I really enjoyed my nature walk in this spot. It is very clean, they have a fun activity with a kid's book along the way, and I saw a turtle! read more

Pondhawk Natural Area - Hiking Near Me - Boca Raton, Florida

Heyyyy, we got a new park to visit! And its not far from home. Its actually close for most people in the area as its right off the 95 exit onto Spanish River. We stopped over the other day, as my daughter found it on a basic search for places to take a walk or jog in the area. a little embarrassing that I didn't even know it was right there. I scouted it a little so I knew the right move was to park at the Spanish River library. After getting ready where we parked we headed out on a nice jog. The Pondhawk nature trail felt like about a mile around. it meandered left and right and plenty of things to distract as we jogged by. After that loop we too the other route which was around the lake there. that was closer to a half mile so we went around that 3 times. there were plenty o other people walking and jogging but the positive vibes were every where as people would say hi as we passed by. it was a nice Sunday morning jog, and I think we have a new spot to get some cardio in, Pondhawk. read more

Pondhawk Natural Area - Hiking Near Me - Boca Raton, Florida

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This is a great place to come for a walk, run or bike ride. There is also a story walk path that is fun if you have little kids to go with. There is easy parking on the library side. read more

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I enjoyed my walk at this nature park. It was on the grounds of the library which was open to the public and absolutely beautiful inside ; 2 stories with huge windows and large open space. There were several paths to walk and one which lead around the lake. We saw water birds, iguanas and wonderful natural landscape including a non venomoblack snake. . Parking was easy in a large free lot. read more

Pondhawk Natural Area - Hiking Near Me - Boca Raton, Florida

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Beautiful nature walk. Saw lots of wildlife today on my walk. It is extremely hot, not a lot of shade, so plan accordingly with water, a hat, sunscreen, etc. the area is beautiful. Not too crowded on the walk. Getting there was a little confusing, but I figured it out (park at the library). Would definitely recommend. read more

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What a lovely little spot to walk and enjoy nature. It feels very safe and is very clean

This is my go to park for walks in Boca! In general, the path is clean and not too crowded. There is tons of parking whether you park on the library side or the park side. The full loop that I walk is around the lake by the library, around the nature trail (green trail) and then under the road and around the lake in Patch Reef Park. It is about 2.5 miles and very easy to navigate. You will not get lost here! Both lakes are picturesque. My only complaint is that the red and yellow trails (woodsy paths in the nature trail) are not maintained enough, and it's hard to see the paths. There is a bit of wildlife - the occasional snake and gator, and lots of birds and iguanas! read more

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I have been to so many natural areas lately looking for the right one for me and I have finally found it! It's Pondhawk Natural Area. I just wish I lived closer. This area provides the size that I need to get a work out in. Located behind the magnificent Spanish River Library and Community Center you cross a bridge to enter the natural area of Pondhawk. The area is divided into three walking/ jogging trails. The first area I explored to the right of the bridge was the natural scrub area. You cross over a small boardwalk into the area where there is a wide paved path that loops around the area. It looks pretty much like every other scrub area I have been in lately. There is a lookout pavilion that looks out onto basically nothing. The path is easy to traverse and impossible to get lost on. Once you leave the scrub area the path continues on the left around the lake. I really enjoyed the lake path. I saw so many wading birds diving for fish. I also met the friendliest pelican. He let me come so close to take his picture. I loved meeting him. On the back side of the lake path I met the friendliest black cat. The ear was notched so I knew it was fixed. I had so much fun petting my new friend. The cat was well fed so it looks like it is enjoying it's life at Pondhawk guarding the path and greeting all the walkers and bikers. This trail let's out behind the Spanish River library. I had to cross the bridge again and this time turn left to reach the final path. You go down a paved path that takes you under the roadway and around another large lake. There are benches for sitting provided around both lakes. Again I saw an assortment of wading birds. Everyone in Boca seems to know about this place as I saw all kinds of people walking, running, biking, and inline skating. If you visit when the library is open you can use their restrooms and they even have a cafe inside the library if you want a snack or a drink. I didn't wear my exercise clothes the first day I came so I came back the next day properly dressed and with my daughter for company. Between all of the paths I got 5 miles in on my fitbit. The area is so beautiful. I highly recommend a visit. read more

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Charming nature reserve located next to the Spanish River library in Boca Raton. There is lots of parking and it's not usually that crowded, so it makes for a very nice and easy getaway. We've been here a few times and we really like the area, both the look and feel and the convenience of accessibility. Aside from the nature trail that meanders off into the wooded area, there's also a picturesque loop that goes around the nearby lake. Pondhawk is teeming with wildlife, so it's an excellent place to take kids for a nature based show and tell. We spotted a wide variety of birds, lizards, turtles and even a snake. As with most nature spots in the area there is the potential to encounter alligators but we never had any issue fortunately. I give this place 5 stars. Really nice community asset. read more

You can ride a bike around the the Athletic Park, but bikes are not allowed in the Pondhawk Natural Area. The Pondhawk Natural Area in a nice place to take your young uns, since they have it set up to discover different items that might inspire their imaginations. read more

