Protecting a rectangular green space between residential neighborhoods, Sebastian Harbor Preserve showcases an assortment of habitats along a series of interconnected trails.
After the county acquired the property in 2007, a series of restoration efforts were undertaken to return the environment to a more natural state.
While the preserve does not have a dedicated trailhead, it is only a short walk from the nearby Sebastian Stormwater Park.
Boardwalk in the pinesResources
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Overview
Location: Sebastian
Length: 3.1 miles
Trailhead: 27.777583, -80.475500
Address: 184 Englar Drive, Sebastian
Fees: Free
Restrooms: None
Land manager: Indian River County
Phone: 772-567-8000
Open 7:30 AM to sunset. Pets not allowed.
Directions
From Interstate 95 exit 156 (Fellsmere/Sebastian) head east on CR 512 for 4 miles before turning right onto Barber St. In 0.8 mile, make a left onto Englar Dr, and continue for 0.6 mile to the second Sebastian Stormwater Park parking area on the right side of the road.
Hike
Starting at Sebastian Stormwater Park, follow a sidewalk along the south side of Englar Drive for a tenth of mile before crossing the street.
Pass through a fence gap to enter the preserve. Although the trails are unmarked, the pathway is wide and easy to follow.
Walk-through entrance along Englar DriveHigh pitched chirps of ospreys fill the air as they soar overhead or tend to nests high above the shrubby landscape of saw palmettos and staggerbush.
At 0.2 mile, make a right where the trail forks to follow a sandy corridor towards a boardwalk crossing over seasonal wetlands.
Osprey nestAt the next trail junction in a quarter mile, turn northward to head further into the preserve.
Surrounding terrain gradually becomes wetter as the path enters mesic flatwoods while weaving between grassy prairie ponds.
Pine flatwoods habitatTurning right at an intersection with a connector trail to the north loop, follow a pinecone strewn pathway.
It traverses lowlying spots that occasionally flood. Reach a boardwalk with an overlook at the edge of a large freshwater marsh.
Marsh overlookThe loop at the north end winds through a canopy of mixed pine and oak, lined with dense clusters of tall bracken ferns and palmettos.
Returning to the connector trail after a half mile, continue south and turn right at the next junction to explore the western side of the preserve.
Ferns and oaksCarnivorous sundews and bladderworts dot the soggy forest floor. A a pair of boardwalks span low areas that allow water to flow between depression marshes during the rainy season.
Finishing the southern loop at 2.9 miles, follow a short path to the entrance before continuing down the sidewalk to the parking area.
Marsh boardwalkTrail Map
Explore More!
Video
Hiking Sebastian Harbor Preserve
Nearby Adventures
Ansin Riverfront Conservation Area Alongside the South Prong of the St. Sebastian River, this short loop trail weaves through a forest of stately live oaks covered with colorful air plants. 
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.
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.
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
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