As of March 2025 this preserve is closed. The habitats we explored in 2021 are in the process of being removed in favor of open scrub.
And by removed, we mean not a simple thinning of trees, but clear-cut.
Malabar Scrub West trailhead, October 2021We were unable to enter the preserve to determine whether any of the hardwood hammock along Fern Creek remains. There is no completion date posted. It will be many years before this preserve is pleasant to enter again.
Because of the clear-cutting of habitat we witnessed on our visit, we have removed our trail details. Unanswered questions remain as to the future of the trail system here.
Our introductory description below is of the preserve as it was. It was previously one of Brevard County’s most scenic destinations to hike or bike. It is no longer.
We suggest you enjoy the beautiful Turkey Creek Trails across the street as an alternative.
Turkey Creek Trails Discover a deeply folded landscape at the edge of the scrub along the eastern rim of Turkey Creek, with a beautiful boardwalk across the Fern Creek floodplain at its heart.The lesser-known side of Malabar Scrub Sanctuary, Malabar Scrub West spans from Briar Creek Blvd in Palm Bay to Malabar Road in Malabar.
Connected to the east side of the sanctuary via Cameron Preserve, it offers a very different palette of habitats along its 3.3 miles of trails than are seen in Malabar Scrub East.
Scrub habitat in Malabar Scrub WestWith the Fern Creek basin, a tributary of Turkey Creek, as a prominent feature, the trail system features not just scrub habitat – sand pine and oak – but palm hammocks and hardwoods along the floodplain.
Showy bridges and immersive oak scrub make for an enjoyable hike and some challenges for riders on this multi-use singletrack, built and maintained by the Brevard Mountain Bike Association.
Tannic waters of Fern CreekResources
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Overview
Location: Palm Bay
Length: 3.3 miles in three loops
Trailhead: 28.01083, -80.59679
Address: Briar Creek Blvd, Palm Bay
Fees: Free
Restroom: None
Land manager: Brevard County
Phone: 321-676-6690
CURRENTLY CLOSED. Pets are not permitted. Trails are shared by off-road cyclists and hikers.
Directions
From Interstate 95 south of Melbourne, take exit 176 and turn left onto CR 516 (Palm Bay Rd). Follow it 2.3 miles to Babcock St (CR 507). Turn right, driving 1 mile to Port Malabar Blvd. Turn left. Or, from I-95 northbound from Vero Beach, take exit 173. Turn right on Malabar Rd (CR 514). Make a left onto Babcock Street. Follow it 1.4 miles to Port Malabar Blvd. Turn right.
From Babcock St, drive east on Port Malabar Blvd for 1.7 miles to Briar Creek Blvd, the first right after the light at Clearmont St. The trail entrance and kiosk is 0.4 mi along Briar Creek Blvd on the left, across from the entrance to Turkey Creek Trails. A walk-in entrance is in Malabar along the Blue Trail South Loop, but has no parking area. Trails interconnect with adjacent Cameron Preserve for access as well.
Trail Map
Explore More!
Video
The preserve as it was in 2021
Slideshow
See our photos of Malabar Scrub West from 2021
Nearby Adventures
Turkey Creek Trails Discover a deeply folded landscape at the edge of the scrub along the eastern rim of Turkey Creek, with a beautiful boardwalk across the Fern Creek floodplain at its heart.
Turkey Creek Sanctuary Protecting more than 117 acres along Turkey Creek in Palm Bay, Turkey Creek Sanctuary has both boardwalks and footpaths to explore natural habitats along the creek basin.
Al Tuttle Trail A paved backbone to a string of public lands between Malabar and Palm Bay, the 2.4-mile Al Tuttle Trail provides access to nearly 13 miles of trails.
Malabar Scrub East Step into the wonder of an extensive scrub habitat south of Palm Bay, snatched away from development and restored to its natural beauty.
- Hal Scott Yellow Trail - November 3, 2026
- Hal Scott Preserve - October 28, 2026
- Tradewinds Park - October 27, 2026