Named for a swampy tributary to the Loxahatchee River, Cypress Creek Natural Area showcases primordial landscapes once connected to the sheetflow of the Everglades.
This county preserve provides multiple entry points to trails designated for hiking, biking, and equestrian use within the Jeaga Wildways trail system.
The hiking-only Osprey Trail System loops through a mosaic of largely wet landscapes teeming with birds and fascinating flora.
Start of the Osprey Trail SystemResources
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Overview
Location: Jupiter Farms
Length: 1.9 miles
Trailhead: 26.943000, -80.191472
Address: 10035 Indiantown Rd, Jupiter
Fees: Free
Restrooms: None
Land manager: Palm Beach County
Phone: 561-233-2400
Open sunrise to sunset. No pets allowed. Expect wet feet.
Directions
From Interstate 95 or Florida’s Turnpike, exit at Indiantown Rd (SR 706) in Jupiter. Follow Indiantown Rd west for 2.5 miles, passing Riverbend Park and crossing the Loxahatchee River. The parking area is on the right.
Hike
Take a minute to check out the map kiosk and picnic spot nestled within a shady canopy of trees in the southeast corner of the trailhead.
Look to the opposite end of the parking area for a wooden sign indicating the trail entrance to begin the hike.
Trailhead kioskYellow blazed posts lead the way along a grassy pathway for 0.2 miles to a junction with the Osprey Trail System.
Following blue blazes northward, the trail meanders through a mixed forest of pine and oak. Descend slightly into a swampy strand swamp with cypress trees covered in showy airplants.
Cypress strand crossingTurn east as the boggy corridor emerges into open flatwoods. A pair of purple martin houses stand in the middle of a clearing behind a sign describing their purpose as part of an Eagle Scout project.
Nearing a bend at the half mile mark, take a short detour off the main trail to visit an observation tower positioned at the edge of an impressive wetland restoration project.
View from the observation towerPlanted cypress saplings border the trail as it weaves between marshy areas sprinkled with vibrant yellow wildflowers.
Winding towards the north end of the loop, freshwater habitat seamlessly transitions to an upland pine savanna with scattered cabbage palms.
Wetlands restorationWith a slight change in elevation, shrubby Florida pennyroyal mints take root in the sandy soils, producing tiny lavender blooms. Slender paw paw stalks sport velvety white flowers.
At 1.2 miles, the route takes a sharp turn to the south, crossing over an artificial berm alongside an information sign with a map.
Paw paw in bloomPay close attention to trail markers as the wide pathway crosses a few confusing intersections before returning to the beginning of the loop at 1.5 miles.
From this point, continue to the end of the Osprey Trail and make a right at the yellow blazes, returning to the trailhead after another 0.4 mile to complete this 1.9 mile hike.
Pines at duskTrail Map
Explore More!
Learn more about Cypress Creek Natural Area
Cypress Creek Natural Area Protecting an expanse of wet habitats along the Loxahatchee River floodplain, Cypress Creek Natural Area is central to the Jeaga Wildways trail network in Palm Beach County.Video
Hiking the Osprey Trail System at Cypress Creek
Nearby Adventures
Cypress Creek Wild Cat Trail Miles of interconnected trails provide spectacular scenery among wild South Florida pine flatwoods and cypress swamps sluggishly draining towards the Loxahatchee River.
Cypress Creek South Restored upland pine forests, cypress swamps, and prairie ponds are on display along a network of trails featuring an observation tower and fishing pier.
Riverbend Park Protecting the headwaters of the Loxahatchee River, Riverbend Park provides nature, tamed.
Lainhart Dam Trail Glimpse a small part of the beauty of the Loxahatchee Wild and Scenic River basin on this easy round-trip trek to Lainhart Dam and the river bends beyond.
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