Resources
Resources for exploring the area
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Exploring Merritt Island
If there’s one thing that Merritt Island is best known for, it’s space.
Not just for Kennedy Space Center and a growing number of space-related industries working to put humans back into orbit from Florida’s shores, but for vast wild spaces protected as Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge.
What’s less known about Merritt Island is that it serves as a natural buffer between Cape Canaveral and the inland towns of Brevard County.
It sits in the Indian River Lagoon, and was once the major producer of citrus in the United States because of its temperate climate.
The unincorporated community of Merritt Island is in its midsection, between Cocoa and Cocoa Beach, and from that point south the island is primarily residential.
But there are many parks and trails tucked away in the island’s quieter corners, especially along its shorelines.
Trails and Parks around Merritt Island
A Paddle I Will Never Forget Taking on a remote stretch of the Indian River Lagoon paralleling the wildest part of Canaveral National Seashore, our group of paddlers turns back until only two kayakers are left, fighting the wind to reach our goal.
Bairs Cove A go-to location for spotting manatees at Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, Bairs Cove off Haulover Canal is also a launch point for bioluminescence.
Bioluminescent Paddling in Titusville During the summer months, bioluminescence makes its appearance in the Indian River Lagoon and is especially strong along Merritt Island near Titusville. On my paddling trip, I saw the best glow I've ever seen.
Cruickshank Trail, Merritt Island NWR The longest hiking trail at Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, the 4.8-mile Allan Cruickshank Memorial Trail makes a large loop off Black Point Wildlife Drive
Island Pioneer Trail Along a swamp-edged ribbon of greenway south of Kennedy Space Center, much of this 3.2 mile hike along the Island Pioneer Trail follows an early roadway on Merritt Island.
Kings Park A mosaic of landscapes disturbed by past development now lush with vegetation, Kings Park protects both freshwater and brackish waterways with a ribbon of bike path between them.
Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge With recreational activities ranging from hiking to biking, boating, fishing, and bioluminscent kayaking, Florida's top destination for birding is also home to Kennedy Space Center.
Oak Hammock Trail The wildlife-rich interpretive Oak Hammock Trail at Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge provides an easy introduction to the hammocks of the island.
Palm Hammock Trail On this 1.5 mile hike, the Palm Hammock Trail burrows into a lush forest of mature saw palmettos under a dense canopy of live oaks and palm hammock.
Parrish Park Catch a stellar sunset across the shimmering Indian River Lagoon with a westward view from Parrish Park.
Pine Island Conservation Area Wildlife and an outstanding array of birds compete for attention with waterfront views and rocket launches at one of the closest public lands to Cape Canaveral's launch pads.
Pioneer Paddling Trail Amid mangrove swamps along an old pioneer route in Kings Park, the Pioneer Paddling Trail offers an intimate look at a forgotten wild corridor on Merritt Island.
Sams House at Pine Island A delightful immersion into the natural side of Merritt Island, the trails at Sams House at Pine Island range from mild to wild as they delve into habitats along the Indian River Lagoon.
Visitor Center Boardwalk The only fully-accessible trail at Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, the Visitor Center Boardwalk offers many overlooks for wildlife watching and birding.
Wild Birds Unlimited Trail An easy walk for birding along Black Point Wildlife Drive in Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, Wild Birds Unlimited Trail is a short trail with observation platforms.Articles
Pioneer Paddling Trail (5/11/2022) Amid mangrove swamps along an old pioneer route in Kings Park, the Pioneer Paddling Trail offers an intimate look at a forgotten wild corridor on Merritt Island.
Biking Pine Island Conservation Area (12/20/2020) Within sight of the massive Vehicle Assembly Building at Kennedy Space Center, this ride to the Indian River Lagoon offers some of the best birding you'll do by bike.More Articles
NEARBY: Cocoa Beach, Merritt Island NWR, Melbourne, New Smyrna Beach, Titusville, | PART OF: Florida’s Space Coast | Central Florida