North trail offers straight and firm opportunity to get a sweat via walk/run/bike…read more South trail offers scenic and partly rugged areas to stroll and leisurely pace through if desired. Plus, Indian burial mounds and pioneer cemetery adds to the enjoyment

Spruce Bluff Preserve is 97 acres. In the 1990's a community of more than 60 homes was planned for…read morethe area but in 1995 the St. Lucie County saved the historic spot by buying the land and making it into one of the county's first preserves, The hiking trail is on the marsh and scrub land in between the houses off Southbend Boulevard along the North Fork of the St. Lucie River. This is one of the more interesting hiking trips I have taken because there is so much history here. If you take the trail from the parking lot about half a mile down you will come to the site that was a pioneer settlement and cemetery along the banks of the St. Lucie River. The trail itself was the roadway for the development that never happened. The area was settled in 1891 after the Second Seminole War ended in 1842. Spruce Bluff founder John Enos Fultz Jr. came from South Carolina to farm pineapples which did well in the sandy soil. Spruce Bluff was a community of several families with a school, post office and sawmill. To make $10 a month Fultz rowed the St. Lucie River to Stuart to deliver the mail to Stuart. In 1894 and 1895 a winter freeze killed the crops and the families moved out of the area. Fultz moved to Ft. Pierce where he became the first Clerk of the Circuit Court for St. Lucie County when it was created in 1905. To find the cemetery look for the two wooden posts on the side of the right hand trail that leads to a sandy trail that takes you to it. The cemetery is surrounded by a fence with a monument. It is owned privately but you are welcome to visit. The seven headstones of the Spruce Bluff pioneers buried inside the fence were vandalized so one monument was put up instead. If you take the trail behind the parking lot it leads to an Ais midden which was their trash dump. Middens are important because they can tell you a lot about the people who lived in the area. This midden has yielded fish bones during excavations. To get to the site you travel along a one mile trail. As you make your way down you come to two boardwalks that cross over the wetlands. The Ais were a tribe of Native Americans who inhabited the Atlantic Coast of Florida from present day Cape Canaveral to the St. Lucie Inlet. They became extinct in the 1760's when they were sold off for slaves or succumbed to disease. The best knowledge we have of these people came from Jonathan Dickinson's journal when he was taken prisoner by them. There is no sign for the mound. It's 20 feet high and 180 feet wide and may be hundred of thousands of years old. If you didn't know it was back there it would just look like a hill. In addition to the hiking trails which can also be biked there is canoe access. A saw a lot of birds on the trail as well as many adorable rabbits. It's an easy hike and the history of this area makes it a very special place to visit.

Opened in 2008, George Lestrange Preserve is named for Mr. George E. Lestrange (1912-1962) who was…read morean avid fisherman and nature lover. He used to own the land and his family sold it to the county. This site will connect several miles of proposed trail along Ten Mile Creek and the North Fork of the St. Lucie River. The 94 acre preserve is located at the end of an abandoned neighborhood building project, It has a 37 acre lake that was formed from an old sand mine. The area was restored by taking out exotic plants and replacing them with hundreds of slash pines and some palmetto. The lake has steep slopes and possible alligators so no wading or swimming is allowed. Boaters can launch canoes, kayaks, and boats with electric motors. If you are fishing the lake is catch and release only. Around the lake is a one mile hiking trail and there is at the north end of the preserve there is an additional one mile looping interpretive trail through makes a loop through pine flatwoods, palm hammocks, and floodplain forest. The preserve is home to ospreys and bald eagles. On my visit I saw rabbits, gopher tortoises, and a peacock. If you love nature and wildlife this is the perfect spot to feel removed from the stress of everyday life and experience the way Florida used to look.

This is the perfect quiet spot for nature lovers, fishermen, walkers or runners. There is a path…read morearound a lake that is about a mile. It is a catch and release lake. I've seen people kayaking and fishing. It is not very crowded... probably because it is a very tucked away place (around an abandoned neighborhood development and in the back corner of a seemingly residential road. There are natural trails also... but be sure to stay on the right path. No bathroom though.

