Americans 1500 years ago.

suwanee trail cedar key dennis creek shell mound

It’s a U shaped mound and it is kind of hard to tell as you’re walking around it on the dune arm, but there are spots where you can clearly tell what you’re walking around because of the amount of shells on the ground.

At one point you also can do a very short side boardwalk loop through a little.. grassy depression.. thing?

I’m not sure what it’s called but it’s my favorite part of the Shell Mound loop, and we even saw a blooming prickly pear cactus here!

My dad actually stepped on a cactus spine and it went through the bottom of his shoe so we had to go back to the car to get that out before going to the Dennis Creek portion.

So watch out for the cactus along the grassy boardwalk/dirt side loop. This only happened one of the many times I did this hike though.

There are also signs all along the trail telling you about the people who previously lived in the area, how they came here, their leaving, and what life was like.

It’s an interesting little trail and one you should do more for intrigue and learning than for views and scenery, I think.

But it’s still worth doing, especially since it is so short and doesn’t take more than 10-15 minutes, depending on how much you stop.

Dennis Creek Trail

From the Shell Mound Trail, head down the road (the way you drove in, not toward the observation), to start the Dennis Creek Trail.

There may be a connector trail for the two but you can also walk along the road, or drive from the Shell Mound trailhead to the Dennis Creek trailhead, but they’re close.

This is a more exciting trail for views and scenery. It’s primarily packed dirt but there are a few boardwalk sections.

It’s also super easy to follow, which is always nice. It starts out on a wideish pine needle and leaf covered trail parallel to the road before heading to the right.

Once it curves to the right, you’ll be in and out of the woods and crossing over the marshy bits on boardwalks.

If the tide is low, when you’re on the boardwalks, keep an eye out below them for all the crabs running around, popping in and out of the crab holes.

On the first boardwalk, you can kind of see the ocean to your right, then to your left you’ll see another boardwalk you’ll cross later.

This is a beautiful, quiet trail that is definitely not busy. I actually don’t remember ever seeing other people on this trail.

At one point, I can’t remember where exactly, there is a short side trail to a little gazebo with beautiful views of a pond.

It can be buggy at times (mostly by the gazebo) but overall it’s not bad. I’ve only done this in the winter though, so summer could be a different story.

While this isn’t like, the shining star of Florida hikes, I do love it and will likely continue to do it most (all?) times I visit Cedar Key.

It’s short but beautiful and a great way to spend an hour or two if you’re in the area.

Travel Services I Recommend:
AllTrails – This is my favorite hike tracking app.
America the Beautiful – The national park pass is essential.
Booking.com – This is great for finding and booking hotels.
Get Your Guide – I recommend Get Your Guide for booking tours.
National Park Obsessed – This is the best national park planner.
Skyscanner – Skyscanner is great for finding and booking flights.
Enterprise – This is my rental car recommendation.
See all my resources here.

Where is the Dennis Creek Trail and Shell Mound?

Shell Mound and Dennis Creek are in the Lower Suwanee National Wildlife Refuge just outside of Cedar Key.

The Shell Mound observation deck, by the trailhead, is 15 minutes from Cedar Key, an hour from Crystal River, and just over an hour from Gainesville and High Springs.

How long is the Dennis Creek Trail and Shell Mound trail?

Doing both of these trails, AllTrails tracked us at 1.85 miles but the official page says 1.4 miles.

You can also do just Shell Mound or just Dennis Creek if you want something shorter. Shell Mound is the shorter of the two but I like Dennis Creek more.

Is the Dennis Creek Trail and Shell Mound trail hard?

Nope! There are some small hills (Florida hills) so it’s not perfectly flat, but it’s definitely still easy.

Is the Dennis Creek Trail and Shell Mound worth it?

Yes! If you’re in the area and want to hike, this is a great choice. While there are some hikes near Cedar Key, there aren’t a TON, but this is a great one that isn’t too long.