• Menu
  • Skip to right header navigation
  • Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to secondary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

Florida Hikes logo

Hike Bike Paddle Camp Florida with authors Sandra Friend and John Keatley as your guides

  • Trails
  • Maps
  • Guidebooks
  • Search
  • Hike
    • Scenic Hikes
    • Loop Trails
    • Dog-friendly Hikes
    • Hikes for Kids
    • National Parks in Florida
    • Florida State Parks
  • Bike
    • Major Bike Trails
    • Paved Bike Trails
    • Off Road Biking
    • Biking Articles
  • Paddle
    • Canoe & Kayak Rentals
    • Paddling Destinations
    • Paddling Articles
  • Camp
    • Cabin Rentals
    • Car Camping
    • Primitive Camping
  • Florida Trail
    • Plan your Hike
    • Best Scenic Hikes
    • Best Backpacking
    • Section Hiking
    • Thru-Hiking
    • Trail Updates
  • Travel
  • Hike
    • Scenic Hikes
    • Loop Trails
    • Dog-friendly Hikes
    • Hikes for Kids
    • National Parks in Florida
    • Florida State Parks
  • Bike
    • Major Bike Trails
    • Paved Bike Trails
    • Off Road Biking
    • Biking Articles
  • Paddle
    • Canoe & Kayak Rentals
    • Paddling Destinations
    • Paddling Articles
  • Camp
    • Cabin Rentals
    • Car Camping
    • Primitive Camping
  • Florida Trail
    • Plan your Hike
    • Best Scenic Hikes
    • Best Backpacking
    • Section Hiking
    • Thru-Hiking
    • Trail Updates
  • Travel
Blue waters and sea grape along beach

Hobe Sound National Wildlife Refuge

Straddling both sides of the Indian River Lagoon between Hobe Sound and Tequesta, this refuge provides both sea turtle nesting grounds and Florida scrub-jay habitat.

Hobe Sound       ( 27.036854, -80.112030 )      0.7 miles

142 shares

With both oceanfront and lagoonfront beaches to enjoy and explore, Nathaniel P. Reed Hobe Sound National Wildlife Refuge attracts visitors who prefer their sandy strands on the natural side.

As befits a wildlife refuge, this coastal conservation is more for the sake of animals than humans, in particular the vast numbers of sea turtles that nest upon miles of unsullied, undeveloped and remote oceanfront.

Lagoon framed by palms Natural forest along the Indian River Lagoon


Visitors, however, find ease of access to a nature center and nature trails at a prominent entrance off US 1, and at a more secluded oceanfront parking area at the north end of Jupiter Island.

Whether you come for the birding, the wildlife watching, or the sandy beaches, prepare to be surprised by some unexpectedly rugged terrain above the southern end of the Indian River Lagoon.

Steep staircase under tropical trees Climbing the staircase to the parking area


Resources

Resources for exploring the area

Florida Trail Hikes book cover The Florida Trail Guide book cover South Florida Explorers Guide 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: Hobe Sound
Length: 0.7 mile loop
Trailhead: 27.036854, -80.112030
Address: 13640 SE Federal Hwy, Hobe Sound
Fees: None
Restroom: At the trailhead
Land manager: US Fish & Wildlife Service
Phone: 772-546-2067

The refuge, its beaches, and its trails are open sunrise to sunset.

Leashed dogs permitted at the Mainland Tract but not on the Island Tract.

Hobe Sound Nature Center open Mon-Sat, 9-3. The center is managed by a nonprofit group that leads sea turtle walks during nesting season and holds naturalist camps and special events.

Scrub forest with lagoon


Directions

 
From Interstate 95 exit 96 drive east 6.2 miles along SE Bridge Rd to the traffic light for US 1. For the Visitor Center and its trails on the Mainland Tract, turn right. Continue 2.2 miles south, past a traffic light for A1A, and make the next left at a turnout to cross northbound US 1 into the uphill drive into the Visitor Center.
 
For access to the Island Tract, continue across US 1 and follow Bridge Rd through downtown Hobe Sound, crossing its namesake bridge over the Intracoastal Waterway. At the end of a tunnel of large ficus trees, the road ends at a T at Hobe Sound Beach Park. Turn left and follow Beach Rd to its very end, which is the Island Tract Beach parking lot.
 
For access to Peck Lake Beach, follow Bridge Rd through downtown Hobe Sound as indicated above but make a left onto SE Gomez Avenue just past the traffic light for A1A. Follow SE Gomez Ave north for 2.8 miles. Make a right on SE Jimmy Graham Park Rd and drive to the end of the road for the boat ramp. You will need a watercraft to reach the beach, which is to the north on the east side of Peck Lake. See above map for location of beach crossover trail.

