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Frenchman’s Forest Natural Area

Four hiking trails intertwine in this 172-acre natural area, with seven different habitats to explore along footpaths, paved trails, and boardwalks.

Palm Beach Gardens      ( 26.85694, -80.07256 )      2.6 miles

529 shares

Surrounded by a sea of neighborhoods, the 172 acres of Frenchman’s Forest is a haven for wildlife, an island of nature in densely populated Palm Beach Gardens.

From a mangrove-lined waterway to scrubby pine flatwoods to a boardwalk through a cypress swamp, this natural area provides plenty to explore in a compact space.

Boardwalk leading to woods Mangrove-edged boardwalk at observation deck


Less than a mile from the Gardens Mall as the crow flies, it is a haven for wildlife and a spot for an enjoyable spot for a stroll amid seven distinct habitats.

Nearly three-quarters of a mile of the trail system it is accessible, providing access to natural-surface footpaths leading to points of natural interest.

Trail in woodlands Trail leading towards the cypress swamp


Resources

Resources for exploring the area

South Florida Explorers Guide book cover 50 Hikes in South Florida book cover Hikers Guide to the Sunshine State book cover

Disclosure: As authors and affiliates, we receive earnings when you buy these through our links. This helps us provide public information on this website.


Overview

Location: Palm Beach Gardens
Length: Up to 2.6 miles in four trails
Trailhead: 26.85694, -80.07256
Address: 12201 Prosperity Farms Rd, Palm Beach Gardens
Fees: None
Restroom: None
Land manager: Palm Beach County
Phone: 561-233-2400

Open sunrise to sunset. No pets, no bicycles. Map displayed at trailhead kiosk. Mosquito repellent recommended.

Tall pines in south florida


Directions

 
From the intersection of PGA Blvd and Prosperity Farms Rd east of the Gardens Mall in Palm Beach Gardens, turn north and follow Prosperity Farms Rd for 2 miles to the parking area on the left, just after you cross the creek.

Hike

All hikers start off on the accessible Blazing Star Nature Trail at the kiosk in the parking area.

Despite being a sidewalk, it winds along in deep shade under a canopy of hardwoods, passing several benches along its first two tenths of a mile.

Tree canopy over sidewalk in woods Shade along the Blazing Star Trail


At the T intersection, make a left to take the short boardwalk to the observation deck on Lake Worth Creek.

A relict of the days before the region became so populated, this mangrove-lined pool provides shelter for wading birds and turtles.

Observation deck on mangrove pond Lake Worth Creek is tidal


Return across the boardwalk and continue straight ahead along the winding path as it gains a little elevation.

A transition into scrub leads to scrubby flatwoods and the main junction for the natural footpaths of the preserve at a quarter mile.

Trail junction under overhanging tree Junction for yellow blazed Saw Palmetto Hiking Trail


The accessible path continues straight ahead. It’s a short but scenic loop, so it’s worth tackling before any woodland rambles.

At the Y intersection, there is a bench. Bear left. Sand live oaks curve low above the trail, which is strewn with pine needles.

sidewalk under bowing oaks Along the Blazing Star Trail loop


The understory becomes thicker as you progress around the loop. Blazes from another one of the trails are evident on pines in the distance.

Finishing up the loop, return to its junction and continue to the junction for the yellow trail, 0.4 mile into your walk.

Approaching two trail junctions in the woods Finishing the loop


This is your decision point. Following the sidewalk returns you to the car after a 0.8 mile walk.

A ramble along the Saw Palmetto Hiking Trail, the largest loop shown on the map, provides access to the cypress dome boardwalk and a short spur along the creek.

It’s been many years since we’ve rambled the entire trail system, but we saw terrestrial orchids in a shady palm hammock beyond the cypresses.

Archie’s Creek Trail makes a short spur along the creek. Add on the red-blazed Staggerbush Hiking Trail in the northeast corner of the preserve for an exploration of scrub habitat.

Gopher tortoises burrow along this loop as well as in the sandy hills along the Blazing Star Trail.

In all, the natural footpaths of the preserve shown on our map provide 1.8 miles of hiking.

lush understory in south florida forest Lush understory along the Blazing Star Trail


Afterwards, returning along the accessible trail to the parking area completes a 2.6 mile hike.

Sidewalk in woods at bench Turn left here to exit, or revisit the observation deck before you leave


Trail Map

Frenchman's Forest Natural Area Trail Map


Explore More!


Slideshow

See our photos of Frenchman’s Forest


Nearby Adventures

More worth exploring while you’re in this area.

Juno Dunes

Juno Dunes Natural Area

At Juno Dunes Natural Area, two loop trails flank US 1. While shade is at a premium, botanical diversity makes this a worthy destination for an early morning hike

MacArthur Beach State Park

John D. MacArthur Beach State Park

With a rare stretch of natural beach and tropical hammock along the Atlantic Ocean in Palm Beach County, John D. MacArthur Beach State Park is a popular getaway.

Following yellow blazes into woods

Limestone Creek Natural Area

Centered on pine flatwoods along a historic creek basin, Limestone Creek Natural Area is a green gem in a busy corner of Jupiter

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Loxahatchee Slough Natural Area

Escape to a vast watery wilderness where you can hike, bike, or paddle through Northern Everglades habitats on the outskirts of residential Palm Beach County

Official Website

Category: Day Hikes, Hikes, Loop Hikes, Natural Lands, Southeast Florida, TrailsTag: Accessible, Birding, Jupiter, NENA, Palm Beach Gardens, West Palm Beach, Wildflowers

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