Erna Nixon Park

This community park features a half-mile of elevated boardwalk and trail that winds through three different ecosystems where native plant species and small animals can be viewed. Grand old live oaks festooned with moss and fern, an open wetland area, and a wild grape arbor highlight the walk. Exhibits and scheduled guided tours are available at the on-site nature center.

Directions: From I-95 exit 180 (US 192), go east on US 192 (New Haven Ave.) for 3.2 miles to Evans Rd. Turn left and go north on Evans Rd. approximately .75 miles. Park will be on the left. Free.
321-952-4525

Bull Creek WMA [FT]*

Providing a 20.5-mile backpacking loop as well as a linear hike, this popular section of the Florida Trail crosses cypress swamps along Crabgrass Creek, traces the course of Bull Creek, and winds through expanses of open palmetto prairie beneath the pines.

Directions: The trailhead is along US 192, 2 miles west of Deer Park on the south side of the highway. Hunting permitted. Sign in at the register and follow the orange blazes south. Free.
386-329-4404

Turkey Creek/Margaret Hames Nature Center

A 1.6 mile trail leads along boardwalks through sand pine scrub, hydric hammock, and along high bluffs above scenic Turkey Creek, with shorter loop options available. Gentle manatees are sometimes seen munching water plants along the creek banks.

Directions: From I-95 exit 176, take CR 516 (Palm Bay Rd.) east 2.3 miles to CR 507 (Babcock St.) Turn right and drive 1 mile to Port Malabar Blvd. Turn left and continue 1.1 miles to Santiago Dr. turn right. Parking is on the right, across from the park entrance. Free.
321-676-6690

Coconut Point Sanctuary

Few trails in Florida showcase coastal ecosystems as well as this 1-mile loop. It traverses six different habitats on its short course and has an overlook on the Indian River Lagoon.

Directions: The trailhead is 6.1 miles south of US 192 on A1A in Melbourne Beach, on the west side of the road just beyond Publix shopping center. Free.
321-255-4466

Maritime Hammock Sanctuary

A 2.5-mile loop along the Indian River Lagoon, this trail treats you to maritime hammocks dense with bromeliads, shady mangrove forests, and views of the lagoon.

Directions: Follow A1A south 10.3 miles from US 192 in Melbourne Beach; watch for the trailhead on the right. Free.
321-255-4466

Sebastian Inlet State Park

A half-mile trail winds through tropical hammock and mangrove forest along the Indian River shoreline. This area can be superior for migrant songbirds in late winter and early spring.

Directions: Follow A1A south 17.5 miles from US 192 in Melbourne Beach. Watch for the trail on the west side of A1A about 200 yards before you actually turn into the park. Fee.
321-984-4852

Pelican Island NWR

Two five-mile loops offer superb birding along mangrove-lined pools on Indian River Lagoon, while short family-friendly Centennial Trail and observation tower offer views of the pelican nesting area on Pelican Island.

Directions: From the junction of CR 510 and A1A, follow A1A North 3.5 miles to the park sign on left; turn left onto "Jungle Trail" and follow it to the trailheads. Free
772-562-3909

Micco Scrub Preserve

This is a hiking-only 3.2 –mile Flatwoods Loop through vast palmetto prairies where wildlife sightings are likely – from armadillos in the pinewoods to gopher tortoises on the prairie. Passing through pine plantations, the trail then takes you into a sea of saw palmetto and follows the Sottile Canal along the edge of scrubby flatwoods.

Directions: Take I-95 exit 173, and drive east on Malabar Rd. to the first traffic light. Turn right on Babcock St. and drive south for 8.5 miles to Micco Rd. Turn left on Micco Rd. and drive 0.5 mile to the trailhead on the left side. Free.
321-255-4466

Oslo Riverfront Conservation Area

3.5 miles of trails through this jungle-like preserve lead to fun discoveries like the Old Quarry, the Awesome Pine, and an observation deck above the mangroves. Bring the kids and expect to get a little muddy!

Directions: From I-95 exit 147, follow SR 60 east to US 1 in downtown Vero Beach. Turn right and drive south 3.8 miles to CR 606 (Oslo Rd). Turn left onto the dead-end road; the parking area is immediately on the left. Free.
904-529-2380