Forming a loop around Gator Lake in Grassy Waters Preserve, the Eagle Trail tunnels through a tropical hammock to provide overlooks across the wet prairies of the Loxahatchee Slough and across the Lake. This short loop provides access to a pier for anglers and several excellent locations for birding.
Resources
Overview
Location: West Palm Beach
Length: 0.5 mile
Lat-Long: 26.815504, -80.173600
Type: loop
Fees / Permits: none
Good for: birding, wildlife
Difficulty: moderate
Bug factor: moderate to annoying
Restroom: at the trailhead
Open 7 am to 5:30 pm. A canoe launch is provided near the beginning of the trail into Gator Lake. Yes, there are alligators in the lake.
The trail surface is crushed limerock and is narrow in many places. The parking lot is shared with the Hog Hammock Trail.
Grassy Waters Preserve, Eagle Trail
Directions
From I-95 exit Northlake Blvd, drive 4.5 miles northwest to the entrance on the north side of Northlake Boulevard, a mile or so west of the Beeline Expressway. Access from Florida’s Turnpike via PGA Boulevard west to Beeline south to Northlake Blvd west.
Hike
The Eagle Trail starts at a pier and picnic tables on the north side of Gator Lake, entering a narrow passage through a tropical hardwood hammock with myrsine, wild coffee, and cocoplum. The trail ascends a boardwalk through sawgrass on the edge of the Loxahatchee Slough before it begins looping around the south side of the lake. It ends at the entrance road, near the gate, and you must walk back along the entrance road along Gator Lake to the parking area.
Trail Map
Download a trail map from Grassy Waters Preserve.