Showcasing beautifully restored wetlands and vast pine prairies filled with abundant wildflowers, Pine Glades Natural Area provides an accessible walkway and overlooks in addition to many miles of marked trails.
Purchased by Palm Beach County in 1999, the property opened to the public in 2014. A large portion of land around the current trailhead was historically used for agriculture and the terrain had been greatly modified.
Extensive restoration efforts were undertaken to return the land to a more natural state, including the removal of invasive species and the establishment of new wetlands.
Some of the most scenic vistas in the natural area are visible from the trailhead and a short walk along a concrete pathway. In addition to the well marked trail system, a paddling launch allows visitors to explore a series of connected ponds near the preserve entrance.
Accessible portion of trailResources
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Overview
Location: Jupiter Farms
Length: 9.1 miles
Trailhead: 26.941528, -80.257083
Address: 14122 West Indiantown Rd, Jupiter
Fees: Free
Restrooms: None
Land manager: Palm Beach County
Phone: 561-233-2400
Open sunrise to sunset. No pets allowed.
Directions
From Interstate 95 or Florida’s Turnpike in Jupiter, follow Indiantown Rd (SR 706) west for 6.2 miles. The parking area is on the left side of the road.
Hike
At the parking area, a covered picnic table stands alongside an impressive concrete sidewalk leading out into a pair of scenic overlooks.
Melodic songs of eastern meadowlarks emanate from a grassy prairie as you follow the weaving walkway to a split in the trail at 0.1 mile.
Trailhead and picnic areaTurning right at this junction leads to a fishing pier overlooking glassy waters of a pond set against distant islands of slash pines.
Follow the pathway to the left. An elevated shelter with benches provides spectacular views of restored wetlands and a diverse array of birds attracted to this bountiful landscape.
View from the observation shelterReturning to the trailhead, look to the northeastern end of the parking area for a red blazed post next to a sign indicating the current conditions of each trail.
Passing through a gap in the fence, follow a two-track access road as it traces along an edge of a long pond.
Red Trail heading south from the trailheadAt an intersection with the Flagfish Loop in a half mile, continue straight to save this side detour for the end, as it is the trail most likely to be flooded.
Reach the Wiregrass Loop at 1.5 miles, where yellow blazes lead the way into a vast pine flatwoods community.
Although the wide trail may be inundated where the road dips near prairie ponds, many of these puddles can be avoided by walking along the grassy edge.
Water on the Wiregrass Loop TrailStay to the left where the loop portion of the trail begins at 2.2 miles, following yellow blazes for another mile until they end at the Old Wire Hiking Trail.
Tracing the route of a historic wagon road known as the Old Wire Trail, blue blazes mark the path as it weaves through tall grasses and between pines. Reach the Wiregrass Loop again at 3.6 miles.
Old Wire TrailAn array of wildflowers sprouts from the extensive pine savanna, accenting the golden brown and green grasses with splashes of vibrant colors.
Marsh pink orchids bloom alongside blue butterworts and tiny yellow bladderworts. The trail passes several picturesque prairie ponds before completing the loop at the 6.6 mile mark.
Marsh pink orchidRetrace yellow blazes eastward to the aptly named Quail Hiking Trail at 7.2 miles. Bob whites call from the bushes as the path rounds a bend near the orange blazed Flagfish Loop.
Expect to get wet feet while circling around a cypress lined depression marsh in a lush swampy landscape that is remarkably different from the rest of the trails.
Joining the red blazes again at 8.6 miles, turn right to follow alongside the long pond for a half mile back to the trailhead.
Black racer alongside the Flagfish Loop Trail /Trail Map
Explore More!
Video
A walk through Pine Glades Natural Area
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