About the Refuge

Protecting extensive frontage along the Indian River Lagoon between Hobe Sound and Tequesta, Nathaniel P. Reed Hobe Sound National Wildlife Refuge recognizes one of Florida’s most ardent environmentalists.

Co-author of the Endangered Species Act of 1973 and a driving force behind other environmental legislation while at the Department of the Interior, Reed came from a well-to-do family who once owned Jupiter Island.

View from under sea grapes View of Jupiter Island from Hammock Trail


In 1968, the Reed family made the gift of five miles of oceanfront to found this National Wildlife Refuge, which has expanded to more than 1,000 acres on both sides of the lagoon.

There are two distinct tracts to the refuge. Most visitors stop at the Mainland Tract along US 1, its prominent signage not far north of the entrance gate to Jonathan Dickinson State Park across the highway.

Nature Center words on stone wall The Nature Center adjoins the parking area


The Island Tract Beach at the end of North Beach Rd on Jupiter Island tends to be busy with beachgoers.

Those looking for a particularly remote experience can take to the water to reach the northernmost piece of the refuge at Peck Lake Beach. It is accessible only by boat, with the nearest launch at Jimmy Graham Park.

Boats bobbing on mangrove-lined lake Lagoon side of Island Tract as seen from Peck Lake


Hike

After a visit to the nature center to acquaint yourself with the habitats of the refuge and to pick up an interpretive guide, start your hike on the Visitor Center Trails right outside the front door.

While less than a mile long, the trail system is deceptively challenging because of steep bluffs that spill down to the level of the lagoon.

hiker sign and butterfly garden Start point for the Visitor Center Trails


Slipping behind the building, the trail passes a chickee with a picnic table under it before it turns away from the nature center to start the Scrub Trail.

Largely made up of diminutive oaks, the scrub is a desert-like habitat topping these ancient dunes that extend well inland from the lagoon.

picnic table under chickee Picnic spot behind the nature center


A sign points up a short flight of stairs, introducing the first of the many ups and downs along this hike. At the kiosk, the trail makes a sharp swing left.

It’s a ribbon of bright white sand amid the greens of the tiny oaks, and passes the first of many benches along the walk.

stairs into  scrub forest The Scrub Trail starts with a set of stairs


Curving past numbered markers that correspond to the interpretive guide, the trail provides views across US 1, which is delineated by telephone wires.

On the other side of the highway this same hilly scrub habitat extends for at least two miles west inside Jonathan Dickinson State Park.

View across wires to sandy ridge Ridge visible inside Jonathan Dickinson on the far side of US 1


Walk past a line of tall Florida rosemary shrubs before continuing up another flight of stairs in the scrub forest, crossing a broad forest road that is the Fisherman’s Trail, a direct route to the lagoon.

Passing through a spot shaded by tall sand pines, the trail leads by an interpretive kiosk about the plants of this high, dry habitat.

interpretive kiosk and Florida rosemary A rosemary scrub tops this high spot


As you continue the climb up the ridge, the vegetation becomes more diverse and more dense. Round a corner to reach a promontory topped by a bench.

On the far horizon behind it, the waters of the Indian River Lagoon are a blue streak above the green forest.

View of water in distance over vegetation Lagoon in distance from one of the higher bluffs


It’s all downhill from here, literally. As white as a ski slope, the sandy path of the Scrub Trail leads you off the ridge.

Sloping steeping towards the lagoon, it has a couple of spots with stairs before it reaches a kiosk at the bottom of the hill.

Steep slope Steep slope on the Scrub Trail


At the kiosk, the trail makes a sharp left to stay above the ecotone between the scrub forest and a mangrove forest below.

The trail then tunnels into the scrub and scrambles uphill a bit, offering glimpses into the mangroves as it does.

Kiosk and soft pines Approaching the kiosk before the turn


A line of pine trees becomes an obvious destination as the trail scrambles uphill, and you reach the junction with the Fisherman’s Trail after 0.3 mile.

Turn right and walk downhill. At the next signposted junction, continue straight ahead to walk down to the lagoon.

Trail junction sign under pines T junction with Fisherman’s Trail


This short spur trail is surrounded by dense tropical hammock on both sides, which yields to mangrove forest as you continue.

At its very end you can see the lapping waters of the lagoon beyond, and a slender sandy beach along it when you step out to the water’s edge.

Lagoon with beach Along the Indian River Lagoon


Jupiter Island is on the far side of the lagoon. This is brackish water. Manatees, sea turtles, and alligators may be seen swimming in the clear waters.

Turn around and follow the Fisherman’s Trail back uphill, keeping alert for wildlife and birds in the dense undergrowth.

dense forest and footpath Footpath on the lower part of the Fisherman’s Trail


Within a tenth of a mile you return to the signposted junction with the Hammock Trail. Turn right.

