Looking for a place to hike in Sebastian I stumbled on this natural area I had never seen before…read more It is open 7:30 AM until sunset, year-round. It turns out this is a ten acre natural area that protects the extremely rare scrub environment that was formed on an ancient dune where the ocean used to meet the land. The elevation of this type of ecosystem is high making it the perfect place to build so consequently there is very little left of it in Florida. The lack of this kind of habitat is why the scrub jay is endangered. The land that has been preserved here is a refuge to the cute little blue birds that are the only bird species that lives exclusively in Florida. This park contains oak scrub and scrubby flatwoods which are the ideal scrub jay habitat. They do not migrate and rarely move more than a few miles from where they hatched. Now because of development, their habitats are very fragmented. I have never seen one in the wild and they are highly sought after by birders. If you are lucky you may come across one on the ground burying acorns. Signs in the park advise against feeding them. Since they are a federally protected species, and it is unlawful to feed or harass these birds. I had a fun hike here today even if I the trails in the park are still under development. The trails that are here are on sandy soil so they are not ADA accessible. There are no restrooms or water. There isn't even a parking lot. You kind of just pull over on the side of the road. I hope the little scrub jays are happy here. I am glad to know that they have a place where they are safe.

Tucked away off the interstate exit, Halpat is the quintessential outdoor space of Stuart, FL. I…read moreonly used the nature trail while there so I can only comment on that. The trail is mostly flat and sturdy ground and is a wide walking path. Folks like to take their dogs there so you'll likely encounter some while there! The trail is clean of litter and other major debris and is mostly shaded. It also runs pretty closely with the disc golf course. Amenities seen at the park: - Tennis and pickleball courts - Baseball field - Soccer field - Covered roller hockey rink - Park shelters with picnic tables - Air pumps for bikes and balls - Parking throughout the expanse of the park

Halptiokee is a regional park in Stuart Florida. This park has everything including disc golf,…read morebatting cages, athletic fields and walking trails. This park is very dog friendly nearly everyone I encountered during my walk had at least 1 dog, all on leases. This is a very friendly park, nearly everyone I passed by had a friendly greeting. When I was there, I saw several sports teams practicing, as well as what appeared to be a CrossFit group working out. I went specifically for the walking trails, I had high expectations, they fell a little short. I expected more and longer trails. There were a lot of signs on the paths but most were very faded and you could barely read them. This park is great for families. If you live in the area and have children, I bet they are practices and games are held at this park.

The huge, sprawling trees with extensive aerial root systems often found near Green Turtle Cove and…read morealong NE Ocean Blvd in Jensen Beach are Banyan trees (Ficus benghalensis or similar species). Also in the surrounding area. Banyan trees are Known for their immense, wide-reaching canopies, these majestic, historic trees are iconic to the Treasure Coast's coastal landscape. Beautiful and amazing creation! I fully was in awwwww all the way thru! These trees can tell a story or two. Beautiful homes are lined up next to these majestic creation. I was amazed by the height and thickness of these beautiful canopies. If only they would talk? I stood beneath them and stared straight up for a long period of time (actually until my neck gave me a kick). They are just so unique it has a historical feeling to it! You definitely will enjoy a drive thru these tunnel of beautiful trees. Specially when is bright morning and the sun peeks thru these branches. Perfect for photography, or just for a Facebook and Yelp pic. If you are near please take a moment to appreciate them and connect, it will be worth the while! You're welcome wink ;)

Pretty cool place, the trees are beautiful. We actually…read moreexpected it to be a bit more of a destination than it was, which was a short stretch of road under the canopy of trees, and we had a heck of a time finding it. But, multiple maps and some detective work led us to the destination. You basically just get out of your car when there are no cars passing and snap a few photos.

Maritime Hammock Sanctuary is along the Indian River Lagoon Preserve State Park. Trails connect the…read moretwo parks. This preserve protects 150 acres of natural coastal hammock, marshlands, and mangroves along the Indian River Lagoon. It is the largest intact maritime hammock in Brevard County. There is a 3.5 mile loop trail from the North Trail Head to the South Trailhead and back. The trail crosses two bridges, a boardwalk over wetland areas, and there is an observation deck over a marsh pond which is an excellent spot for bird watching. At the north trailhead you will find several grassy parking spaces. There used to be a plant nursery here but the non native plants have been removed. Along the hiking trail you will see wild coffee and marlberry in the understory along with white stopper, gumbo limbo, and oak trees covered in resurrection ferns. Animals that make their home here include raccoons, alligator, black racer, golden orb weaver spider, great egret, and osprey. Throughout the preserve are middens, a kind of ancient garbage dump left by the prehistoric Ais who used to live here. The midden are hilly areas marked by shells. Due to the extreme heat I could not make it through the entire hike but I enjoyed what I was able to complete. Most of the trail I was on was shaded. Note that during the rainy season, parts of the trail may be flooded. I recommend coming on a cool day and bringing water and bug spray.

A really nice walk located on south A1A. About 1 to 2 miles depending on chosen route. Some ponds…read morewith gators and birds. Nice vegetation including wild orchids at times, wild coffee and gumbo limbo trees. Pretty well marked. You shouldn't get lost. No dogs or bikes allowed.

