Stoney Bayou 1

Stoney Bayou 1 (SB1) is the first large body of water on the left as you travel down Lighthouse Road from the Visitor Center towards the Lighthouse. Stoney Bayou 1 is directly across from East River Pool.

Stoney Bayou 1 is a salt water man-made impoundment bounded on three sides by dikes and on the fourth side by Lighthouse Road. The Dikes were constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps. Gates (shown below) on the south dike allow the St. Marks head biologist to control the water level in Stoney Bayou 1 to support nesting birds. For this reason, water levels will vary depending on the season.

A second dike parallel to the northern-most dike was constructed later to allow fresh water to be channeled back to Stoney Bayou 2, which is East of Stoney Bayou 1. These two dikes are known as the Double Dikes.

Wildlife watching, particularly birds, is great here. The American Flamingo was first spotted on SB 1 October 31, 2018 and for several years a Vermilion Flycatcher has encamped in the area of the Double Dikes and the East River Pool boat launch. Bald Eagles fish here and Belted Kingfishers make a home on the small island near Lighthouse Road.

If you are interested in an off-road hike, several begin here. Also, the Florida Trail goes along the northern edge of SB1.