Separated from the rest of Cypress Creek Natural Area by Indiantown Road, the southern portion showcases environmental restoration efforts along a well-marked loop.
The trails vary from multiuse for equestrian, biking, and hiking access, to the foot traffic only Bowleg Trail System.
In the southeastern corner of the property, trails connect to neighboring Riverbend Park.
A kayak launch near the entrance provides access to shallow wetlands lined with tall grass and cypress trees, and a paddle trail leads out to a small pond where fishing is allowed.
Wetlands restorationResources
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Overview
Location: Jupiter
Length: 1.7 miles
Trailhead: 26.938389, -80.182167
Address: 9424 Indiantown Road, Jupiter
Fees: Free
Restrooms: None
Land manager: Palm Beach County
Phone: 561-233-2400
Open sunrise to sunset. No pets allowed.
Directions
From Interstate 95 or Florida’s Turnpike Jupiter exit at Indiantown Rd, follow Indiantown Rd west for 2.4 miles, then make a U turn at Jupiter Farms Rd. In 0.6 miles, the entrance to the park will be on the right side of the road.
Hike
Beginning the hike at a covered picnic bench alongside the historic Jupiter-Indiantown trail, head west for two hundred feet.
Turn left onto a wide, crushed shell trail bordered by a long lodge pole fence. Tall cypresses covered in airplants and orchids rise up from a primordial swamp beyond.
The trail overlooks marshes covered in aquatic plants to the east.
Trailhead picnic benchThe trail makes a sharp right turn at 0.3 mile, where a fishing pier extends over a deep pond carved out of the subsurface limestone.
Follow the fence line as swampland transitions to a pine forest dotted with cabbage palms, laurel oaks, and cocoplums.
Fishing dockReaching 0.6 mile, pass through a gap in the fence to follow the blue blazed Bowleg Trail as it passes open grassy wetlands inhabited by waterfowl and wading birds.
A striking cypress dome rises in the distance, taking its characteristic shape due to a bowl-like depression that allows larger trees to thrive in the center.
Cypress dome beyond a restored prairieTurning left at a fork near the Bowleg Overlook, follow the trail as it winds across a pine flatwood restoration area.
Years of fire suppression had allowed dense vegetation to take over the forest floor.
The county uses a combination of mechanical removal and prescribed burns to return the area to a more natural setting.
Bowleg OverlookAt the one mile mark, the trail veers away from the pines and across a cypress strand on a metal footbridge.
Past the bridge pathway narrows, weaving through a maze of saw palmettos and shrubs.
Emerge at the multiuse trail next to a tall palm covered in shoestring ferns.
Cypress strand crossingFollow the wide Jupiter-Indiantown Trail as it winds east, passing a pond with scenic views along the way.
As the loop concludes at 1.7 miles, continue for a short distance along the multiuse trail to finish at the covered bench.
Jupiter-Indiantown TrailTrail 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 Cypress Creek South Natural Area
Nearby Adventures
Cypress Creek Osprey Trail System Spanning the northeast corner of Cypress Creek Natural Area, marked trails lead to an observation tower and beautifully restored wetland habitats on this 1.9 mile hike.
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.
Riverbend Park Protecting the headwaters of the Loxahatchee River, Riverbend Park provides nature, tamed.
Italian Farms Trail A round-trip through former tomato farms reclaimed by second-growth forest, this multi-use trail through Loxahatchee River Management Area leads to the Masten Dam.
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