Features:
Indian River Lagoon Preserve State Park, located on a barrier island south of Melbourne, is billed as the most biologically diverse estuary in North America. One can do a loop of ~6 miles on trails around the park’s mangrove wetlands and salt marshes. Thanks to Richard Magin for the recommendation & description.
The route within the Indian River Lagoon Preserve State Park is mainly along the Indian River and other canals and small ponds, with several nice water views and small sand beaches. It is out and back from the parking lot with the turn-around at the ”locked’ back gate of Honest John’s Fish Camp. Unfortunately, you cannot traverse the fish camp. There is abundant wildlife in the air and on the water, including big gators in the canals. The terrain is flat, with morning and afternoon shade on packed sand access roads. There is bicycle and pedestrian access (some pets on leashes). Water & restrooms are available within a 1/4 of the trail head in the South Beach Community Center.
Add-Ons: The route can be extended north to the trails of the Maritime Hammock Sanctuary off A1A (with parking) or in the Melbourne Shores residential area (no parking).
- Loop is ~6 miles
- Flat
- Parking lot
- Parking lot at South Beach Community Center -- 500 Old Florida Trail Melbourne Beach
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Be sure to check out this new park. It is a great addition to the trails at Sebastian Inlet and the Maritime Hammoch Sanctuary for hiking and running along the Indian River lagoon.
The parking lot for this trail head is just south of the South Beach Community Center 500 Old Florida Trail Melbourne Beach. It is a nice route with a larger trail, similar to the southern portion of the Maritime Hammock Sanctuary Trail https://www.brevardfl.gov/EELProgram/Sanctuaries/MaritimeHammockSanctuary
This is a great place to run with occasional gator sighting. The footing is soft and it is shady so it provides some protection from the Floria sun.