The first wetlands park in the region, Wakodahatchee Wetlands draws regular crowds for morning strolls, photography, and bird watching.
Resources
Resources for exploring the area
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Overview
Location: Delray Beach
Length: 0.8 mile boardwalk
Trailhead: 26.477817, -80.144900
Address: 13026 Jog Rd, Delray Beach
Fees: Free
Land Manager: Palm Beach County Water Utilities
Phone: 561-641-3429
Restrooms are at the trailhead. The kiosk at the trailhead has a map and interpretive brochures. The boardwalks are open sunrise to sunset. Covered gazebos and benches provide spots to sit and watch the birds.
Directions
From Florida’s Turnpike, follow Atlantic Blvd east to Jog Rd. Drive 1.6 mi north on Jog Road, and the entrance is on the right.
Hike
This is an easy stroll along an elevated boardwalk through a wetlands reclamation area used by Palm Beach County to filter treated wastewater.
You’ll walk above successive stages of marsh, from bulrush in the shallows to deeper water with alligator flag.
The 1/4-mile linear trail leads to a half-mile boardwalk loop through the marsh, well worth taking at a slow pace.
The highlight of this walk is the proximity of wading birds: they’re everywhere! The sound of birds is incessant. Purple gallinules will hop right up on the railings as you walk by. Bring your camera!
Explore More!
Slideshow
See our photos of Wakodahatchee Wetlands
Nearby Adventures
More worth exploring while you’re in this area.
Green Cay Wetlands
Discover a bounty of bird life along the extensive boardwalks at Green Cay Wetlands, one of South Florida’s best urban birding destinations
Loxahatchee NWR Cypress Trail
Following the boardwalk behind the Visitor Center at Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge, you’ll enter a jungle-like wonderland along the Cypress Trail into a habitat lush with ferns and bromeliads
Loxahatchee NWR Marsh Trail
At Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge, the Marsh Trail provides a marked trail to follow on the extensive dike system. It is one of the region’s best birding sites, where you’ll see dozens of species.
Pondhawk Natural Area
Pondhawk Natural Area protects 79 acres of scrub habitats and wetlands, including a relict pond apple slough with some of the tallest pond apple trees in Florida.