This area just knocked my socks off…read more I couldn't believe that I was so close to an industrial area just east of busy Dixie Highway, yet it felt like being in a whole other world. A quiet secluded place where you could hear your heart beat. It made me think that this is what many areas of old Florida used to look like. Kind of scruffy vegetation, almost desert like it was so dry and sandy in spots. You have to come here. Even if you don't do the short-ish walk, it's on paved pathways --and you are urged to stay on the paths and not wander off thereby endangering the endangered species of plants, etc. Occasionally, there are shelters for shade. There were no other people or cars when we stopped by. We got to explore a bit -- we didn't walk the entire path as it was in the 80's and quite hot (and we weren't dressed properly), but we did get to see cactus, and some pretty flowers, and moss, and various palms, etc. etc. And we read about the history of this type of landscape and how there are very few places like this still left in the state. I think if I worked or lived nearby, I'd come here often. Just to escape the buzz of civilization. But, it does feel a bit isolated so you might want to visit with a friend. I'm so glad we got to see this....

Interesting Florida landscape. We are visiting and wanted to explore. This may be as foresty as…read moreFL gets. Easy to find, mostly paved 1/4 to 1/2 mile short trail. There were very few people there and numerous parking spots. We enjoyed the signage, the history of FL land, indigenous plants wildlife... well kept park

Blazing Star is 26 acres of scrub pine with a mile loop running on top of sugar sand. It is…read moreadjacent to the much larger Sugar Sand Park. This area was once part of the Atlantic Coastal Ridge, ancient dunes that lined the Atlantic Ocean. Part of the trail runs along I-95 and in addition to the cars you may hear the occasional train racing past. Plants you might encounter include sand live oaks, myrtle oak, Chapman oak, saw palmetto, slash pine, sand pine, bromeliad, prickly pear cactus, marsh ferns and cinnamon ferns and the invasive Brazilian pepper. When I came upon the pink and yellow lantana growing in the back of the preserve it was covered in zebra longwing butterflies. If you want to see the blazing star (Liatris), with it's stalks of purple flowers that the area takes it's name from you will have to plan your visit for late summer and early fall. If you are lucky you will see protected gopher tortoises. All I came upon however was a burrow. As you make your way through the preserve you will be serenaded by cicadas and crickets. This is a pretty isolate spot, especially when you get to the back of the preserve. Unlike a lot of other preserves I have visited this one is not paved so it is not wheelchair accessible. It was actually quite hard to even walk in the back but when I came upon a hundred butterflies floating around the plants it made the muddy sneakers and trek worth it. You have to be slow and quiet to fully appreciate this area but once you focus in a lot of surprises await you.

I'd be lying if I said Blazing Star Nature Preserve is a bundle of fun…read more.. It's located adjacent to the east side of Sugar Sand Park separated by the Tri-Rail road road tracks. The entrance/parking area is small but there is always a spot to park; actually, it's rare to see any cars here at all. Theres a bench to sit and watch nothing... There is a bike rack... There is an informational board mounted on a tiny building; perhaps a storage shed or sorts)... And there is the entrance to the trails.... That's basically what the park offers... trails that meander through a protected 12 acre parcel of land... lots of cabbage palms and pine trees... And there is a bit of wildlife to ooh and ahh at (if you find them)... the wildlife includes all the typical South Florida wildlife but have heard fox are present but Ive never seen (and I'd imagine they'd leave the park and put themselves at risk with vehicular traffic and residential communities). One of the reasons I don't love the park (and it's not because they don't offer more amenities), is the lack of accessible paths. The trails through the park are sugar sand (just like the namesake of our neighboring park, Sugar Sand Park)... they get a sprinkle of pine needles that gives the trail a bit of stabilization but for the most part they are exposed sugar sand... just white, soft, unforgiving sugar sand that makes walking a bit of a challenge (like trying to take a jog on the dry part of the beach). It'd be great if the City of Boca Raton would add or mix some shell rock to the paths... it'd make the park considerably more user friendly... or maybe even covering the paths with mulch.

Located right smack on the Hillsboro Inlet on a 2.3 acre grass plot with plenty of picnic area…read more with leashed dogs are allowed. It also has a really great swimming area at its far east end along with some sandy beach. As it is located directly across the Inlet from the Historic Hillsboro Lighthouse. terrific views very much appreciated by photographers and artists, But don't try swimming the Inlet itself, as. the tidal currents are 5 knots and dangerous. You may easily get swept out into the Ocean and that would not be good.

Roy L. Rogers Family Park is such a peaceful little gem. I came here to sketch for a watercolor…read morepainting, and it was the perfect setting calm water, boats passing by, and beautiful views of the lighthouse. It's also a great place to walk around and unwind, whether you're being creative or just enjoying the scenery. The views are truly mesmerizing, and it feels like a quiet escape tucked away from the busier areas. I'll definitely be back with my sketchbook again.

