Protecting a contoured landscape sloping toward the Indian River, Seabranch Preserve State Park showcases rare and endangered scrub habitats adjoining pine flatwoods and bayheads.
The North and South Loops of the preserve traverse two different examples of Florida scrub, while the East Loop meanders through lower elevation swamps.
Built and maintained by the Florida Trail Association, the trail system is easy to follow and also connects to the paved East Coast Greenway within the preserve.
Hiking through sand pine scrubResources
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Overview
Location: Port Salerno
Length: 4.8 miles
Trailhead: 27.130556, -80.169556
Address: 6093 SE Dixie Hwy, Stuart
Fees: Free
Restrooms: Privy at trailhead
Land manager: Florida State Parks
Phone: 772-219-1880
Open 8 AM to sunset. Leashed dogs welcome.
Directions
From Interstate 95 south of Stuart, head east on SR 76 for 0.5 mile before turning right onto SE Cove Rd. In 4.3 miles, take the first right at the traffic circle to head south on A1A for 1.5 miles before reaching the trailhead alongside the VFW entrance.
Hike
Beginning the hike on a circular sidewalk near the park entrance, turn right, passing an information kiosk with maps.
Look for a sandy walkway framed with wooden poles leading into the forest.
An interpretive sign at the start of the trail describes scrub habitat and the rare endemic species that live here.
Seabranch trailheadYellow blazes lead the way as the path ventures southward into an open oak scrub dotted with patches of sand pine.
Native largeflower false rosemary, palafox, and scrub prairie clover wildflowers cling to stark white sands along the trail’s edge, producing showy blooms throughout the year.
Oak scrubReaching 0.7 mile, the trail crosses over a concrete section of the East Coast Greenway before curving eastward to pass through shady stands of sand pine and open scrub.
At 1.2 miles, the yellow blazes indicate a turn on the South Loop where a half mile spur of the Swamp Trail continues eastward.
Bench alongside the East Coast GreenwayContinue straight, following blue blazes as the trail begins a slight descent across mesic flatwoods to the edge of a bayhead.
The trail leads northward through a drier section of the Swamp Trail, providing a glimpse of this distinctly different habitat with less of a chance for wet feet.
Turn right at the next trail intersection to join the North Loop Trail along a wide grassy access road.
Kiosk at trail junctionSeveral signs along the next mile of the white blazed North Loop indicate access to the blue blazed Swamp Trail to check the conditions and easily backtrack if it is too wet.
For an unforgettable muddy walk, turn right at the first sign and continue to the north end of the trails.
The Swamp Trail traverses fern covered forests with sections of knee deep or higher water along this 0.8 mile route.
Wet section of the Swamp TrailTurning west at 2.8 miles, pass through a transition of habitats from scrubby flatwoods into rosemary pine scrub.
In contrast to the open scrub at the southern end of the preserve, the North Loop features canopies of sand pine over an understory of saw palmetto and fragrant Florida rosemary.
White blazes lead the way as the trail weaves across this rare habitat for the next two miles before concluding this 4.8 mile hike at the trailhead.
Rosemary pine scrubTrail Map
Explore More!
Video
Hiking Seabranch Preserve State Park
Slideshow
See our photos from hiking at Seabranch Preserve
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