Best Nature Trails in Palm Beach County
With Fall in the air, long beach days under the sun are slowly being phased out with the lower UV levels and cool sea breezes… However, your time outside does not need to be limited when there are a variety of hikes and nature trails locally to be taken advantage of. You’ll be surprised when you realize that most of these hidden gems are just in your backyard. Whether you’re with your family, loved one, or favorite furry friend, these walks are guaranteed to not disappoint!
Just next to the Jupiter Lighthouse, this trail is right under a mile and hidden under the trees that overlook where the Indian River Lagoon meets the Loxahatchee River. These beautiful waterways conjoin just past Cato’s Bridge and flow out into the Atlantic Ocean via the Jupiter Inlet. This walk has an overlook at sand wall to see all the local boaters pulled up, and provides multiple benches parallel to the water. This trail is personally one of my favorite spots to soak up the sunset. Parking is to the right before Cato’s Bridge at the trailhead.
Located in between the Intracoastal and the Atlantic, the Jupiter Dunes Natural Area has two trails alongside US 1. The coastal landscape is luscious and the open greenery is a perfect escape from the monotony of everyday life. While shade is limited, make sure to start your hike early in the morning and stop by the Loxahatchee Marinelife Center afterward to see the museum and turtle rehabilitation hospital to complete your day in Juno Beach.
To the right of Carlin Park’s beach access, you will find a 1.4-mile trail that is equipped with multiple exercise stations throughout the fully mulched path. This loop is heavily shaded and overlooks the ocean to your right as you walk under the swaying palms. There is plenty of green space to bring your furry friend and water stations to refill. What better way to end your trail than to walk just 3 minutes to the ocean and dip your feet in?
For a more moderate trail, The Riverbend Park Loop is a 2.9-mile hike in Jupiter, Florida that is surrounded by Florida’s natural landscape and botanical beauty. The Loxahatchee River runs through this trail and attracts a variety of wildlife like peacocks, deer, turtles, and the occasional alligator… This trail is also bike-friendly and accessible all year round.
The Duke Hammock Trail and Richard Weinstein Satinleaf Trail in the MacArthur Beach State Park are two 1/3 mile hikes alongside a barrier island to the Atlantic Ocean. Surrounded by North Palm Beach’s tropical landscape and plant species, the nature is truly symbolic of Florida’s beauty. At the end of the Dune Hammock Trail, you will arrive at the entrance of the beach for a complete day of relaxation.
