Florida Hikes

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

Ribbon of white cutting through scrub forest

Jonathan Dickinson Green Loop

Formerly the East Loop, the easternmost hike in the park scrambles up and down scrub-covered ancient dunes and through the ruins of Camp Murphy on its 5 mile circuit.

Hobe Sound (27.004158, -80.101464)   5.0 miles   Jonathan Dickinson State Park

Maintained by the Florida Trail Association, the Green Loop is arguably one of the most popular hiking trails at Jonathan Dickinson State Park.

It doesn’t hurt that the trailhead is right inside the entrance gate along US 1. But the hike itself is compelling, with undulating terrain.

Bright green blaze on tree Blaze on a sand pine along the Green Loop

The trail traverses scrub habitats on the Atlantic Coastal Ridge, home to the Florida scrub-jay, a threatened species of bird endemic to the state.

On its west side, near its second access point at the Camp Murphy trailhead, the trail follows an old road lined with remnants of a large US Army training facility from World War II.

Scrub plants Scrub along the Green Loop

Resources

Resources for exploring the area
The Florida Trail Guide book cover Florida Trail Hikes book cover 50 Hikes in South Florida book cover South Florida Explorers Guide book cover Hikers Guide to the Sunshine State book cover Paddlers Guide Florida
 
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Overview

Location: Hobe Sound
Length: 5 miles
Trailhead: 27.004158, -80.101464
Address: 16450 SE Federal Highway, Hobe Sound
Fees: $4-6 per vehicle
Restrooms: At ranger station
Land manager: Florida State Parks
Phone: 772-546-2771
Open sunrise to sunset. Leashed dogs welcome.

Directions


 
From the intersection of Indiantown Rd and Interstate 95, head east on Indiantown Rd. for 1.1 miles before turning left onto Center St. In 2.3 miles, turn left at A1A, continuing for 1 mile before making another left onto US 1. Stay straight on US 1 for 3.7 miles, then turn left into the park entrance. Immediately after the ranger station, turn right into a large parking area.

Hike

Starting at the trailhead on the north end of the parking area, follow green blazes as they lead down a sandy pathway flanked by clusters of small oaks and saw palmettos.

Sand pines sporadically dot the shrubby landscape, swaying gently in the sea breeze.

Kiosk and signage at gap in woods Eastern trailhead

Continuing northward along a tall ridge, the trail rises and falls over contours shaped over millennia by wind and water.

Florida rosemary clings to the soft soils, alongside palafox, silkgrass, and gopher apple.

Long white ribbon of sand amid scrub trees Ancient dunes

Approaching one mile, the Hobe Mountain Tower comes into view to the east, sitting atop the highest natural point in South Florida. It offers sweeping panoramic views of the park.

Although the tower is not accessible from the loop trail, a short hike to the structure is a short drive from the ranger station.

Tower on hilltop Hobe Mountain Tower

Turning west near the two-mile mark, the trail crosses especially undulating terrain through a young and pine forest to an old roadbed for the former location of State Road A1A.

From this point, the loop parallels a set of railroad tracks leading southward. High-speed passenger trains run down it frequently on weekdays.

Railroad tracks in scrub Tracks for high-speed railroad

The dirt road surface transitions to pavement before passing remnants of Camp Murphy.

Large chunks of concrete foundations crumble alongside the trail as the Hobe Mountain Tower once again comes into view to the east.

Concrete walls in woods Remnants of Camp Murphy

After crossing the main park drive near the Camp Murphy trailhead, the loop continues along shared section of pavement with the bike trails for another mile.

Camp Murphy was an important secretive training ground for US Army Signal Corps units learning to use a brand-new technology during World War II: radar.

Map with key Location map for identifying Camp Murphy buildings

As the trail makes a final major turn to close the loop, the path follows alongside a tranquil lake with a boardwalk.

A bench is dedicated to Sunny Piskura, who once oversaw these trails as a representative of the local Loxahatchee Chapter of the Florida Trail Association.

Bench and lake boardwalk Boardwalk bench alongside lake

Leaving the lake, the trail emerges at the main park drive a short distance from the ranger station.

Green blazes painted on the backs of road signs lead the way back to the trailhead, passing a historical marker for the Jonathan Dickinson Shipwreck along the way.

Historical Marker Historical Marker

Trail Map

Jonathan Dickinson State Park Trail Map
Orange: Ocean to Lake Hiking Trail. White: White Loop. Green: Green Loop. Red: Kitching Creek Trail.
Blue: River Trail. Brown: Multiuse Trail. Purple: Camp Murphy Trails (beginner).

Explore More!

Learn more about Jonathan Dickinson State Park

View from top of tall hill of expanse of scrub habitat 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

Explore the Green Loop

Nearby Adventures

White blazes in pine flatwoods Jonathan Dickinson White Loop Connecting with the Ocean to Lake Hiking Trail, the White Loop provides passage to the park's backcountry as well as a satisfying day hike.
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.
Bluffs overlooking an aquamarine inlet 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 At one of Florida's most dramatic shorelines, explore a limestone bluff battered by Atlantic Ocean and beaches along the Indian River Lagoon.

Trail Map (PDF) Reserve Campsite Official Website

Chris Stevens
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