I really enjoyed walking the trails at Lake Butler. The scenery was beautiful and the trails were…read moreeasy to navigate--I was even able to push a stroller through without much trouble. There's a small nature center near the parking area that shares information about the wildlife in the reserve, which was a nice touch. Most of the trail is shaded, and there are water stations and benches along the way. We spent about two hours walking and had a great time. I'll definitely be back!

You better think twice before you wear your favorite hiking shoes cause things might get a little…read moremuddy! During rainy season some of the trails even close down due to flooding. But for the most of the year this preserve is about three miles of nice, flat hiking. We even spotted some osprey and a tortoise sunbathing in the middle of the trail on the way out.

This is such a great spot for walking/running. There is a parking lot out front, hardly ever a…read morecrowd when I come. Typically visit in the morning. There is no fee to enter. You do need to sign in at the front desk. Sometimes there is someone at the desk to greet you. There are accessible restrooms inside the main building. There are a few different trials, in which all are marked. Throughout the trials, there are clear signs and markings as you navigate your way through the sanctuary. I love the coquina trial. There are pretty views and I have seen on occasion turtles on my walks.

Requested a guided tou very informative beautiful mile long walk many more trails we fidn t even…read moreventure saw 3 different gopher tortoises first about 15" across then 4" then finally 30" going back will take our grandson

This trail area is a great spot to enjoy some nature right outside the city. All the pictures in…read morethis review were taken on a single 2-3 hour hike one morning/afternoon but on the Owahee canal trail, not Apoxee. I live right behind this trail, walking distance from my apartment (a rarity in this part of WPB) so I care about it quite a bit. There are certainly plenty of improvements that could be made. If you're not walking the Owahee canal trails on the outskirts, and trying to walk the actual Apoxee trail, it's almost always too flooded by rainfall to make it very far. There has been word of more elevated boardwalks for the trail, but no progress has been visible for a while. Still a great place for a nature hike in WPB.

I was walking this trail for years. I so loved it. Peaceful nature. Solitude, hardly ever saw…read morepeople. I would go many times a week. Now I cannot go anymore. After suffering a mild stroke at 76 I'm not yet able to go, especially alone as I always did. But still hopeful I might get back there. I've walked miles there, it's so peaceful and beautiful.

CREW is the acronym for the sixty thousand acre Corkscrew Regional Ecosystem Watershed. The CREW…read moreLand & Water Trust was established in 1989 as a nonprofit organization whose purpose is to purchase land, manage it, and offer public outreach. The CREW project includes parts of southern Lee and northern Collier Counties in southwest Florida. The Corkscrew Marsh, Bird Rookery Swamp, Flint Pen Strand, Camp Keais Strand, and the Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary are all CREW lands. Fifty-five thousand acres of CREW land is in preservation and it provides flood protection, water filtration and important aquifer recharge. They would like to purchase even more land in order to preserve natural resources such as water and to offer protection for wildlife. I have been fortunate enough to explore several of the CREW properties and each is a treasure of native plants and animals and unspoiled wilderness. The CREW Cypress Dome Trails is also known as Gate 5. A cypress dome is a swamp that has mainly pond cypress and bald cypress trees. Tall trees are at the center with smaller trees at the edge which creates a dome effect. The moist environment is also ideal for other plants, shrubs, and trees. The dome removes carbon emissions and stores water, recharges the aquifer, and provides drinking water. In the dome you can expect to find flatwoods salamanders, white ibis, and wood storks. Be aware that black bears and panthers also live here. There are six miles of loop trails that traverse through pine flatwoods, oak hammocks, wet prairie, popash slough, and two cypress domes. Trails are flat grass and sand. The trail connects to the Caracara Prairie Preserve which is owned and maintained by Conservation Collier. A $3 cash donation is suggested for use of the trail. Trail maps are located at the trailhead along with one port-a-potty. Bring your own water.This trail allows horseback riding With a free special use license from South Florida Water Management. During my visit it was hunting season. Although I didn't hear any shots being fired all of the signs about it made me feel nervous. I went down the trail a way before becoming uncomfortable and deciding to head back. I don't know why they allow the shooting of migratory birds. I can't imagine flying 1,500 miles to Florida to get shot by a hunter. SMH. The only thing I want to shoot birds with is my camera. I'll be back after hunting season. Hopefully some birds will have survived the hunt.

This beautiful nature preserve is home to a variety of really cool native species (both plants and…read moreanimals) which makes for an adventurous hike! The camping site is also a calming space to practice yoga under the trees, which was a nice way to unwind from the long hike through the trails. I will definitely be coming back here. * Tip: hike barefoot, it feels great!! *

This is a pretty nice trail. It's a 7 mile trail with plenty of things to see like the St John's…read moreRiver. I recommend coming early in the morning to avoid the Florida heat. You'll definitely feel the mugginess in the afternoon. Though it is a popular place to hike. It was actually quiet and peaceful. It's an easy trail but I wanted to challenge myself so I did it with a weighted vest on my back. In fact, I passed a few other hikers with weights on too . so if you're training for something, this place is it.

Amazing hike for the whole family! It was challenging for our younger kids and adults alike, but…read moredoable terrain and so worth it! We saw two families of hogs close to the trail, several alligators, tons of birds, and squirrels. I agree with other reviewers-- going right so you do the harder terrain first and have the flatter land when you're more worn out was perfect. One huge tip-- even with bug spray, we were SWARMED with mosquitoes the second it started getting dark-- absolutely attacked. Get out before dusk!