Resources
Resources for exploring the area
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Disclosure: As authors and affiliates, we receive earnings when you buy these through our links. This helps us provide public information on this website.
Exploring West Palm Beach
Despite the dense population of West Palm Beach and its surrounding communities, there are many islands of nature to be found with a little exploration.
Natural lands include tiny preserves along the Atlantic Coastal Ridge as well as larger and generally wetter preserves in the vast Everglades ecosystem bounding the western edge of the city.
Trails and Parks near West Palm Beach
Acreage Pines Natural Area Pine flatwoods and depression marshes are on display along two miles of trails including an accessible boardwalk to a tropical hammock and wetland overlook. 
Apoxee Wilderness Trail In the wet prairies and tropical hammocks of Apoxee Wilderness, an urban wilderness area, tackle a 4.7-mile day hike through the southernmost part of Grassy Waters Preserve.
Arthur R. Marshall Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge At the edge of Boynton Beach, where historic farmlands have given way to subdivisions, Arthur R. Marshall Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge is a 145,000 acre buffer between suburbia and the Everglades.
Florida Trail, Ocean to Lake: Corbett An 11.7 mile linear hike through a vast watery wilderness comparable to Big Cypress and the Everglades, it's hard to believe this woolly adventure is in Palm Beach County.
Florida Trail, Ocean to Lake: Corbett to Luckey Tract On this 12.1 miles of the Florida Trail between campsites at Corbett WMA and Luckey Hammock, discover the natural wonders of Hungryland Slough and Loxahatchee Slough.
Florida Trail, Ocean to Lake: Luckey Tract to Kitching Creek 10.7 miles. A hike of extreme contrasts, this segment of the Florida Trail crossing Riverbend Park and Cypress Creek connects Loxahatchee Slough with Jonathan Dickinson State Park.
Frenchman’s Forest Natural Area Four hiking trails intertwine in this 172-acre natural area, with seven different habitats to explore along footpaths, paved trails, and boardwalks.
Grassy Waters Eagle Trail On a slender causeway between the marshes of Gator Lake and Loxahatchee Slough, the Eagle Trail balances immersion in a tropical hammock with scenic views.
Grassy Waters Hog Hammock Trail At the north end of Grassy Waters Preserve, traverse an Ice Age ridge protruding above the sheet flow of Loxahatchee Slough on a series of islands topped with tropical hammock. 
Grassy Waters Preserve Protecting a sheet flow of rainfall moving steadily southward and parallel to the Atlantic Ocean, Grassy Waters Preserve bears a striking resemblance to the Everglades - because it is.
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
High Ridge Scrub Natural Area On a small parcel of preserved scrub habitat, a partially accessible loop trail travels across ancient sand dunes topped with a forest of sand pines. 
Hungryland Boardwalk A short walk from the Ocean to Lake Hiking Trail in J.W. Corbett Wildlife Management Area, a scenic boardwalk loops through cypress forests covered with native orchids and bromeliads.
Hungryland Slough Natural Area Explore restored South Florida habitats in Hungryland Slough along a soggy four mile loop that incorporates a segment of the Ocean to Lake Hiking Trail.
Hypoluxo Scrub An impressive observation deck overlooks beautifully preserved scrub communities traversed by accessible walkways and a sandy loop trail on a 1.7 mile hike through Hypoluxo Scrub.
John D. MacArthur Beach State Park With a rare stretch of natural beach and tropical hammock along the Atlantic Ocean in Palm Beach County, John D. MacArthur Beach State Park is a popular getaway.
John Prince Park South of West Palm Beach, discover miles of paved walking paths, a nature trail, and camping among a multitude of outdoor recreation opportunities at John Prince Park.
John Prince Park Custard Apple Trail Winding through a tropical hammock and along open marshes, the interpretive Custard Apple Trail provides a taste of the wilderness that once covered Lake Worth.
Juno Dunes Natural Area Preserving a sliver of the Atlantic Coastal Ridge at the north end of Juno Beach, this expansive preserve extends from the Intracoastal Waterway to A1A.
Lantana Nature Preserve In a small city park a block from the Atlantic Ocean, an accessible pathway allows for an easy stroll through shady coastal hammock and mangrove ecosystems.
Lantana Scrub Natural Area At Lantana Scrub Natural Area, a sandy half mile loop trail winds through beautifully preserved scrub habitat atop the Atlantic Coastal Ridge. 
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.
Loxahatchee Slough Natural Area Escape to a vast watery wilderness where you can hike, bike, or paddle through Northern Everglades habitats on the outskirts of residential Palm Beach County 
MacArthur Beach Satinleaf Trail Before you head out to the beach at John D. MacArthur Beach State Park, a quick stroll down the Satinleaf Trail will get you oriented to the tropical habitats that this park protects on Singer Island
Okeeheelee Nature Center Trails A network of paved trails and marked footpaths provide interpretation of natural habitats within the northwest corner of Okeeheelee Park as part of their nature center complex. 
Peanut Island Park Accessible only by boat and home to the Kennedy Bunker, Peanut Island Park features a 1.2 mile brick-paved loop trail with boardwalks, beach access, and a campground.
Pine Jog Wetlands Hammock Trail An outdoor classroom for schoolchildren, Pine Jog Environmental Center is also open to the public to explore the deeply forested 135-acre urban property on an array of short nature trails.
Riverbend Park Protecting the headwaters of the Loxahatchee River, Riverbend Park provides nature, tamed.
Rosemary Scrub Natural Area Within a patch of sand pine scrub, a short loop traverses natural landscapes on the Atlantic Coastal Ridge along an accessible pathway. 
Royal Palm Beach Pines Escape from the puzzle of subdivisions and urban strips defining densely populated Palm Beach County with a walk across this 772 acre oasis in Royal Palm Beach.
Sandhill Crane Access Park With an observation tower overlooking adjacent trails and an expanse of cypress swamp, Karen T. Marcus Sandhill Crane Access Park provides a gateway to adventure.
Sandhill Crane Loop Discover the wild beauty of the Sandhill Crane Tract of Loxahatchee Slough on this soggy loop hike through swamps, prairies, and to a tall observation tower with panoramic views.
Wakodatahatchee Wetlands A seasonally rotating array of wading birds roost and nest among the pond apple islands of these purpose-built Palm Beach County water filtration wetlands.
Winding Waters Natural Area Miles of marked trails wind through restored wetlands and pine forests teeming with birds on a large parcel of land saved from development after years of agricultural use.