A gentle introduction to a tropical forest within earshot of the Atlantic Ocean, the Coastal Hammock Trail is a counterpoint of deep shade to the sunny shores just beyond.
At the tip of Fort Pierce Inlet, Dynamite Point has persistent waves. This shoreline served as a training ground for Navy SEALS during World War II and now attracts surfers.
Surfer at Dynamite PointUsing the Coastal Hammock Trail as the centerpiece, this loop shows off the best perspectives on the park’s waterfront.
Start with a walk to Dynamite Point before an immersion in the hammock on two nature trails, and end along the sparkling shores of Inlet Beach.
Southerly access to the Coastal Hammock TrailResources
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Overview
Location: Fort Pierce
Length: 1.3 mile loop
Trailhead: 27.472838 -80.294758
Address: 905 Shorewinds Dr, Fort Pierce
Fees: $4-6 per vehicle
Restrooms: At parking areas
Land Manager: Florida State Parks
Phone: 772-468-3985
Open 8 AM to sunset. Gates will be closed when park capacity is reached. Leashed dogs permitted on nature trails but not on the beach.
Directions
From Interstate 95, drive 4.5 miles east on CR 68 (Orange Ave) to US 1. Turn left and continue 0.9 mile north through downtown Fort Pierce. Turn right on Juanita Ave (A1A) and drive 2.5 miles, crossing the causeway over the Indian River Lagoon. The park entrance will be on the right. After entering, continue along the park road to the end.
Hike
Starting at Picnic Pavilion 5, pass the restrooms to follow a well-worn sand path next to Fort Pierce Inlet. A side path leads to a fabulous view.
As the track curves to parallel the waterfront, you can see across to Jetty Park on the south side of the inlet.
Inlet viewA dense coastal hammock nudges close on the left side, with a spill of beach sunflowers across the sand. Waves strum in the distance.
To prevent the shoreline from washing away during tides, big chunks of concrete form a breakwater.
Tunnel of sea grapes along the inletWalk out from under the sea grapes onto the beach at Dynamite Point. A long rock jetty continues into the Atlantic Ocean.
It protects the southernmost beach on North Hutchinson Island from the strong currents of Fort Pierce Inlet.
Dynamite PointIslands of sea oats punctuate the bright white sand of the beach. Take a left and walk along the oceanfront, watching the surfers try to grab the perfect wave.
Pass three beach crossovers emptying onto the sand before reaching the fourth one 0.4 miles into the hike.
Beach at Dynamite PointA line of oceanfront development is in the distance and, depending on the time of year, marked sea turtle nests along the shoreline.
Where you reach the final dune crossover, turn left. It is lined with ropes between fenceposts to discourage trampling of the fragile dune vegetation.
Final dune crossoverEmerges near another set of restrooms along a large parking area. Turn right to walk past a picnic area set in the shade of big tropical trees.
Look across the parking lot for the sign for the Coastal Hammock Trail and cross to it. A box at the trailhead contains brochures for numbered stops along the loop.
Main trailheadWalk down a footpath peppered in fallen sea grape leaves. A half mile into your walk, meet a T junction marking the start of a loop.
Turn right, quickly immersing in a thicket of coastal hammock. Starting out narrow and curving so you can’t see far ahead, the trail passes numbered posts in sequence.
Start of the loopOnce the pathway points south, the footpath broadens and the canopy lifts, oaks and palms providing dappled shade.
Pass a profusion of wild coffee growing at the base of a tall strangler fig at Marker 6. Curve through a natural arbor of sea grapes.
Among the sea grapesPalm fronds press in closely near Marker 8, the forest opening up briefly.
A grassy sun-splashed passage with American beautyberry leads to the showiest portion of the hammock thus far.
Showy hammockA quarter mile into the Coastal Hammock Trail, meet a T intersection. An exit sign points left to the remainder of the nature trail loop back to its trailhead.
Turn right instead to continue your longer loop around the park. Oak limbs form archways over the leafy footpath. The canopy briefly reveals the sky.
Passageway to right of Exit signCurving into a narrow vine-edged passage, join a palm-edged corridor. Emerge from the forest at a stop sign and crosswalk, ending the Coastal Hammock Trail.
Cross over both the paved bike path that parallels the park road and the park road itself, reaching the entrance to Red Bay Run at 0.8 miles.
Crosswalk to Red Bay RunDive back into the coastal hammock on this nature trail’s broad pathway. Walk past a shiny-leaved Hercules club pointed out by a small interpretive sign.
At an arrow pointing out a junction for a small loop in this well-canopied forest, turn right.
Start of loopImmerse in the thicket of tropical understory. Goldfoot ferns spring from a thick blanket of lichens on fallen logs. Arching red bay trees provide the canopy.
Finishing the loop, reach a T intersection and turn right. After a jog under sea grapes, Red Bay Run ends at a signposted trailhead along the sand road near Inlet Beach.
Exiting the hammockTurn left. A large sand deposit built up behind the stone breakwater of Fort Pierce Inlet creates a broad, flat beach to the edge of its tumultous waters.
It’s not a swimming area, but Inlet Beach provides excellent views up and down Fort Pierce Inlet. The beach is flanked by picnic pavilions.
Reaching the pavilion you passed on the way to Dynamite Point, turn left to exit to the parking area, finishing a 1.3 mile loop.
Inlet BeachTrail Map
Explore More!
Learn more about Fort Pierce Inlet State Park
Fort Pierce Inlet State Park When the waves start crashing at Fort Pierce Inlet State Park, surfers command the beach. Offshore shoals of the rocky Atlantic Coast Ridge create strong surf.Video
A walk through Fort Pierce Inlet State Park
Slideshow
See our photos from Fort Pierce Inlet State Park
Nearby Adventures
Jack Island Preserve State Park A cluster of mangrove islands in the Indian River Lagoon, Jack Island Preserve north of Fort Pierce Inlet is a perfect destination for birding.
Round Island Oceanfront Park Learn the story of one of Florida's more important roles during World War II along a wave-strummed shoreline halfway between Vero Beach and Fort Pierce Inlet.
Round Island Riverside Park Trails, boardwalks, and a boat launch on Round Island provide excellent opportunities to explore coastal habitats and spot manatees in the Indian River Lagoon.
Donald B Moore Heritage Preserve Along the Indian River Lagoon on a site farmed by one of the earliest settlers in what is now Fort Pierce, Donald B. Moore Heritage Preserve interprets regional history. 
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