St. Lucie County, FL
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Captain Hammond's Hammock Preserve
Fifty-four acres of floodplain forest and a half-mile trail beside the North Fork St. Lucie River.
This Preserve spans 54 acres of natural floodplain ecosystems next to the North Fork St. Lucie River (NFSLR). It boasts a scenic 1/2-mile hiking trail that allows visitors to explore the fascinating and hidden life of the riverine floodplain and the North Fork St. Lucie River Aquatic Preserve. The public is welcome to enjoy the short loop, have picnics, and fish in this area. Access is provided through a landing for paddlers or via the bridge located at the end of Petravice Preserve.
Amenities
- Nature trail
- Canoe access
- Observation area
- Fishing dock
- Primitive camping
- Picnic tables & benches
Trail and Habitat
- Trail
- Moderate. Experience a self-guided interpretive trail that spans half a mile.
- Habitat
- Floodplain Forest, Hydric Hammock, and Floodplain Swamp.
- Commonly seen wildlife
- Alligator, striped mullet, osprey, variety of heron species, black racers.
Historical Interest
Captain Hammond, a sea captain hailing from Boston, arrived in Florida in 1895 to enjoy his retirement, just a year after Henry Flagler's railroad reached south Florida, specifically West Palm Beach. In 1900, Captain Hammond retired and purchased this property, becoming one of the region's earliest snowbirds.
Before You Go
Following a significant rainfall, certain sections of the trail may become flooded.
Parking is located at Petravice Preserve, head west along the main trail toward the North Fork of the St. Lucie River. Proceed across the beautiful pedestrian boardwalk bridge, which crosses the river oxbow and brings you to Captain Hammond's Hammock Preserve.