The best walks and hikes around Jensen Beach

The Woodstork Trail offers a delightful and accessible escape into nature, circling the picturesque Hillmoor Lake in Port St. Lucie. This easy 2.1-mile (3.4 km) paved loop, with a minimal 3 feet (1 metres) of elevation gain, is a fantastic option for a leisurely hike. You'll enjoy continuous views of the lake, pass through native trees, and cross charming boardwalks, all while keeping an eye out for the abundant local wildlife.

Planning your visit to the Woodstork Trail is straightforward, with ample parking available at Hillmoor Lake Park. The park also provides public restrooms and benches, making it a comfortable destination for families. Given its flat terrain and short duration of about 51 minutes, it's an excellent choice for a quick morning walk or an afternoon outing, especially if you're looking for family friendly hikes.

What truly sets the Woodstork Trail apart is its vibrant ecosystem; it's a prime spot for Woodstork Trail wildlife spotting. Expect to see turtles, various bird species including the iconic wood storks, and even the occasional alligator basking in the sun. The trail's two observation decks further enhance your chances of observing the diverse aquatic life, making it a peaceful and engaging experience for nature lovers.

The Haney Creek Trail offers a delightful, easy stroll through a surprising mix of South Florida's natural habitats. You'll wander along gravel and dirt paths, passing through sand pine scrub, wet prairies, and pine flatwoods, with boardwalks providing scenic views over wetlands. Keep an eye out for local wildlife like ospreys and gopher tortoises as you explore this 1.2-mile (2.0 km) route, which has a minimal 7 feet (2 metres) of elevation gain.

This family-friendly trail is perfect for a quick outdoor escape, taking only about 30 minutes to complete. The park provides convenient amenities including parking, restrooms, and picnic areas, making it an accessible choice for everyone. It's also very dog-friendly, so feel free to bring your leashed canine companion along for the walk.

Beyond its recreational appeal, Haney Creek Park plays a vital role in stormwater filtration for the Haney Creek Watershed, helping to clean water before it reaches the St. Lucie River. The preserve is home to diverse plant and animal species, including the threatened large-flowered rosemary, and serves as a significant wildlife habitat within a rapidly developing area.

The Savannas Preserve White Trail offers a unique journey through Florida's freshwater marsh ecosystems, showcasing a variety of landscapes from pine savannas to palmetto prairies and scrubby flatwoods. You'll find yourself surrounded by open habitats with scattered slash pines and expansive views of wetlands, with delicate wildflowers and marsh ferns adding to the natural beauty. Expect the path to range from broad grassy corridors to narrower footpaths, often squishy underfoot and potentially muddy or requiring wading, especially after wet weather.

This easy 4.0-mile (6.4 km) hiking route takes about 1 hour and 35 minutes to complete, with a minimal 3 feet (1 metres) of elevation gain. To make the most of your visit, plan for early mornings to catch the best wildlife viewing. Be sure to wear appropriate footwear for potentially wet conditions, bring sun protection due to limited shade, and prepare for mosquitoes, particularly near the marshy areas. Leashed dogs are welcome on the trail.

The Savannas Preserve is a crucial habitat for abundant wildlife, including Sandhill Cranes, Wood Storks, and Roseate Spoonbills, and you might even spot gopher tortoises or alligators. It's also the only place in the world where the savannas mint grows in the wild, highlighting the area's unique flora. This trail provides access to a diverse network of habitats that were once common along Florida's Atlantic coastal plain, making it a significant natural area to explore.

The Savannas Preserve White and Yellow Loop offers an easy 2.7-mile (4.4 km) hike with minimal elevation gain of 2 feet (1 metres), typically completed in about 1 hour and 6 minutes. This route immerses you in Florida's unique freshwater basin marshes, winding through pine savannas and palmetto prairies. You'll traverse a mix of sandy and grassy paths, with the Yellow Trail providing particularly scenic views into the marsh, a truly "hauntingly beautiful habitat" often adorned with lilies.

When planning your visit, be prepared for potential damp or muddy sections, especially after rain, as the trail navigates wetland environments. Shade is scarce along much of the route, so sun protection is essential. This multi-use trail is accessible and a great option for those seeking a relaxed outdoor experience, but checking current trail conditions is always a good idea.

This trail is notable for protecting a significant portion of Florida's rare freshwater basin marshes, acting as a vital green buffer amidst urban development. It's an excellent spot for wildlife viewing, with common sightings including gopher tortoises, various bird species, and even alligators. The park's commitment to preserving this unique grassland ecosystem makes it an ecologically significant and rewarding destination for nature lovers.