Allapattah Flats
Three miles west of Interstate 95 on Martin Highway (CR 714) hikers and bikers will find the trailhead for Cottage Trail in Allapattah Flats. The nearly 21,000 acres of marsh and pine flatwoods covering this area provide habitat for white-tail deer, sandhill cranes, wood storks and other species. A primitive campground on the edge of an 85-acre marsh enables tent campers to find a quiet piece of Florida away from the developments that line the coast. Additional trailheads on CR 714, CR 609 and Fox Brown Road give cyclists, hikers and equestrians further access into this property. The cooler, drier months of the year have fewer insects but draw hunters seeking the abundant game.
Allapattah Flats
SW Martin Highway (CR 714)
Palm City, FL
(561) 625-5122
myfwc.com
Jonathan Dickinson State Park
The short course of the Loxahatchee River from Palm Beach County to Jupiter Inlet wasn't an obstacle to this river's designation as Florida's first Wild and Scenic River. Named for a late 17th-century shipwreck survivor, Jonathan Dickinson State Park caters to guests looking to explore this riverine sanctuary. Extensive off-road bike trails give cyclists a range of difficulties to choose from, and hikers will find a section of the Florida Trail looping through the park. Anglers will want both a freshwater and saltwater fishing license to catch the range of species in the river, from snook to largemouth bass. The park offers a developed campground with electric and water hookups suitable for tent or RV. Restrooms, hot showers, concession, boat ramp, picnic areas and rental cabins help campers recovere for the next day's adventure.
Jonathan Dickinson State Park
16450 SE Federal Highway
Hobe Sound, FL 33455
(772) 546-2771
floridastateparks.org/jonathandickinson
Phipps Park
The brackish water of the Okeechobee Waterway connects the large reservoir of Lake Okeechobee to Indian River and the Atlantic Ocean. Anglers can target the fresh and saltwater species found in this waterway from Phipps Park, a Martin County Park. A mixture of primitive and electric hookup sites allows visitors to camp near the waterway. The park provides guests with restrooms, showers, boat ramp, dump station, hiking trails, playground and laundry facilities.
Phipps Park
2175 SW Locks Road
Stuart, FL 34997
(772) 287-6565
martin.fl.us
Article Written By David Chandler
David Chandler has been a freelance writer since 2006 whose work has appeared in various print and online publications. A former reconnaissance Marine, he is an active hiker, diver, kayaker, sailor and angler. He has traveled extensively and holds a bachelor's degree from the University of South Florida where he was educated in international studies and microbiology.
