Built in 1941 by the Army Corps of Engineers, the St. Lucie Lock was constructed for flood control, replacing the natural outflow of the St. Lucie River from Lake Okeechobee.
This waterway is now part of a cross-Florida navigational route connecting the Atlantic Ocean to Lake Okeechobee and on to the Gulf of Mexico.
The St. Lucie CanalAdjoining the lock, the St. Lucie South Recreation Area provides picnic tables, fishing piers, a boat ramp, and campground.
On the north side of the lock, the St. Lucie Nature Trail winds through a subtropical forest next to a primitive group campsite.
Nature TrailResources
Disclosure: As authors and affiliates, we receive earnings when you buy through our links. This helps us provide public information on this website.
Overview
Location: Stuart
Length: 1 mile lollipop
Trailhead: 27.110889, -80.284611
Address: 2200 SW Canal St, Stuart
Fees: Free
Restrooms: Restroom at visitor center, privy on north side of lock
Land manager: Army Corps of Engineers
Phone: 772-219-4575
Open 7 AM to 4:30 PM. Visitor center open 9 AM to 4 PM during the winter season. Leashed pets welcome. No charge for boat ramp use.
Campsites ($25-30 per night) at the St. Lucie South campground accommodate both trailer and tent camping, plus boater campsites. Restrooms, shower, and dump station provided. Call 772-287-1382 for campsite information.
Directions
From the Interstate 95 exit for SR 76 (Kanner Hwy) in Stuart, follow SR 76 west for a half mile. Turn right on SW Locks Rd. In 1.3 miles, turn left onto Canal St. The parking area is on the right side of the road.
Hike
Before starting the hike, check out the visitor’s center east of the lock to pick up a paper trail map and learn more about the site.
The center has helpful volunteers and dozens of colorful displays describing the history of the lock and the local ecology.
Visitor CenterStarting at the parking area, take a short stroll on the sidewalk towards the dam complex, passing a grassy area with covered picnic tables and benches.
Turn left at a tall chain link fence gate and head towards the lock as the sound of rushing water gradually increases.
Entrance gateA large kiosk alongside the lock describes the history and function of the Okeechobee Waterway, and information about the Lake Okeechobee Scenic Trail.
If the lock is not in operation, a prominent yellow gate should be open, allowing visitors to cross. When in use, a loud bell sounds as the yellow gate closes mechanically.
Across the lock, an obvious walkway flanked by fences leads across the dam to the northern recreation area.
Crossing the lockCrossing a short bridge over a spillway for Hog Creek, look for the trailhead sign to the left alongside a stand of cabbage palms.
Following a wide pathway of mowed grass, the trail enters a deeply shaded hardwood hammock.
TrailheadA mix of ferns and wild coffee cluster alongside the trail under heavy, arched limbs of live oaks covered with air plants and Spanish moss.
Large vines hang from the canopy, strung between branches or drooping to the forest floor.
Shady hammockReaching a half mile, the path opens to a sandy clearing with a covered bench.
Following yellow blazes east, turn right where the trail forks to take a windy route to the south end of the loop.
Although this shortens the hike, the longer loop is rife with invasive plants and their clingy seed pods.
Covered benchCurving back towards the lock, the trail descends a set of stairs, passing an impressive strangler fig and views of the water through the trees.
Reaching the trail’s end, the pathway opens to a wide grassy field where covered benches surround a fire ring for the group campground.
Continue across Hog Creek and the lock, returning to the entrance gate in a quarter mile.
Group camping areaTrail Map
Explore More!
Video
A walk through the St. Lucie Nature Trail
Slideshow
See our photos from the St. Lucie Lock and Dam
Nearby Adventures
Halpatiokee Regional Park Beyond its prominent ballfields, Halpatiokee Regional Park hides a rich network of hiking, off-road biking, and paddling trails along the South Fork of the St. Lucie River. 
Atlantic Ridge Preserve State Park Protecting what remains of the forested Atlantic Ridge between the Indian River and the St. Lucie River, this secluded state park is hidden behind subdivisions in Stuart. 
Delaplane Preserve An easy trail through pine flatwoods and mangrove marsh leads to an overlook at the confluence of waterways.
Kiplinger Preserve Tunnel through mangroves after pausing to watch birds in a freshwater wetland in this habitat-rich preserve along the St. Lucie River.
- Calusa Heritage Trail - November 5, 2026
- Scherer Thaxton Preserve - October 21, 2026
- Little Awesome Preserve - October 19, 2026