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.
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
Boca Raton
Located halfway between West Palm Beach and Fort Lauderdale, Boca Raton provides a surprising number of natural areas to explore, from tropical forests to scrub and mangrove forests.
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: 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
Florida Trail, Ocean to Lake: DuPuis Reserve
On this western end of the Ocean-to-Lake section of the Florida Trail, the trail leads you to the heart of DuPuis Reserve, zigzagging through pine forests and cypress domes