The best walks and hikes in Martin County

Martin County offers a rich variety of natural landscapes. You can explore pine flatwoods, scrub, wetland preserves, coastal dune habitats, hardwood hammocks, and mangrove swamps. Riverine environments along the St. Lucie and Loxahatchee Rivers also provide unique scenery, with areas featuring centuries-old cypress trees and mangrove-lined estuaries.

Yes, Martin County has numerous easy trails. Out of nearly 20 routes, 13 are rated as easy. A great option for a short, accessible walk is the Colorado Avenue Park loop from Stuart, which is about 2.9 miles long. Another easy trail is the Hawk's Bluff Trail loop — Savannas Preserve State Park, a short 0.9-mile route that explores diverse habitats.

Absolutely. Martin County is home to several distinctive natural features. Blowing Rocks Preserve showcases rare limestone rock formations where, at high tide, water plumes can shoot up to 50 feet. At low tide, you can explore sea caves and bluffs. For panoramic views, visit Hobe Mountain in Jonathan Dickinson State Park, which features a 124-foot observation tower offering vistas of the surrounding forest and the Atlantic Ocean.

Many parks and trails in Martin County welcome dogs, typically on a leash. It's always best to check specific park regulations before you go. For example, trails within Jonathan Dickinson State Park often allow leashed dogs. The Hiking loop from Jonathan Dickinson State Park is an easy 2.6-mile route that could be suitable for you and your canine companion.

Martin County's diverse ecosystems support a wide array of wildlife. Hikers often spot endangered species such as the Florida scrub-jay and gopher tortoise, as well as bald eagles, deer, and turtles. In areas like Allapattah Flats, you might see sandhill cranes, wood storks, and crested caracaras, alongside white-tailed deer and wild turkey.

Yes, many trails in Martin County are designed as loops, offering varied scenery without retracing your steps. A popular moderate option is the Green Trail loop from Tequesta, which is about 5 miles long. Another great loop is the Kitching Creek loop from Tequesta, an easy 4.7-mile trail through riverine environments and pine flatwoods.

Martin County offers several trails suitable for families. The Hobe Sound National Wildlife Refuge features a family-friendly sand trail that winds through a hilly, scrub brush environment out to the Indian River Lagoon. Many of the easy-rated trails, such as the Jonathan Dickinson State Park loop from Jonathan Dickinson State Park (4.1 miles), are also excellent choices for families.

For coastal views, Blowing Rocks Preserve offers trails and boardwalks with interpretive signs, leading to dramatic oceanfront rock formations. Peck Lake Park, adjacent to the Hobe Sound National Wildlife Refuge, has trails through flatwoods and mangrove swamps that lead to a deck overlooking the Intracoastal Waterway. The Benches along the trail – Jonathan Dickinson State Park loop from Tequesta also offers scenic sections.

The cooler, drier months from late fall through spring (roughly November to April) are generally considered the best time for hiking in Martin County. During this period, temperatures are more comfortable, and humidity is lower, making for more enjoyable outdoor experiences. Summers can be very hot and humid, with frequent afternoon thunderstorms.

While Martin County is known for its many easy and moderate trails, there are options for those seeking a longer challenge. The Herbert Hoover Dike — Sand Cut route is a difficult 15.6-mile hike, offering a significant distance for experienced hikers. Additionally, several moderate loops, such as the White Loop loop from Hobe Mountain (8 miles), provide a good workout.

The hiking routes in Martin County are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.3 stars from over 20 reviews. Hikers often praise the diverse natural habitats, the well-maintained trails, and the opportunities for wildlife spotting. Many appreciate the variety of options, from short, easy strolls to longer, more immersive experiences in nature.

Yes, Jonathan Dickinson State Park is the largest state park in Southeast Florida and features 16 distinct natural habitats with an extensive network of trails, including the Kitching Creek-Wilson Creek Trails. Halpatiokee Regional Park, the largest park in Martin County, also offers miles of hiking and mountain biking trails traversing pine flatwoods, oak hammocks, and river land, home to hundreds of native species.