Hungryland Slough Natural Area serves as a critical link in a wildlife corridor that stretches from Lake Okeechobee to West Palm Beach.
At one time, this land was slated for development, and the hydrology was heavily altered by a grid of roads and canals that drained the wetlands.
Crossing Hungryland Slough westbound in 2004 (Sandra Friend)Realizing the environmental significance of the area, Palm Beach County began acquiring parcels in the 1990s.
Eventually they undertook a massive restoration effort to return the ecosystem to a more natural state.
Wet prairie under restoration in 2012 (Sandra Friend)Managed as a natural area by the county, the preserve features a hiking-only loop trail.
It connects with the linear Ocean to Lake Hiking Trail, maintained by Florida Trail Association volunteers.
Scars of development are still visible on aerial maps but the wilderness is immersive on the ground, a testament to successful conservation and ecological renewal.
Ocean to Lake Hiking Trail signResources
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Overview
Location: West Palm Beach
Length: 3.9 miles
Trailhead: 26.854583, -80.286139
Address: 12385 Seminole Pratt Whitney Rd, West Palm Beach
Fees: Free
Restrooms: None
Land manager: Palm Beach County
Phone: 561-233-2400
Open sunrise to sunset. No pets allowed.
Directions
From Interstate 95 in West Palm Beach, head west on Blue Heron Blvd for 0.8 mile, then turn right onto SR 710 W. In 3 miles, turn left onto Northlake Blvd, continuing for another 8.7 miles before making a right onto Seminole Pratt Whitney Rd. Follow the road for 2.8 miles, continuing around a right turn where it becomes a dirt road, and the parking area will be on the left in another 0.2 mile.
Hike
Beginning the loop in a clockwise direction, head west from the parking area, passing a kiosk with paper maps and information about the property.
Posts marked with a yellow circle mark the trail as it travels down a wide path bordered by cabbage palms.
Trailhead kioskTurn right in less than a tenth of a mile, where a sign indicates the Ocean to Lake Hiking Trail.
Orange blazes lead northward along an access road paralleling a ditch filled with aquatic vegetation.
To the east, water-filled prairies stretch to distant tree lines on the horizon.
Ocean to Lake Hiking TrailAt 0.7 miles, the trail takes a sharp turn, leaving the slightly elevated berm to venture across the restored pine flatwoods.
Depending on the time of year and recent rains, this section can be flooded, require wading or tiptoeing around the perimeter of large puddles.
Flooded pathSlender goldentop wildflowers cluster along the edges of the path, producing a showy yellow inflorescence that is often covered in pollinators.
As the trail curves northward, it reaches a distinctive section at 1.2 miles.
The narrow corridor weaves through the pines and palms, passing limestone boulders and saw palmettos.
Exposed limestone in the flatwoodsNear the two-mile mark, the trail turns right at a junction that is likely wet for most of the year.
In another tenth of a mile, stay straight where orange blazes turn to the east, continuing along the yellow loop.
The trail meanders southward, tracing an edge of expansive wetlands.
Restored wetlandsCross a grassy pine savanna dotted with cocoplums before emerging from the forest at 2.8 miles.
Taking one last turn to the right, follow the trail along a dirt road for another mile before returning to the trailhead.
Road back to the trailheadTrail Map
Explore More!
Learn more about the Ocean to Lake Hiking Trail
Ocean to Lake Hiking Trail A 61-mile spur of the Florida Trail from Port Mayaca on the east side of Lake Okeechobee through forested landscapes to Hobe Sound Beach on the Atlantic Ocean.Video
Hiking Hungryland Slough Natural Area
Nearby Adventures
Florida Trail, Ocean to Lake: Corbett to Luckey Tract On this 12.1 miles of the Florida Trail between campsites at Corbett WMA and Luckey Hammock, discover the natural wonders of Hungryland Slough and Loxahatchee Slough.
Florida Trail, Ocean to Lake: Corbett An 11.7 mile linear hike through a vast watery wilderness comparable to Big Cypress and the Everglades, it's hard to believe this woolly adventure is in Palm Beach County.
Hungryland Boardwalk A short walk from the Ocean to Lake Hiking Trail in J.W. Corbett Wildlife Management Area, a scenic boardwalk loops through cypress forests covered with native orchids and bromeliads.
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 
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