Directions-From Tallahassee, get on to 319 going towards Crawfordville. Stay on 319 until you get to Panacea, about 30 miles away. Once in Panacea, look for Otter Lake Road. Be on the lookout because there is not a sign pointing to the NWR going south, but their is a sign if you are coming north. The road is on the right as you head south. If you see the Coastal Restaurant (the restaurant does not have a link, but see this blog), you've gone too far. The NWR entrance is about a mile down Otter Lake Road. Once in the NWR, you will see the trail head almost immediately and a small parking area (not paved). Park here. Also, there are clean restrooms and picnic facilities closer to the lake. There is no entrance fee.
What to bring-insect repellent!, water, binoculars, snacks, camera, sunscreen. It's dog friendly, but I believe NWR rules require a leash. Bicycles are also allowed.
Difficulty-The terrain is slightly hilly in parts but mostly flat. The trail is wide and dry. I would call the difficulty average for this area due to the length. Do a shorter hike if you are out of shape.
What you might see-brown pelican, wood duck, heron, black bear, coyote, feral hog, otter, raccoon, deer, turkey, gopher tortoise, pine warbler, peregrine falcon, and a number of other species. I saw an alligator, various duck species, and heron.
I would print this hiking trail map before you leave. The "trails" in the NWR are actually old logging roads and there are many of them that criss cross the area. Having a map helps you keep track of where you are and shows you other routes you can take.
The trail head, as noted above, is just past the refuge entrance. The trail, number 316, crosses the road and goes in both directions. Start on the 316 which is on the left side of the road. Take 316 for a little over a mile until you get to 330, which we be on your left. While on 316, you may want to take short side trips down 328 and 327, both of which are spurs, one leading to a small lake, the other going over to Otter Lake. There are also various ponds along the way as you stroll through the wiregrass, pine, and scrub oak. After you get on 330, you will shortly come to a large meadow/open area. There are various lakes you can go over to. Try to spot a sunbathing alligator as I did, but be very careful. 330 runs along the lakes and eventually joins 320 near a shed. Go left and head back into the pine forest. At 321, veer left again until 319. 319 links up with 316 and back to the trail head. Enjoy the hike and head over to the Coastal Restaurant or Angelo's or the Backwoods Bistro afterwards.
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