West Palm Beach may be best known for its sunshine and sandy beaches, but the city offers a surprising variety of scenic trails waiting just beyond the bustling downtown. Whether you crave shaded boardwalks through wetlands or long loops for cycling and jogging, you’ll find outdoor escapes that suit every mood and ability.
Let’s get to it.
Hog Hammock Trail
Out in Grassy Waters Preserve, the Hog Hammock Trail extends across wet prairie, hammock patches, and ancient sand ridges. The crushed-shell gravel surface remains easy underfoot, making this roughly 4-mile round trip accessible for walking or biking. Boardwalks carry you over soggy areas where alligators sometimes bask in the sun and herons stalk shallow water.
The loop trail includes a short spur, offering different perspectives on the wide Loxahatchee Slough marsh. Well-spaced benches under small shelters provide shade and a chance to catch your breath. A restroom and water fountain at the Watershed Management entrance make this one of the more comfortable trails in the area. Mosquitoes can be active in wetter months, so bring insect repellent. Dogs are not permitted, preserving habitat for wildlife. After heavy rains some low spots may flood, so check conditions or visit on a weekday for fewer people and clearer paths.
Okeeheelee Nature Center
Nestled in West Palm Beach, the Okeeheelee Nature Center showcases South Florida habitats across 2.5 miles of trails. You’ll wander through pine flatwoods and marshes on a mix of paved surfaces and hard-packed limestone. Strollers and wheelchairs navigate easily, and benches appear every few hundred feet for quick rests. Along the way, pond overlooks, bird blinds, a cypress boardwalk, and a fenced deer enclosure highlight regionally common wildlife.
The main building features hands-on exhibits, a small nature shop, and restrooms open Wednesday through Saturday. No dogs are allowed on trails, ensuring sensitive bird and reptile communities remain undisturbed. Weekend visits can be busy during peak birding season from November to April, but arriving early or choosing a weekday keeps crowds to a minimum. Free parking is available at the nature center lot. Trails are well maintained even as minor construction work continues toward 2025 upgrades.
Okeeheelee Park
Visiting Okeeheelee Park feels like stepping into a well-planned outdoor playground. Spanning 1,700 acres, it offers multi-use trails that thread past rock-pit ponds, pine flatwoods, and several spots where turtles and wading birds go about their business without a second glance at passing hikers. The Nature Center Trail stretches about 2.5 miles, mostly paved or hard-packed limestone, so wheelchairs, strollers, and bikes can roll comfortably. Don’t skip the deer enclosure or the bird blinds… they provide prime opportunities to observe wildlife in a suburban setting.
For those seeking a workout with scenery, the Fit Trail and fitness circuits resemble an outdoor gym. You’ll find benches, gentle inclines, and clear signage guiding you through squats, lunges, or simple stretches. If you’d rather walk the dog, plenty of shaded walking paths await. Restrooms and water fountains are scattered throughout and are generally open daily. The Nature Center building closes on Mondays and Tuesdays, so plan a midweek or weekend visit to explore exhibits and pick up a guidebook without finding locked doors.
Grassy Waters Preserve
Stepping into Grassy Waters Preserve reveals a sprawling wetland network crisscrossed by durable boardwalks and footpaths. You’ll find abundant cypress trees, spindly palms, and vast Loxahatchee Slough views. The Nature Center Boardwalk Loop runs smoothly enough for wheelchairs and strollers, while the shorter Cypress Boardwalk Trail draws weekend crowds with its shaded stretches.
Beyond boardwalks, several dirt trails wind through pine flatwoods and swampy hollows. The Hog Hammock Trail (2.2 miles) offers extended marsh vistas, while the Eagle Trail provides a compact route to a Gator Lake overlook and fishing pier. There’s virtually no elevation gain, reflecting South Florida’s flat terrain. Trails can flood after storms, so closures happen on occasion. No pets are allowed, protecting endangered wading birds and gators. Whether you’re birdwatching, fishing, or simply stretching your legs, Grassy Waters delivers diverse scenery without steep hikes or trampling crowds.
South Cove Natural Area
Covering just six acres, South Cove Natural Area features a boardwalk that stretches for more than 500 feet over a mangrove wetland. Multiple man-made mangrove islands sit amid the water, and the entire structure rises just a few inches above the surface. The level terrain makes it suitable for wheelchairs and strollers.
Along the way, visitors enjoy wide views of the Intracoastal Waterway and the West Palm Beach skyline. Snowy egrets and little blue herons are common, and manatees or turtles sometimes pass beneath the boardwalk. Fiddler crabs scuttle along the shoreline at low tide. The wide path accommodates foot traffic even when the area is busy at sunrise. Benches at the end of the boardwalk offer a chance to pause before returning. A small parking area and a nearby sidewalk connect to the boardwalk entrance. Park staff maintain the area so the trail and platform stay clean and free of debris despite its downtown location.
Dreher Park
Dreher Park offers a 3.2-mile paved loop trail that circles a lake with only thirty-six feet of elevation change. The path stays flat and smooth, making it ideal for strollers, wheelchairs, and leashed dogs. A variety of van-accessible parking spaces sits close to the trailhead.
Mature trees line the route and provide plenty of shade along the way. The park features Heart Trail exercise stations for strength and flexibility work plus eleven picnic shelters and playgrounds that accommodate families. Fishing docks extend over the water for anglers and a sand volleyball court stands ready for casual games. Located between the Palm Beach Zoo and the South Florida Science Center & Aquarium, Dreher Park makes it easy to extend a full day of outdoor activities. The trail is well maintained and the shade helps keep temperatures in check. Benches are placed along the path for quick breaks. Plan visits in the morning during hot months to avoid the midday sun.
