Pinelands Preserve

A white sand trailhead with a wooden information kiosk and split rail fencing under towering white clouds.

Three white tailed deer stand on a grassy trail in low golden backlight between walls of scrub.

A dense marsh stand of purple pickerelweed spikes and bright green leaves at the edge of shallow water.

A white peacock butterfly with pale wings and dark spots perches on a flower stalk among tall grass.

A small tan treefrog with large dark eyes clings to a blade of grass against a blurred green background.

Pinelands Preserve spans 750 acres and serves to protect one of the largest areas of untouched pine flatwoods in western St. Lucie County.

Discover the trails of Pinelands Preserve, which are accessible to the public exclusively through the award-winning guided nature program series offered by the Environmental Resources Department. The trails meander through forests of slash pine and cabbage palm, dotted with seasonal depression marshes and wet prairie habitats. An elevated observation deck provides expansive views of a picturesque sawgrass marsh, and the preserve is included in Florida's Great Florida Birding Trail, making it an ideal location for birdwatching.

Join a knowledgeable hiking specialist to learn about the native plants, animals, and ecosystems of this stunning 750-acre nature preserve. Hikes at Pinelands Preserve are scheduled on select dates during the Guided Nature Program season, which runs from October to June. Nature hikes through the St. Lucie County Guided Nature Program are FREE, but reservations are necessary, and space is limited.

Amenities

Hiking trails
Observation tower

Trail and Habitat

Trail: Advanced. Six miles of multi-use trails across two loops.
Habitat: A rich mosaic of wet pine flatwoods, marsh depressions, and seasonal wetlands.
Commonly seen wildlife: White tailed deer, eastern meadowlark, sandhill crane, red-shouldered hawk

Historical Interest

In the 1930s, sections of the preserve were once cultivated for winter tomatoes. St. Lucie County held the status of being the nation's top winter tomato producer at that time. Remnants of these agricultural fields remain, now providing forage for local wildlife.

Before You Go

Check out www.SLChikes.org for additional details and to sign up for this incredible adventure. Have a question? Reach us at (772) 462-2536 or email slchikes@stlucieco.org.