South Florida's Greenways and Trails


Blackwater River/Royal Palm Hammock Canoe TrailThe trail passes through hardwood hammocks that contain the rare Florida royal palm, as well as through large stands of white mangroves, and salt marshes.

Highlands Hammock State Park TrailsWhen Florida’s state park system was established in 1935, Highlands Hammock was one of four original state parks created by the Civilian Conservation Corps. This jewel is home to beautiful virgin hardwood hammock forest. Enhancing the diversity of experience for trail-goers, the park also encompasses other natural communities, including cypress swamp, pine flatwoods, sand pine scrub, bayheads and marsh.

Jonathan Dickinson State Park TrailsThis state park, west of Hobe Sound, is nearly 11,500 acres of pine scrub, pine flatwoods and cypress sloughs. The rare coastal sand pine scrub community which makes up 20 percent of the park is considered a “globally imperiled” biological community. The Loxahatchee River, which runs through the southwest portion of the park, is Florida’s first federally designated Wild and Scenic River. The park offers a variety of trail experiences, appealing to hikers, bikers, equestrians and paddlers.

Lake Okeechobee Scenic Trail Designated as a segment of the Florida National Scenic Trail, this trail circles the second largest freshwater lake in the contiguous United States. The trail itself is located atop the Herbert Hoover Dike, which surrounds the lake for flood protection, and provides views ranging from scenic lakeside to working agricultural landscapes. It also takes users near and through communities that are at the heart of agriculture in this part of the state, such as Clewiston and Belle Glade. The area affords opportunities for viewing wildlife, particularly in fall and winter, when birds such as herons, egrets, and a variety of wintering waterfowl are abundant. And of course, fishing opportunities are endless.

Loxahatchee River Canoe TrailThis is also the first river in Florida designated as a National Wild and Scenic River. The coffee-colored Loxahatchee meanders through a subtropical river swamp. The Seminole’s named the river “Loxahatchee”, which means river of turtles. Bald cypress, pond apple, orchid, and fern line the bank. Heron and osprey fly overhead. Wildlife to watch include otter, raccoon, alligator, bobcat and, as the river’s name suggests, turtles basking in the sun. Along the trail in the state park is Trapper Nelson’s cabin, an interpretive site where you can learn about this interesting character.