As befits a trail with this name, the footpath leads you into a tropical hammock and curves around into a palm hammock.

Palm hammock Transition into palm hammock along the Hammock Trail


Look underfoot and along the edges as you walk, as there are many crab holes in the sand.

The trail empties out onto a separate sandy strand along the Indian River Lagoon beneath the shade of a sea grape tree. An interpretive sign adjoins the turn.

Signage and a sea grape The Hammock Trail reaches the beach


Turning left, walk up the beach. It’s an easy getaway for locals, so you may find some folks relaxing here.

A dock is obvious at the far end of the beach, but watch for a gap in the sea grapes where the sand is churned up.

Beach with family Visitors relaxing on the lagoonfront beach


This is the exit for the loop, leading back to the parking area at the nature center.

To get there, however, it’s a tenth of a mile climb up the Lagoon Stairs. Once you’re at the top, you’ve completed the 0.7 mile loop on the Visitor Center Nature Trails.

Long steep staircase in forest The final piece of this loop is steep but has railings


Trail Map

Hobe Sound NWR Trail Map


Explore More!

Video

Walk through the Visitor Center Trails of Hobe Sound NWR


Slideshow

See our photos of Hobe Sound NWR


Nearby Adventures

More worth exploring while you’re in this area.

View from under a thatched roof of river and pines and a stage

Jonathan Dickinson State Park

One of South Florida’s best backpacking destinations, Jonathan Dickinson State Park encompasses a vast mosaic of ecosystems along the wild and scenic Loxahatchee River

Hobe Mountain

Hobe Mountain Trail

Catch a sweeping view from an observation tower atop the highest natural hill south of Lake Okeechobee on the Hobe Mountain Trail at Jonathan Dickinson State Park

Mulched path through dune habitat

Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse Outstanding Natural Area

One of only three federally designated ONAs in the United States, Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse Outstanding Natural Area combines a unique location with botanical beauty and history

Blowing Rocks Jupiter FL

Blowing Rocks Preserve

One of the most dramatic shorelines in Florida, the rocky shore of Blowing Rocks Preserve has sea caves and bluffs to explore on a hike through the oceanfront preserve

Trail Map (PDF) Nature Center Website Official Website

Category: Access by water, Beach Hikes, Beaches, Hikes, Loop Hikes, National Wildlife Refuges, Nature Centers, Nature Trails, Paddling, Southeast Florida, TrailsTag: East Coast Greenway, Family-Friendly, Hobe Sound, Indian River Lagoon, Jupiter, Stuart, Wildlife Viewing

Have an update? Contact us.

Primary Sidebar

SOUTHEAST FLORIDA

SOUTHEAST FLORIDA OVERVIEW
East Coast Greenway. Everglades National Park. Florida Trail

Big Pine Key. Biscayne Bay. Biscayne National Park. Boca Raton. Boynton Beach. Coral Gables. Davie. Delray Beach. Northeast Everglades Natural Area . Florida Keys. Fort Lauderdale. Fort Pierce. Hobe Sound. Hollywood. Homestead. Islamorada. Jensen Beach. Jupiter. Juno Beach. Key Biscayne. Key Largo. Key West. Marathon. Miami. Ocean to Lake Greenway. Overseas Heritage Trail. Palm Beach. Port St. Lucie. Redland. Sebastian. Stuart. Vero Beach. West Palm Beach

Our Newest Books

The Florida Trail Guide

The Florida Trail GuideOur definitive guidebook to planning backpacking trips on the Florida National Scenic Trail, now in its fourth edition. Full data charts and maps. B&W, 356 pages. $19.95 + tax & shipping.

Order Now


Florida Trail Hikes

Florida Trail Hikes 2nd edition coverFifty of the best day hikes, overnights, and weekend trips on the Florida Trail. Full hike descriptions and maps, full color. 376 pages. $24.95 + tax & shipping.

Order Now


Discovering the Florida Trail

Florida Trail mini coffee table book cover of trail into palm hammock
A visual journey the length of the Florida Trail, covering more than 1,500 miles from the Everglades to Pensacola Beach. Hardcover, 196 pages. $24.95 + tax & shipping.

Order Now
 


50 Hikes in Central Florida 3rd edition
Five Star Trails Orlando guidebook
Explorer's Guide North Florida & The Panhandle guidebook

Florida Trail Apps

Farout GuidesFarout Guides Comprehensive logistics and offline maps for the
Florida National Scenic Trail (1,500 miles), the Florida Keys Overseas Heritage Trail (108 miles), and the ECT Florida Connector (92 miles).

