Situated on ancient dunes between former marshlands and the Lake Worth Lagoon, Lantana Scrub showcases natural communities on a sliver of preserved land.
The property has three entrances; two walk-thru gates at the northeastern and southeastern corners, and a trailhead with parking on the southwestern side where the loop starts.
Sand pine scrubResources
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Overview
Location: Lantana
Length: 0.5 mile
Trailhead: 26.592639, -80.063194
Address: 1259 Southwinds Dr, Lantana
Fees: Free
Restrooms: None
Land manager: Palm Beach County
Phone: 561-233-2400
Open sunrise to sunset. No pets or bicycles allowed.
Directions
From Interstate 95 in Lantana, head east on W Lantana Blvd before making a left onto Andrew Redding Rd. In 0.4 miles, turn right onto Southwinds Dr, and continue to the parking lot at the end next to the trailhead.
Hike
Starting at the trailhead, pass through a gap in the fence where a kiosk presents a map and information about rare plants and animals found in the preserve.
Look to the left for a pathway leading into the woods. Posts marked with a yellow circle indicate the trail.
Trailhead walk-thruIt heads north down a wide corridor lined with grasses, cabbage palms, and diminutive scrub oaks covered in love vine.
Efforts are underway to restore this portion of the preserve to a more natural state.
Trail markerAs the trail cuts deeper into the forest, sand pines rise above shrubby underbrush.
Sand spikemoss carpets stark white soil alongside silkgrass and palafox.
Before the trail turns east, an increased number of trees cast partial shade onto a pine needle strewn path.
Sand spikemossShowy wildflowers call attention at different times of the year.
Purple blossoms of largeflower false rosemary appear in spring, and blooms of vibrant yellow coastal honeycombhead in the fall.
Leaving the wide fire break at a tenth of a mile, follow yellow trail markers along a narrow pathway into dense scrub.
Coastal honeycombhead in bloomSwaths of silver saw palmettos add sharp contrast to a verdant landscape in myriad shades of green as the trail crosses the most natural section of the preserve.
Where the canopy is thick enough to cast ample shade, large airplants rest on crooked branches.
Silver palmettosThe trail turns south at 0.3 miles, following a firebreak for a short distance before curving back west through the sand pine forest.
Pungent Florida rosemary bushes dot the forest floor alongside clusters of gopher apple and patches of sage tinted deer moss.
Approaching a half mile, the loop emerges from the woods, ending at the trailhead kiosk.
Love vine and Florida rosemaryTrail Map
Explore More!
Video
Hiking Lantana Scrub Natural Area
Nearby Adventures
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