Located on the south side of its namesake inlet, St. Lucie Inlet Preserve State Park is one of several state parks that occupy offshore barrier islands with no access by road.
Although this park is a challenge to reach, its solitude and natural setting draws visitors to the island’s tropical landscapes.
Seagrape sanctuaryWooden boardwalks and sandy pathways lead from a landing and dockage on the Intracoastal Waterway to quiet beaches on the Atlantic Ocean.
In the park’s interior, designated paddling trails weave through salty mangrove forests.
Mangrove forestResources
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Overview
Location: Port Salerno
Length: 3.4 miles hiking in two loops
Launch: 27.148868, -80.16872
Landing: 27.150663,-80.16404
Address: 6224 Cove Rd, Stuart
Fees: $3 per boat
Restroom: At the beach end of the boardwalk
Land manager: Florida State Parks
Phone: 772-219-1880
Open 8 AM to sunset. Pets allowed but not on the beaches.
Directions
Cove Road Park provides the most direct access for paddlers to cross the Indian River Lagoon to the park. From Interstate 95 exit 101, Kanner Hwy, follow SR 78 north. Turn right at the second light, Cove Rd. Follow it 5.8 miles, crossing US 1 after 3.3 miles and navigating a roundabout on Old A1A soon after. The road ends at Cove Road Park, with a hand launch facing the park’s boat dock across the lagoon.
About the Park
The easiest way to reach the park by paddle is by launching at Cove Road Park, crossing a 0.3 mile stretch of water known as the Great Pocket.
Paddling this route intersects boat traffic in the channel in the Indian River Lagoon, which adds a degree of difficulty.
Cove Road launch point with park dock on far side of lagoonOnce across the marked channel, aim for the kayak landing next to the boat dock. A set of steps lead up to the boardwalk, next to a set of racks to hold kayaks.
For boaters, the closest ramps are at Sandspirit Park in Stuart and Jimmy Graham Park in Hobe Sound.
Kayak landingNo matter which method you arrive by, stop by the ranger station at the end of the dock to pay the day use fee.
A water fountain, information kiosk, and self guided plant tour brochures are located next to the iron ranger.
Entrance stationFrom the ranger station, a large boardwalk spans the island to a junction with the Coastal Berm Trail.
Crossing this intersection of trails, a wide path leads past restrooms with showers, a covered picnic area and down a sandy corridor to the beach.
Covered picnic pavilionA kayak landing at the north and south end of the park also allows access to the ends of the Coastal Berm Trail as well as the Atlantic Ocean.
Both landings have an information kiosk, iron ranger for day use fee, and beach warning flags.
Kayak landing beach accessHiking
As the trail system consists of an east to west boardwalk, and north to south access road, hikers have many ways to explore the island.
Starting at the boat dock, the boardwalk follows a small circle on the western side before heading towards the Atlantic.
The wide, sturdy structure leads through an immersive mangrove forest, crossing one of the paddle trails on a bridge along the way.
Bridge over The NarrowsIn 0.5 miles, the boardwalk ends at a shady corridor that crosses over the Coastal Berm Trail. From this point, the beach is another tenth of a mile eastward.
To the north, the Coastal Berm Trail travels along a soft, sandy road for 1.1 miles. It passes a group camping area with beach access and the North Kayak Landing before ending at a beach on the inlet.
Coastal Berm TrailTraveling south of the trail junction, the Coastal Berm Trail continues for a mile to a quiet spot on the beach and a short side trail leading to the South Kayak Landing.
Either direction can be made into a loop hike by adding a stroll back along the beach, allowing up to 3.4 miles in two loops.
South end of the Coastal Berm TrailPaddling
For paddlers, the park has a designated four mile Kayak Trail loop with a two mile side spur leading into a lagoon known as the Hole in the Wall.
Part of the Martin County Blueways system, the Kayak Trail starts at Cove Road Park and crosses the Great Pocket.
It then follows a narrow mangrove lined waterway through the middle of the island.
South Kayak LandingThe kayak route past the island is also part of the Florida Circumnavigational Saltwater Paddling Trail.
Martin County Blueways mapCamping
Set amid a forest of tall sea grapes, a primitive camping area is available for groups on the north end of the island.
Contact the ranger station for more information and to make reservations: 772-219-1880.
Picnic tables and campfire ring near the group campsiteTrail Map
Explore More!
Video
Exploring St. Lucie Inlet Preserve State Park
Nearby Adventures
Seabranch Preserve State Park Find a wonderland of white sand and small shrubs at Seabranch Preserve State Park, which protects a sand pine scrub and more along the Atlantic Coastal Ridge.
Maggy’s Hammock Park Formerly known as Rocky Point Hammock, Maggy’s Hammock Park protects 22 acres of lush tropical forest and scrub on the Atlantic Coastal Ridge in Port Salerno.
Gomez Preserve Purchased to protect the footprint of an early 1900s settlement along the Indian River Lagoon, Gomez Preserve is one of the lesser-known hiking destinations in Hobe Sound.
Peck Lake Park In a hidden corner of Hobe Sound, Peck Lake Park lets you tunnel through coastal habitats along the Pioneer Passage to an observation point along the Indian River Lagoon.
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