Facility Activities

There is a wide variety of recreational opportunities at Arthur R. Marshall Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge. Whether you like hiking, biking, canoeing, hunting, fishing, wildlife photography, or birdwatching, Loxahatchee has opportunities for everyone!

Birding
Birding

The Arthur R. Marshall Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge is a great place for birdwatching. Commonly seen species are pileated woodpeckers, great blue herons, little blue herons, great egrets, white ibis, common gallinules, American coots, and limpkins. Less easily spotted are purple...

Biking
Biking

Biking is a good way to see wildlife, learn about habitats and photograph nature. Yield to pedestrians; many refuge routes are multi-use trails. Mountain or hybrid bikes are recommended due to the rough, rocky nature of the trails. Please note that there is no shade or shelter along...

Boating - motorized
Motorized Boating

Water-cooled motor boats are welcome in the perimeter canal and in the Motorized Zone of the Refuge Interior. Airboat operation is allowed in designated areas of the refuge during specific times of the year by permit only. Read about boating regulations on our Rules and...

Boating - non-motorized
Non-Motorized Boating

Enjoy a relaxing day on water! Paddling is a great way to explore the Everglades. Non-motorized boats can be launched at any refuge boat ramp. Paddlers can explore the 5.5-mile canoe trail, the 58-mile perimeter canal, and the Refuge Interior (over 145,000 acres). ...

Dog walking
Pet Walking

We allow pet walking only on the Perimeter Levee Trail. Pet walking is not permitted at the visitor center, Cypress Swamp Boardwalk, along Lee Road, or at the A, B, and C impoundments.

Pets must be confined or on a leash no longer than six feet at all times.Locations where pets are...
Education programs
School program activities are available at a number of facilities.
Fishing
Freshwater Fishing Regulations

Sport fishing is allowed in designated areas in accordance with current Federal, State, and Refuge regulations except where posted as closed. Visit our Rules and Policies page for fishing regulations.

Where to Fish

Over 140,000 acres are open to freshwater...

Hiking

Over 50 miles of trails meander along swamps, wetlands, and canals. Take a stroll through the cypress swamp on the accessible 0.4-mile Cypress Swamp Boardwalk. Experience wildlife along six miles of flat, grassy trails within the wetlands of the C impoundments. North of Lee Road, visitors can...

Horseback riding

Approximately 36 miles of perimeter levees are open to horseback riding. Horseback riders will be sharing multi-use trails with hikers, bicyclists, pet walkers, vehicles, and other horseback riders. Horseback riders must yield to vehicular traffic. Trails are flat with gravel and shell-rock...

Hunting
Hunting

Arthur R. Marshall Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge offers surprisingly uncrowded hunting opportunities, given that the refuge lies in South Florida within 70 miles of 6 million people. The refuge offers hunting opportunities on a 145,000-acre impoundment created for flood protection...

Photography
Photography

Whether you use a digital camera or your cell phone, the refuge offers visitors of all skill levels opportunities to photograph wildlife in their natural setting. 

Visitors can enjoy taking photos along walking and canoe trails, observation platforms at the Marsh Trail and...

Ranger-led programs
Rangers lead wildlife walks, tours and educational programs at many sites. Events may focus on wildflowers or birds or on seasonal spectacles, such as elk bugling or sea turtle nesting. Some programs may be limited in size or require advance registration. See individual websites for details.
Wildlife watching

Over 257 species of birds, 23 species of mammals, at least 60 species of reptiles and amphibians, over 50 species of fish, and approximately 40 species of butterflies can be found here. Visitors might catch a glimpse of endangered and threatened species such as the wood stork and snail kite...