The Boca Raton Nature Reserve is a hidden oasis of nature on the corner of Ponderosa Dr. and W…read morePalmetto Park Rd. There is no parking but I found a place to park across the street in the Shoppes at Logger's Run. The reserve features a network of well-maintained mulch trails that wind through a pine flatwoods community, mesic flatwoods, and hydric flatwoods. There is a .6 mile Heart Trail and a .4 mile Frank A. Barbieri, Jr. Nature Trail. Along the trails is the VitaCourse 2000 which includes exercise stations at intervals that use your own body weight for workouts. The trails are easy to navigate, making them suitable for both casual walkers and more avid hikers. Along the way, you'll encounter a variety of native flora and fauna. Plants include South Florida slash pine, cabbage palm, redbay, myrsine, beauty berry, elderberry, swamp fern, wild fee, laurel oak, live oak, and strangler fig. Animals that have been recorded here include pinewood tree frog, Eastern box turtle, gray fox, Eastern gray squirrel, Eastern cottontail rabbit, racoon, pine warbler, red-shouldered hawk, and red-bellied woodpecker. Overall, the Boca Raton Nature Reserve is a delightful destination for anyone seeking a peaceful retreat into nature. Whether you're a nature lover, a family looking for a day out, or simply in need of a break from city life, this reserve offers a tranquil and enriching experience. The trails were deserted when I visited and it felt like I had the reserve to myself. I like how there is a lot of shade over the trails and that the trails aren't too long. If there was parking and water stations, this would be perfect.

This is in South County/Burt Aaronson Park near the waterpark. It is a walking trail that has a…read morebrief spot over some water where lots of turtles and alligators like to hang out. We always see turtles. We sometimes see alligators. there's also an actual nature center, where they have some educational materials and some animals. They sometimes put on talks or small events during the week. They always have a calendar in a newsletter, it's free my kids when they were ages 3 to 5 really loved coming here as a quick easy way to get out of the house for free.

Great place to take a walk! Sometimes you'll see turtles but I think it was too hot when I last…read morewent. I saw them back in April however. It's not very big but going down the boardwalk and back adds a 20 minute walk to my day. There's also a tower you can climb the stairs and get a good view.

Trailhead park is a small park in Deerfield Beach off of Powerline Rd behind Cache Cleaners…read more Additions to the park were acquired with the 2000 Safe Parks and Land Preservation and Bond Program. The park is a small area on a lake with native trees and plants. Park amenities include a small pavilion, fenced in playground, and benches. The grand royal Poinciana tree was in full bloom today. The much larger Quiet Waters park with many more amenities is just a few blocks north. Trailhead Park connects to the Trailhead Linear Park which runs along the west side of Powerline Road, roughly between SW 10th Street and Green Road. On one side you have the lake and the on the other side is Powerline Rd. The linear trail provides a safe place to walk, run, or ride a bike.

Going back about 20 years ago, this park was very different…read more.. The parking lot was generally the same but the rest of the park was a baseball field but ironically it didn't appear to fit too well.... just don't hit a homer between 2nd and 3rd base because the ball will end up landing in Lakes Drive and potentially hitting a car. Eventually the park was leveled and redesigned into what it is today.... While I like it, I also don't like it.... No playground; No sport courts; No restroom; No athletics; The park has numerous concrete paths leading winding around the park and intertwining each other; plenty of landscaping so it is pretty. Great park if you are pushing around a baby in a stroller or a dog antsy to strut its stuff but no activities for the kids wanting to blow-off some steam or play with other kids. There are a few "memorial" benches and a gazebo so also nice if you want some fresh air or read a book

River Park is a small passive park located on a canal in the Deer Creek neighborhood of Deerfield…read moreBeach. It has a parking lot and in the center of the park is a gazebo. A paved exercise path runs throughout the park. What really stands out about this park is the gorgeous landscaping. There is a large Royal Poinciana tree currently in bloom and several plumeria trees. Along the path are memorial benches and more native plants. The park is very lovely. While this is a nice enhancement for the neighborhood there are other larger parks nearby in west Deerfield Beach like Constitution and Quiet Waters with more amenities to attract people. Unless you live in the neighborhood there isn't a need to come out of your way here.

I loved discovering Ecidar Park in Deerfield Beach. This 3.3 acre park is a much needed urban oasis…read moreof nature in this part of Deerfield Beach. The park is located behind the Meadowridge East Association Inc, a condominium complex. It also runs along the railroad tracks separated by a fence and heavy vegetation. Park amenities include a covered playground near the parking lot. A grandfather was playing his grandchild during my visit. In the center of the park is what looks like a brand new tennis court. There is also a covered pavilion with table and grill. My favorite part of the park was the exercise loop in the back of the park. It is not paved so it is not ADA accessible. The weather was absolutely gorgeous this morning and it was so peaceful to walk under the shade of the large trees with the birds chirping and the roar of the passing train in the background. South Florida finally got its first taste of fall last this week and I can't wait for more!