Overview

Seabranch Preserve State Park is one of the newest members of the Florida State Park System. The land was purchased to preserve one of the few remaining sand pine scrub habitats on the southeastern coast. This biological community is so rare it has been designated globally imperiled. Though a small park at just under 1,000 acres, an amazing variety of ecosystems is represented. In addition to the sand pine scrub you will see freshwater baygall wetland and scrubby flatwoods. Adjacent to the trail to the east are tidal mangrove swamps bordering the Indian River.

The trail consists of a 4.8-mile loop crossed by a sandy road that heads east out of the trailhead parking area. The sandy road (closed to vehicular traffic) divides the trail into a North Loop of 3.7 miles and a South Loop of 2.3 miles. The North Loop wanders primarily through scrub habitat. The South Loop passes though both scrub and pine flatwoods. Along the east side the trail follows an old jeep road through mesic flatwoods with baygall forming a dense wall of foliage immediately to the east.

You are likely to see several threatened and endangered species along the trail. These include the Florida Scrub Jay, Cooper’s Hawk, Hand fern, Curtiss’ milkweed, yellow bachelor button and golden polypody. Other animals of note within the park include the gopher tortoise, eastern indigo snake, bobcat, and sandhill crane. During the fall the park provides a needed resting place for many migratory birds.

Map

Seabranch Preserve State Park is approximately 10 miles south of Stuart in Martin County. Take A1A south from Cove Rd (CR 722) for 1.5 miles. The trailhead parking area is on the west side of A1A, across the street from a VFW hall.

Purchase map South 3

 Disclaimer: While FTA strives to maintain accurate information and is constantly updating its geodatabase, the trail and development along the trail corridor is constantly changing. The data has been collected from a variety of sources and accuracy varies. FTA provides this data for recreational purposes only and does not intend the data as a survey. 

Centerline data Florida Trail System (c) 2007 Florida Trail Association, Inc.

Trailheads

Park at the trailhead parking area adjoining the picnic area.

Conditions

The trail wanders extensively along its path to showcase the biological communities. Watch the orange blazes very carefully as there are frequent twists and turns.  

Precautions

There is no water within the park. Due to the desert-like nature of the scrub habitat, bring plenty of water with you. The South end is more open, the North end offers a little more shade from larger trees. A covered picnic table, interpretive kiosk, trash can and composting toilet are available at the trailhead.

Restrictions

 Day hiking only, pets must be kept leashed. The park is open from 8 am to sunset and the roads within the property are closed to vehicular use.  

Resources

Hiker’s Guide to the Sunshine State

50 Hikes in South Florida

South 3 Loop Trails

Seabranch Preserve State Park

Florida Hikes! Seabranch Preserve