Winding Waters Natural Area
Spanning 548 acres of wetlands, Winding Waters Natural Area offers a mix of paved and sandy trails that suit a wide range of visitors. A half-mile paved path provides easy access for wheelchairs, strollers, and anyone who prefers a smooth surface. Outdoor enthusiasts can tackle a sandy 4.9-mile loop through wooded hammocks or opt for the 4.3-mile marsh loop that leads to a covered observation platform. That spot is ideal for birdwatching and spotting the occasional alligator basking near the water.
The property includes a 3.3-mile paddling loop for canoes and kayaks. Parking is generous with room for dozens of vehicles. Pets are not permitted on the trails. Trails are clearly marked and kept in good shape by Palm Beach County ERM, and you’ll find benches, informational kiosks, and patches of shade throughout the area. A restroom facility sits near the main parking area. Humidity and insects can intensify in summer so insect repellent comes in handy.
Dyer Park
Exploring Dyer Park in West Palm Beach reveals 560 acres of versatile recreation. A nearly five-mile paved loop circles lakes and open fields, offering a smooth, wide path ideal for wheelchairs, strollers, and leashed dogs. Benches along the route invite frequent breaks and provide scenic lake views.
For off-pavement adventures, singletrack trails wind through sandy pine flats. The Dyer Park Trail follows easy loops while a six-mile bicycle perimeter trail alternates between sunny clearings and brief forested shade. Fitness-minded visitors can tackle the hill trail, which includes modest elevation gains, bumps, and bike jumps to test your skills. Water fountains and restrooms are located near the main parking areas. Whether you’re in the mood for a leisurely lakeside stroll, a challenging bike ride, or a dog-friendly outing, Dyer Park keeps facilities clean and routes clearly marked without the bustle of organized sports fields.
J.W. Corbett Wildlife Management Area
Located in Palm Beach County, J.W. Corbett Wildlife Management Area spans over 60,000 acres of diverse habitats. Birdwatchers appreciate the Bald Cypress Boardwalk & Trail. This mostly flat, one-mile path includes interpretive signs, a restroom and the chance to spot nesting sandhill cranes or migrating warblers outside the hottest months.
Dogs are welcome on leash, which helps keep them away from swampy areas where swimming attempts could turn risky.
The Hungryland Boardwalk & Trail covers a similar distance. You’ll encounter sandy patches, gravel sections and evenly spaced benches built right into the walkway. Winter brings cooler air while summer humidity encourages wild orchids to bloom along the edges.
For a longer trek, the Ocean to Lake Trail stretches more than eleven miles. Expect soggy spots and basic backcountry campsites with no frills and no permits required for through-hikers. Trail maps are regularly updated by the Florida Trail Association and every route remains open year-round. During hunting season, wearing orange is recommended for added safety.
Lake Lytal Park
Sprawling over 70 acres, Lake Lytal Park centers on a 40-acre lake surrounded by open fields and woodlands. A paved fitness trail loops around the park and remains nearly flat, offering easy access for wheelchairs and strollers. Leashed dogs are welcome on the main trail while an off-leash dog park provides a secure area for free play.
Sports fields host organized leagues and open play opportunities and the family aquatic center offers seasonal splash pads and pools. A Veterans Memorial area displays five flags and sits amid palm trees. Exercise stations along the trail and benches near restrooms offer convenient spots to pause. Parking is plentiful and restrooms stay clean year-round. Cast a line from fishing docks on the lake shore or join a friendly game at the volleyball court. Early mornings and evenings are ideal times to walk or jog when temperatures drop below midday highs. The site is managed by Palm Beach County and signage helps guide users.
Apoxee Trail
Apoxee Trail provides a mixed-surface hiking route with an accessible paved half-mile loop near the parking area. That section is ideal for strollers and wheelchairs. Beyond the paved loop, an additional 2.5 miles wind through flatwoods and wetland hammocks. Roots, sandy stretches, occasional flooded sections, and boardwalks over cypress swamps add variety. Scattered pines provide occasional shade along the route.
Trail junctions create out-and-back options and a connection to the Owahee Trail increases overall mileage. Boardwalks remain in good condition most of the year. Dirt segments may close temporarily for maintenance or after heavy rain. A small parking lot holds about twelve cars. An information kiosk stands nearby and a single portable toilet serves hikers. The trail hosts wading birds, turtles, and alligators along its length. Fall, winter, or early-morning visits offer cooler temperatures and drier footing compared to hot, wet afternoons. Dogs are not permitted on the trail. An accessible trail map is available at the kiosk.
Osprey Park
Tucked into 3.2 acres beside the Intracoastal Waterway, Osprey Park delivers a little bit of everything. A smooth, pancake-flat loop accommodates strollers, wheelchairs and anyone seeking a gentle stroll. Along the way, you’ll enjoy water views, waving boaters and the occasional osprey or passing manatee.
A stand of mango trees draws visitors who appreciate fresh fruit, while standard urban park features—trash cans, water fountains and benches—are all within easy reach. Free street parking adds to the convenience.
Dogs can join on-leash along the main path or romp off-leash in the fenced dog zone, though pups aren’t allowed on the beach. The playground stays generally clean, aside from the occasional stray juice box. Weekends and midday hours bring more of a crowd, but plenty of shade helps keep temperatures manageable during Florida’s summer months. Overall, Osprey Park hits the mark for small-park charm and practical amenities.
