From the top of Hobe Mountain, the views extend from the Atlantic Ocean to the wet flatwoods that march off to the west of the Loxahatchee River.
This short boardwalk trail is one of the biggest treats at Jonathan Dickinson State Park, as it’s easy to access and fun to show off to friends and family as a Florida “mountain”!
View to the Northwest from the hilltopAs of April 2024, the boardwalk to the tower remains open but the tower is closed pending replacement.
The climb is still very worthwhile for the outstanding views from the boardwalk, even if you are no longer permitted to ascend the stairs.
Resources
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Overview
Location: Hobe Sound
Length: 0.4 mile round-trip
Trailhead: 27.016649,-80.110191
Fees: $4-6 per vehicle
Restroom: Privy at Camp Murphy trailhead
Land Manager: Florida State Parks
Phone: 772-546-2771
Open 8 AM to sunset. Leashed dogs welcome.
Directions
Take Florida’s Turnpike exit 116 or Interstate 95 exit 87A, SR 706 (Indiantown Rd), Jupiter. Drive east 5 miles to US 1. Turn left and continue north 5.1 miles to the park entrance on the left. Pay your admission fee. Turn left onto the main park road. When you encounter the Hobe Mountain Tower road on the right, follow it up to a small parking area.
Hike
A 0.2 mile boardwalk over the relict dunes clambers up Hobe Mountain, which at 86 feet is highest natural hill in South Florida south of Lake Okeechobee.
Take ten minutes to scramble up through the sand pine scrub along the boardwalk, savoring the views in every direction.
Steep climb up the Atlantic Coastal RidgeTo the west lies the forested watershed of the Loxahatchee River, encompassing nearly 200 square miles.
Notice the ribbon of differently-colored trees in the distance: cypresses tracing the banks of the river, standing out against a sea of slash pines.
Southwest view towards Jupiter and the Loxahatchee RiverTo the south, you can see towering condos along the beach in Jupiter and Juno Beach.
To the east, the aquamarine ribbon of water is the Intracoastal Waterway. Beyond it is the sliver of Jupiter Island, and the deep blue Atlantic Ocean stretches to the horizon.
Hilltop view towards Hobe Sound and Jupiter IslandUntil a new tower is erected, the views aren’t as encompassing as from that platform well above but still very impressive.
Return the same way down the boardwalks and stairs for a strenuous 0.4 mile round trip.
Descent to the trailheadTrail Map
Blue: River Trail. Brown: Multiuse Trail. Purple: Camp Murphy Trails (beginner).
Explore More!
Learn more about Jonathan Dickinson State Park
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.Video
A walk up Hobe Mountain to the tower
Slideshow
See our photos from the Hobe Mountain Trail
Nearby Adventures
Kitching Creek Nature Trail On the Kitching Creek Nature Trail, immerse in a small corner of the vast pine flatwoods communities extending across Jonathan Dickinson State Park. 
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.
Jonathan Dickinson River Trail Burrow into a tangled tunnel of mangrove forest with the Loxahatchee River lapping at their roots on a nature trail combining scrub-topped bluffs and river-level mud.
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. 
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