Anyone looking for a scenic, beautiful quiet morning walk/hike, this is your place. At every time of the day this place amazes me. It's vast so you have a lot of ground to cover but it's very easy to navigate once you understand the layout. People bike, rollerblade, run, walk, jog, etc... it's honestly a great stress relief plus it truly is a great place for exercise and photography! Please keep in mind this area isn't necessarily safe especially during night. I would recommend to only go during daytime. I am the occasional night person and I go very well equipped with proper lighting (32,000 lumens) and self defense. During night either nobody is there...maybe you'd see people gathered to smoke weed etc... if anyone planned to rob you or attack you, there is nobody that will hear or save you. Plus there are warning signs for alligators. Heed my warning. read more

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I had passed by this reserve multiple times wondering how to get in. Finally, I made the short drive and entered the Spanish River Library parking lot where I saw a small sign for the reserve. There is plenty of parking which is nice. I went in the evening so many of the spots were open. At first, I was a little apprehensive when I first started walking because of the sign for alligators in the area. But I think as far as you follow the guidelines, you'll be good. The area is absolutely beautiful as you pass by a residential area, multiple benches and picnic areas. The paved concrete is suitable for biking and skating. Be mindful as you walk through the shaded vegetation areas, I spotted several feral cats. I can't wait to come back here to exercise and just think as I stroll around the pond. read more

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Nice trails and very tranquil. I did, however, noticed on 2 separate occasions a guy hanging around the same area by himself, not really walking but kind of just standing there by himself and I am pretty sure smoking weed. To anyone walking alone, please BE AWARE. read more

This is more of a residential community pond and nearby forest than a nature preserve, which is what I was expecting, so it was a letdown. Located next to a library, you cross a bridge over this pond and end up in a forested area which contains many paved walking paths. I'm not a fan of cement walking paths, only because it means the area is no longer undisturbed, which leads to a loss of fauna and flora habitat. As a result, I did not see a single creature, not even a dragonfly. Pets are not allowed, so this isn't even meant to be a place to walk your dog. I saw a couple of people out here and they also left disappointed. Most of what you see in terms of flora is coontie, scrub, and pines. In terms of fauna, you may get lucky enough to see some ducks and egrets at the pond, but what bothered me most is that there was no sign of life within the natural area, not even a lizard. It felt rather apocalyptic, like something out of a sci-fi movie. If you live within walking distance, you might as well check it out to see for yourself, but I don't recommend wasting your time driving out here. There are many better areas in Palm Beach County to drive to and explore, like Loxahatchee, Green Cay or Wakodahatchee and you'll get more than enough of your fill of wildlife. read more

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Such an awesome park! Huge area for walking. There's multiple loops you can take around the park and lake (all paved with a wide sidewalk). Then you can take some nature trails that are part sidewalk with off shoots of sand trails. So much to explore. We've gone a few times and it's never been overly crowded. Bring your own water and a hat as there is partial shade for some of the walk but not all. The perfect place for a run or walk! Such a great spot. read more

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As a photographer, I'm always on the lookout for new spots! So glad I came across this natural area. It was a perfect place for our shoot. Photos by Katie Beiler Photography. read more

This place was awesome! Being from the north east there aren't many parks in the area to go hiking or even for a long walk. This place was perfect for a decent walk. It had 3 trails and 2 of them are nature trails. The walk was easy but it was big enough to exercise and you could even bring a bike. While on the walk there were tons of turtles and we even had the pleasure of seeing a young alligator. read more

We were looking for a local nature walk to entertain our three kids while visiting for the holidays. First off, it's actually behind the community library for you out of town era. Secondly, if you are looking for the actual nature trail then cross over the bridge adjacent to the parking lot and hook a right and look for signs. We originally took the larger loop around before we came across it. The nature/book path for kids was amazing. Our kids all loved reading the book passages as we walked along and tried to spot bugs they had read about. They actually asked to do it a second time. We will definitely come back to get the kids out for some exercise next time we're in town. read more

How can anyone give a preserve anything less than a 5? It's a preserve, no buildings, trails, critters...nature stuff, no what I mean? I parked where the signs directed me, near the library. Having never been here the signs were helpful. I found the initial trail nice, it's very ADA friendly, wide concrete walk way. A second trail went off into the jungle, also concrete. Good for the folks that need it. I did find the red trail, a winding dirt path, off I went. It's well marked, cleared of irma debris. I got some pics, but not many critters were seen. It was high noon....I gotta give this place a 1, why aren't they getting animals in here. Wait....oh....a zoo it's not. read more

Visit the .7 mile Storywalk trail with your children! The Boca Raton Public Library, with the help of the Friends of the Boca Raton Public Library, have installed posts along the trail with pages from a children's book about nature to read as you go - the current book is "The Bugliest Bug" by Carol Diggory Shields. Very entertaining walk through nature! read more

Pondhawk Natural Area - Visit the .07 mile Storywalk Trail! - Hiking Near Me - Boca Raton, Florida

Great walking trail around a lake. Good for all levels, also there is plenty of parking