Although John is a native Floridian, our research trip to South Florida became an opportunity for him to see many natural “firsts” in Florida that most people have on their life lists.
Jupiter
Jupiter is the northernmost outpost of Palm Beach County, which means easy access to natural lands along the Intracoastal Waterway, Atlantic Coastal Ridge, and the North Everglades Natural Area.
Bears in Jupiter
Jupiter has bears? Today’s the first time I’ve seen them along a trail: the Longleaf Pine Trail, an interpretive nature trail at Busch Wildlife Sanctuary, a lovely family escape just south of Indiantown Road near I-95.
Blowing Rocks Preserve
One of the most dramatic shorelines in Florida, the rocky shore of Blowing Rocks Preserve has sea caves and bluffs to explore on a hike through the oceanfront preserve
Coral Cove
Just south of Blowing Rocks Preserve, Coral Cove is a Palm Beach County park with spectacular rock formations along the beach along an outcropping of the Atlantic Coastal Ridge.
Eagle Trail
Forming a loop around Gator Lake in Grassy Waters Preserve, the half-mile Eagle Trail tunnels through a tropical hammock to provide overlooks across Loxahatchee Slough.
East Loop Trail
An immersion into vast pine flatwoods that includes scrambles over ancient dunes, the East Loop at Jonathan Dickinson State Park provides both day hikers and backpackers a delightful getaway.
Florida Trail, Corbett WMA to Lucky Tract
On this 12.1 miles of the Florida Trail from Corbett WMA to the Lucky Tract campsite, immerse in the full diversity of habitats you’ll find in Palm Beach County
Florida Trail, Lucky Tract to Kitching Creek
A hike of extreme contrast, this 10.5 mile segment of the Florida Trail between Lucky Tract and Kitching Creek in Jupiter provides an interesting backpacking trip.
Florida Trail, Ocean to Lake
61 miles. A spur of the Florida Trail that leads from Port Mayaca on the east side of Lake Okeechobee to Hobe Sound Beach on the Atlantic Ocean, treating hikers to unexpected wild landscapes north of West Palm Beach.
Florida Trail, Ocean to Lake: Corbett WMA
With 11.7 miles of linear hiking in a vast watery wilderness – like Big Cypress and the Everglades – you’d hardly believe this Florida Trail section at Corbett WMA is in Palm Beach County