A network of wheelchair-accessible paved paths and hardpacked limestone natural walkways wind through 90 acres of pine flatwoods, oak hammocks, and dense palm hammocks behind the Okeeheelee Nature Center at popular Okeeheelee Park. Enjoy birding and wildlife watching at a variety of pond overlooks on a gentle stroll through habitats once common throughout this highly populated area just west of West Palm Beach.
Resources
Overview
Location: Greenacres
Length: 1.5 miles
Lat-Long: 26.667493, -80.168275
Type: loop
Fees / Permits: free
Difficulty: easy
Bug factor: moderate
Restroom: at the nature center
Open daily sunrise to sunset. The trails are open even on days when the nature center is closed. Hours vary for the nature center but is it generally closed Saturday, Sunday, and Monday. A detailed map is available at the nature center and the trailhead.
Okeeheelee Nature Center website
Directions
From I-95, drive west on Forest Hill Boulevard into Greenacres; one mile west of Jog Road, watch for the park entrance on the right at 7715 Forest Hill Blvd. Follow the park entrance road back 1 mile to the Nature Center. Park in the Okeeheelee Nature Center parking area to access the trail system, which starts behind the nature center.
Hike
Okeeheelee Park itself is a massive green space with many miles of paved walking trails around former rock pits that create large ponds. These trails are separate from the ones around the park itself; you must access them from the nature center area. Along the trail system, several overlooks provide scenic views over ponds and into a fenced enclosure with deer. Highlights include bird blinds along the East Marsh and a walk to the cypress pond overlook.