Gorgeous nature preserve. A wonderful walk to the water that loops around. I've taken many friends…read morehere over the years and have always enjoyed it. I would suggest this to anyone who loves to be outside. There is a floating dock by the water and it's pretty fun to pretend it's gonna detach every time a fast boat passes by and sends it tumbling in the waves. 10/10 nature preserve

The Kiplinger Nature Preserve Park is a 157 acre natural area in Stuart. The land used to belong to…read morethe Kiplinger Washington Editors, Inc. and the Kiplinger Foundation Inc. until Martin County purchased it to preserve the land. Ecological communities making up the preserve include freshwater and mangrove swamps, wet prairie and estuarine river. The preserve contains stands of sand pine and scrub oak as well as pine and scrubby flatwoods. Animals that have been spotted here include the Great Blue Heron, Snowy Egret, the Golden Silk Spider, raccoons, and alligators. On my visit I spotted a Sandhill Crane but it was too far away to take a picture. I was excited because I have seen the large birds all over the campus at UCF when I visit my daughter but we don't have them in Broward County. They are funny because when I see them they are usually blocking traffic and they do not care. The cranes will nest here in the prairie in the late spring. The trail that runs through Kiplinger is an easy one mile loop. It runs behind condos, past wetlands, across some raised boardwalks and back along the river. In addition to the trail there is a free parking lot, three foot bridges, a floating fishing dock, and a place to launch a kayak or a canoe. It is a great place to enjoy nature, get some exercise and fresh air.

The Kiplinger Nature Preserve Park is a 164 acre natural area in Stuart. The land used to belong to…read morethe Kiplinger Washington Editors, Inc. and the Kiplinger Foundation Inc. until Martin County purchased it to preserve the land. In 2020 the Kiplinger family donated another 7 acres to the preserve protecting it from retail development. Ecological communities making up the preserve include freshwater and mangrove swamps, wet prairie and estuarine river. The preserve contains stands of sand pine and scrub oak as well as pine and scrubby flatwoods. Animals that have been spotted here include the Great Blue Heron, Snowy Egret, the Golden Silk Spider, raccoons, and alligators. In the past I have seem sandhill cranes and this time I spotted a marsh bunny hopping across the trail. The trail that runs through Kiplinger is an easy one mile loop. It runs behind condos, past wetlands, across some raised boardwalks and back along the river. The nature center was closed for improvements to the parking lot and I was delighted to see that they are back open although parts of the trail were muddy. In addition to the trail there is a free parking lot, three foot bridges, a floating fishing dock, and a place to launch a kayak or a canoe. It is a great place to enjoy nature, get some exercise and fresh air.

This park is a natural area in Stuart. The 164 acre mangrove area is located in the South Fork of…read morethe St. Lucie River. There is easy public parking at the entrance and a picnic pavilion. I walked the easy picturesque hiking trail and crossed two of the three footbridges before reaching the river. There is a floating dock for fishing. I only spotted one ibis and the crabs in the mangrove and a variety of Florida wild flowers.

My heart will always be fond of Rivergate as I have so many amazing childhood memories, especially…read morethe friendly squirrels, raccoons, and sea otters that were thriving here! Oh, and a big ole alligator that had no qualms about sunbathing and showing off to us onlookers! The brush has no long overgrown where he (or she) used to hang out for us all to see (and some people would feed him too ... but he was still a hunter ... and I would see him go after birds in the water which was cool and sad all at once ... like an episode of National Geographic). Since then things have changed a lot. I haven't seen any raccoons on my last few visits. I was told feral cats and fisherman ruined the population of cute animals that called this place home. They expanded on greatly to the walkway, which would be great, except that they didn't keep it wooden. It's metal and doesn't look great. It reminds me of being back up in NY with its cold appeal and just doesn't match the vibe at all. But the worse part and what is really affecting my rating is how utterly filthy it is! Sure, the area of the parking lot and ramps are nice. But walk the walkway.. there is endless trash everywhere. To the point I was taking pictures of birds down there and yes my pictured are ruined with trash but actual important thing is the poor wildlife walking around in this! Why?? Where are the funds going to clean this park? There is no excuse for this. It is unfair for us to build and use their homes for our leisure and then not treat it with the respect it deserves. Again, I went here almost everyday of my childhood and so did my family. The only "litter" you would see is some fishing string and bobbers from some people who snagged their lines where the water is. This was literally human garbage all over while looking down from the walkway that goes in and out from the parking lot to the water where the extended walkway is. I hope someone will see this and care and have this cleaned up. I reside in NY and have no idea who to contact or what to do but if someone is down there and has a point of contact ... please walk through the trees and look down at all of the trash and see if something can be done. Floridas wildlife deserves better than to live in our filth. On the plus side, it is still a peaceful place, there are two ramps to back your boat in, the parking lot is huge, there is an area next to the ramps to clean your fish and such, with a working hose. There's crab around which is fun for the kids to see (and adults if you're me), and when the sun is going down you can see gators swimming about by watching for their eyes. You can watch for smaller pretty creatures too in the flowers, like Florida lubbers (colorful and gentle grasshopper of a larger size). The best way to see all of these is to be still and quiet and mindful of them (which I find best achieved going alone). It is truly a lovely zen place but please please please clean it up and if you're visiting put your garbage in the appropriate garbage cans or bring it home with you. Don't make the lazy choice to litter. So many creatures die or are critically injured from our litter, you just don't see it happen as you drop it and walk away. It takes no extra effort just to walk your trash to garbage can. Be kind to our planet :)

