Florida Hikes

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Florida scrub jays

North Sebastian Conservation Area

An excellent place to spot rare Florida scrub-jays, the trails at North Sebastian Conservation Area explore a variety of wet and dry natural habitats.

Sebastian (27.816278, -80.479194)   2.7 miles  

Managed by Indian River County, North Sebastian Conservation Area protects nearly 400 acres of land, including endangered scrub ecosystems.

An array of interconnected paths traverses the property, allowing visitors to explore a small section or meander for miles across the trail network.

The narrative in this writeup follows a clockwise circuit of trails, showcasing a few of the unique areas within the preserve.

Boardwalk ramp past a palm Boardwalk to overlook

Resources

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

Location: Sebastian
Length: 2.7 miles
Trailhead: 27.816278, -80.479194
Address: 1295 Main St, Sebastian
Fees: Free
Restrooms: None
Land manager: Indian River County
Phone: 772-567-8000

Open 7:30 AM to sunset. Leashed dogs welcome. Trails are multiuse.

Directions


 
From Interstate 95 exit 156 (Fellsmere/Sebastian) follow CR 512 east 5.3 miles. Turn left on Easy St. After 1.1 miles make a right on Main St. In another 0.2 mile, the parking area is on the left.

Hike

Starting at the equestrian entrance, follow a wide, pine needle strewn pathway for a few hundred feet before turning left at the first trail junction.

A shady canopy of cabbage palms and oaks gradually transitions to open scrubby flatwoods.

Gate on forest road Trailhead gate

Turn right at the next intersection to head deeper into the preserve. The distinct raspy calls of Florida scrub jays emanate from shrubby clusters of lyonia and myrtle oak.

These curious birds will often fly out and perch alongside the trail, especially in areas where they are accustomed to seeing people.

Florida scrub jays Florida scrub jays

In the springtime, pawpaws produce delicate white flowers alongside the purple inflorescence of fragrant Florida pennyroyal.

Continue northward for a quarter mile. Dry scrub landscapes give way to a lush pine flatwoods environment.

Draping ivory blossoms of pawpaw Pawpaw in bloom

Although the trails at the north end of the park have potential to be flooded after heavy rains, several interesting species of carnivorous plants thrive in the wet, acidic soils.

Butterworts, sundews, and bladderworts grow together in patches, sprouting tiny violet, pink, and yellow flowers.

Small blooms of red and yellow and pink in bog mud Tiny carnivorous plants

Shortly after passing a scenic prairie pond about a mile into the hike, the trail becomes overgrown in spots and markers become scarce.

Although the map shows a route looping back to the center of the park, it is easy to end up off trail and in a back yard.

After exploring this section known as the Outer Banks, it is best to turn around and retrace your steps back towards the scrub.

Pond in wet prairie Prairie pond

At 1.4 mile, turn left to follow a network of trails to the eastern side of the preserve.

The path weaves along the edge of the property, passing under tall powerlines before entering another scrub forest.

Turning south at 2.8 miles, follow a pathway of soft white sugar sand for 0.3 mile before reaching a sturdy boardwalk.

Sand path in scrub habitat Sandy path

Red winged blackbirds and grackles call from the water’s edge as you cross the boardwalk over a large depression marsh.

In the middle of the wooden walkway, a set of benches overlook scenic grassy wetlands to the west.

Boardwalk with view of grassy wetlands Boardwalk overlook

Across the marsh, another boardwalk winds along the southern edge of the marsh before reaching a stand of sand pines along the perimeter of disturbed scrubland.

Turning left at the next junction, the trail crosses over paved remains of a halted development where nature is slowly reclaiming the landscape.

From this point, a few more turns along the crisscrossing trail network leads back to the trailhead in a quarter mile.

Bench next to concrete road in scrub Halted development

Trail Map

North Sebastian Conservation Area Trail Map

Explore More!

Video

A walk through North Sebastian Conservation Area

Nearby Adventures

River view framed by palms St. Sebastian Catface Loop Traverse an expanse of prairies and scrub between a creekside hammock and palm hammocks atop tall bluffs on the St. Sebastian River.
Bike path bridge over interstate 95 Trans-Florida Central Railroad Trail If you've seen the prominent Trans-Florida Central Railroad Trail over Interstate 95 at Fellsmere, you've probably wondered about it. Here's what we found when we stopped for a ride.
Deck with benches overlooking marsh Fellsmere Trailhead Preserve Immediately west of Interstate 95 at the Sebastian/Fellsmere exit, Fellsmere Trailhead Preserve provides a nature break for travelers and a trailhead for recreation
Red blaze with sign and trail in scrub St. Sebastian River Preserve Red Trail Wildlife abounds within scrub, oak hammock, and pine flatwoods habitats along the 14.9-mile Red Trail loop at St. Sebastian River Preserve State Park.

Trail Map (viewer) Official Website

Chris Stevens
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