Now that summer has turned into fall in the Palm Beaches, it’s the perfect time to get outdoors and explore nature Centered along a historic creek basin, Limestone Creek Natural Area is a green gem in a busy corner of Jupiter. Grab the kids and your favorite four-legged friend and hit the trail!
With a grandstand of healthy pine flatwoods providing a gateway to 53 acres of protected land, Limestone Creek Natural Area is a rare patch of green in a heavily developed corner of Jupiter. A paved accessible trail winds through the woods to an observation deck and nearby fishing pier on the C-18 canal.
Natural-surface trails lead you deeper into the preserve to explore scrub, marsh, and a dense hammock of cabbage palms.
Lace up Your Shoes
As you’ll find at most Palm Beach County Natural Areas, the entrance trail – blue blazed and called the Bracken Fern Nature Trail – is pretty much a sidewalk, suitable for wheelchairs and strollers.
Nicely shaded by a dense stand of South Florida slash pine, which is known for its resistance to disease and insects, the trail is within sight of a neighboring subdivision. Fortunately, they don’t intrude greatly into the natural surroundings, as the understory is dense with saw palmetto.
After a slight jog to the left and a gentle rise, the trail enters an even denser forest, transitioning into scrubby flatwoods. Sand live oaks cast pools of shade.
The dense understory attracts many birds, and you’ll hear them warbling and rustling in the underbrush.
Know Before You Go
Directions: From either Florida’s Turnpike or I-95, Jupiter (Indiantown Road exit) follow Indiantown Road east a half mile past I-95 to the traffic light at Central Boulevard. Turn left. After you cross the bridge, turn left on Church Street. The trailhead parking area is immediately on your left.
Length: 1.2 mile round-trip
Trailhead: 26.941239, -80.135387
Address: 6570 Church Street, Jupiter
Fees: Free
Restroom: None
Open: Sunrise to sunset daily. Dogs are not permitted. A portion of the trail system is accessible.
Paddle or ride: Bicycles are permitted on the multiuse trail. A kayak launch is provided.
See you on the trail at Limestone Creek Natural Area. For more information on finest homes in the Palm Beaches, contact a Tauber Real Estate Services specialist at 561-626-4633.