Veterans Park at Rivergate is a delightful six acre park that offers many kinds of outdoor…read moreadventures for boaters, anglers, and nature lovers. If you are a boater, the park has three boat ramps along with free car and trailer parking. You can launch your watercraft right on to the beautiful St. Lucie River. For those coming to cookout, even large groups can be accommodated in the large pavilion with 10 six foot picnic tables, one eight foot tables, lights, electricity, water, and 2 large grills. Smaller groups can make use of three family pavilions with grills. My favorite part of the park was the boardwalk that leads you through the natural habitat of the St. Lucie River. Fishing is permitted and you can get a great view of the wildlife that calls the river home. The scenic views of the river add a serene backdrop that enhances the overall peaceful atmosphere of the park. Birdwatching is a popular activity here, with various species often spotted along the riverbank. This park is a hidden gem that has something for everyone to enjoy.

Located at the south base of the Stuart Causeway and across the street from Sewall's city hall,…read morethis lovely park is located on the shores of the Indian River Lagoon providing lovely water views and fishing opportunities. The town of Sewall is very small. It is only 1/3 of a mile wide and 3 1/2 miles long and this is the town's only park. Park amenities include a playground, swing benches, and a gazebo that can be rented out from the city for private events. There is a historical sign at the entrance to the park that explains the history of Sewall's Point. You can visit the home of Sewall's founder Henry Sewall at Indian RiverSide Park. The house used to reside here at Sewalls Point but it was moved to Indian RiverSide where there is another historical building. Sewalls home was restored and open to the public for tours in 2012.

Very nice park. Clean, neat worth to check out. You can…read morefeel the ocean breeze and enjoy the outdoors.

I've run and biked past Rio Nature Park quite a few times over the years and SCW and I decided to…read morestop in while we were biking by. There is a little bit of parking off the street perhaps for two or three vehicles. No bike racks available. You set off towards the water along a small short trail that has local trees and vegetation native to our area with signs that explain what the trees or shrubs are. Probably about half dozen of those while you walk along the dirt path in shade until you come to the water. There you will find a small beach point maybe 8 feet wide and a nice covered table and chairs in which you can have a pick nick or just enjoy the view of the inlet over into Stuart. It is quite the view! The park is quite small and no real way to avoid it being overcrowded very quickly. If I saw a car there or people I'd move along as there really isn't much space for multiple groups. However it is well maintained and quite relaxing. I will certainly stop by again.

I was exploring nature and parks in this area and found this little natural area. Unfortunately…read morethere is no parking so pull over on the side of the road at your own risk. There is a short wood chip trail that takes you down to the St. Lucie River. A few of the trees and plants are marked along the way. There is a covered picnic table and a bench by the river and the view is nice. I wouldn't go out of my way to come here but it is a pretty nature retreat for those who live in the community.

It is a bit of an adventure to get out here but the view makes it worth it. This park was named in…read morehonor of Sam J. Pendarvis who was born on November 1, 1888 in Florida. He was a pioneer who settled on the North Fork of the St. Lucie River about 1908. He died August 6, 1968. This park is also located on the north fork of the St. Lucie River in the area where Pendarvis lived. The park has picnic table pavilions, a restroom, and a boat launch. I loved catching site of an osprey high up in the tree. The park is kept in a very natural state. You can only go in one direction as you drive along the loop that encircles the park. Even though it seems very out of the way, I saw several people enjoying the picnic tables and sitting near the small beach area during my visit.