Explore More

Our recent park & trail updates in this region

Broad sand road through sandhill habitat

Atlantic Ridge Preserve State Park

Atlantic Ridge Preserve State Park
Well worn path through a wet pine flatwoods landscape

DuPuis Loop Trail

DuPuis Loop Trail
Bike along bike path in greenway

East Coast Greenway Stuart

East Coast Greenway Stuart
Nature trail in pine-palm forest

Gomez Preserve

Gomez Preserve

Footer

FIND A TRAIL OR PARK

NORTHWEST FLORIDA
Apalachicola. Apalachicola National Forest. Blackwater River State Forest. Blountstown. Bonifay. Bristol. Cape San Blas. Carrabelle. Chattahoochee. Chipley. Crawfordville. Crestview. DeFuniak Springs. Destin. Ebro. Eglin Air Force Base. Fort Walton Beach. Freeport. Gulf Islands National Seashore. Madison. Marianna. Milton. Monticello. Mossy Head. Navarre Beach . Niceville. Panama City Beach. Pensacola. Ponce De Leon. Port St. Joe. Quincy. Sopchoppy. South Walton. St. Marks. St. Marks NWR. Tallahassee. Vernon. Wakulla. Wewahitchka

NORTH FLORIDA
Alachua. Amelia Island. Baldwin. Branford. Bunnell. Cedar Key. Chiefland. Crescent City. Dowling Park. Ellaville. Fernandina Beach. Flagler Beach. Gainesville. Green Cove Springs. High Springs. Jacksonville. Keystone Heights. Lake Butler.Lake City. Live Oak. Mayo. Macclenny. Micanopy. Olustee. Orange Park. Osceola National Forest. Palatka. Palatka-Lake Butler Trail. Palm Coast. Perry. Salt Springs. St. Augustine. Starke. Steinhatchee. Suwannee River Wilderness Trail. Suwannee Springs. Talbot Islands. Timucuan Preserve. Trenton. Welaka. White Springs. Williston

  • Facebook
  • Flickr
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter
  • Vimeo

MULTI-REGION
Big Cypress Swamp. East Coast Greenway. Everglades National Park. Florida National Scenic Trail

CENTRAL FLORIDA
Apopka. Belleview. Brandon. Brooksville. Bushnell. Canaveral National Seashore. Christmas. Chuluota. Clearwater Beach. Clermont. Coast to Coast Trail. Cocoa Beach. Cross Florida Greenway. Crystal River. Dade City. Daytona Beach. De Leon Springs. DeBary. Deland. Deltona. Dunedin. Dunnellon. Frostproof. Geneva. Inverness. Kenansville. Kissimmee. Lake Mary. Lake Wales. Lakeland. Largo. Leesburg. Longwood. Melbourne. Melbourne Beach. Merritt Island. Merritt Island NWR. Mims. Mount Dora. New Port Richey. New Smyrna Beach. Ocala. Ocala National Forest. Ocklawaha. Orlando. Ormond Beach. Osteen. Oviedo. Palm Bay. Ridge Manor. Sanford. Silver Springs. Spring Hill. St. Cloud. St. Petersburg. Tampa. Tarpon Springs. Titusville . Walt Disney World. Weeki Wachee. Winter Springs. Withlacoochee State Forest. Withlacoochee State Trail. Yeehaw Junction

SOUTHWEST FLORIDA
Bradenton . Charlotte Harbor. Ding Darling NWR. Englewood. Estero. Fort Myers. Immokalee. Naples. Pine Island. Port Charlotte. Punta Gorda. Sanibel Island. Sarasota. Venice

SOUTH FLORIDA
Arcadia. Basinger. Big Cypress National Preserve. Big Cypress Seminole Reservation. Clewiston. Everglades City. Fisheating Creek. Lake Okeechobee. Lake Okeechobee Scenic Trail. Lake Placid. LaBelle. Lakeport. Moore Haven. Okeechobee. Pahokee. Port Mayaca. Sebring. South Bay

SOUTHEAST FLORIDA
Big Pine Key. Biscayne Bay. Biscayne National Park. Boca Raton. Boynton Beach. Coral Gables. Davie. Delray Beach. Northeast Everglades Natural Area. Florida Keys. Fort Lauderdale. Fort Pierce. Hobe Sound. Hollywood. Homestead. Islamorada. Jensen Beach. Jupiter. Juno Beach. Key Biscayne. Key Largo. Key West. Marathon. Miami. Ocean to Lake Greenway. Overseas Heritage Trail. Palm Beach. Port St. Lucie. Redland. Sebastian. Stuart. Vero Beach. West Palm Beach

  • Trails
  • Parks
  • Beaches
  • Gardens
  • Springs
  • Ecotours
  • Attractions
©2006-2023, Sandra Friend & John Keatley | Disclosure | Site Index | Work with Us | Advertise with Us
Terms of Service and Privacy Policy | Florida Hikes PO Box 93 Mims FL 32754| Contact