Trails
The refuge provides a variety of walking paths and hiking trails. All are available year- round. All trails on the refuge are generally flat, but trail substrates are variable, and may include boardwalks, foot paths, or mowed grass. The visitor center boardwalk is currently the only wheelchair accessible trail. While the trails are flat, users should keep in mind that Florida summers are hot and humid, with the potential of daily lightning storms. Be sure to bring water and stay hydrated. The use of sunscreen is highly recommended as many of the trails lack shade. Trail users should be prepared for biting and stinging insects, which may be present in all seasons. Bicycles are not permitted on any of the listed trails.
Trailhead parking located off of the Blackpoint Wildlife Drive. A five mile loop along a mowed grass dike surrounding a managed salt marsh. Depending on pace, trail may take up to 4 hours to complete, so plan accordingly. Two observation towers (one handicap accessible) are located near the start of the trail.
Trail Length (mi)
4.73
View Trail
Parking available at Oak and Palm Hammock trailhead, located 1.2 miles east of refuge Visitor Center. A 3/4 mile loop on foot paths and boardwalks. Allow 20-30 minutes. Year- round. The trail is a figure 8 that winds through seasonally flooded forests. Be sure to take both loops.
Trail Length (mi)
0.52
View Trail
Parking available at Oak and Palm Hammock trailhead, located 1.2 miles east of refuge Visitor Center. A 2 mile loop on foot paths and boardwalks. Allow 40-50 minutes. The trail makes a loop through the palm hammock and returns on the same path.
Trail Length (mi)
1.23
View Trail
Trailhead parking off of State Route 3. A 1 mile loop along sandy fire breaks. Allow 30-40 minutes. During the fall, winter and spring look for migratory songbirds, raptors, and nesting bald eagles. Florida Scrub-jays are common all year.
Trail Length (mi)
1.04
View Trail
Trailhead parking off of State Route 3, A 1 mile loop. Allow 30-40 minutes. The trail offers a leisurely stroll through unique Florida scrub habitat, where one may encounter the federally threatened Florida scrub-jay.
Trail Length (mi)
0.89
View Trail
A 1/4 mile loop directly behind the Visitors Center. Allow 15 minutes. Year round. The boardwalk offers great views of two freshwater ponds, a native butterfly garden, hammock, a wetland prairie and associated wildlife. The trail is wheelchair accessible and there are three benches along the boardwalk.
Trail Length (mi)
0.29
View Trail
Trailhead parking on Blackpoint Wildlife Drive. An up to 1/2 mile round trip that follows a gravel path to two bird observation blinds.
Trail Length (mi)
0.19
View Trail