From shady forest trails edged with ferns to sunny boardwalks tracing the Intracoastal, Palm Coast hides some of the most inviting hikes in the region. Whether you want a rugged morning trek or a family-friendly stroll with water views, the area’s parks and preserves deliver a little wilderness just minutes from town.
Let’s get to it.
Graham Swamp East Trailhead MTB
The Graham Swamp East Trailhead MTB offers a serious challenge for mountain bikers and hikers alike. The 5.5-mile bike loop tests your skills with soft sand, crushed shell, limestone boulders, and exposed metal cables. Hikers can choose the 2.2-mile footpath, though it still demands careful footing.
Vegetation includes slash pines, live oaks, and cypress knees along the wetland edge. A small overlook reveals the Bulow Creek floodplain with its mix of trees and waterways. You’ll notice unexpected elevation changes that prove Flagler County is not entirely flat.
Parking is on gravel, and a large kiosk displays trail maps. A portable toilet stands nearby for convenience. Trails remain open year-round, but avoid peak summer heat. Weekends see more riders and hikers, though crowds stay moderate and most visitors keep dogs leashed. After rain, sections can be muddy or submerged, and strollers or wheelchairs are not recommended. Trail crew regularly inspects markers and clears debris, making navigation straightforward by local standards.
Waterfront Park
Waterfront Park sits along the Intracoastal Waterway and offers activities for all ages. A gently paved 3.2-mile trail runs beside the water, wide enough for strollers and wheelchairs. It gains about 52 feet in elevation over its length, barely noticeable to most walkers.
Along the trail, benches appear at regular intervals and shaded picnic pavilions provide spots for lunch. A playground near the parking lot keeps children busy while parents prepare fishing gear. Kayak and paddleboard rentals lie close to the boat launch.
Anglers cast lines from fishing piers that jut into the waterway. On calm mornings, manatees and dolphins surface near the shoreline. Restrooms and free parking add convenience for a full day visit. A short detour to the Children’s Memorial Garden introduces a quiet landscaped area within a few minutes of the main path.
Dogs are welcome on leashes, and crowds thin out on weekdays. Seasonal shade from palms and oaks is limited during summer, but the park remains busiest from October through April when temperatures moderate. Trail maintenance crews keep the asphalt smooth and clear debris regularly.
Princess Place Preserve
Princess Place Preserve spans 1,500 acres of coastal hammock, marsh, and freshwater wetlands. Multiple color-coded trails branch out beneath live oaks heavy with Spanish moss. The paved Oak Trail runs 1.3 miles and welcomes strollers and wheelchairs. For a longer outing, the Hominy Branch Trail stretches 2.5 miles over sandy soil.
Most routes remain flat with only gentle rises where old shell pits have been repurposed as viewpoints. Benches appear at regular intervals under the canopy. Canoe launches on the creek let paddlers enter tidal channels. Restrooms and picnic tables stand near the main parking areas.
Wildlife includes songbirds, wading birds, and occasional deer sightings. Visitors often bring dogs on leashes, and open space prevents overcrowding on weekdays and weekends. A free parking area is clearly marked, and trailheads have maps attached to kiosks.
Local volunteers and park staff maintain clear trail signs and remove fallen limbs after storms. The variety of terrain makes it easy to choose a short stroll or a longer hike without veering off course. This preserve offers reliable facilities and well-managed trails for families and outdoor enthusiasts alike.
River to Sea Preserve
River to Sea Preserve welcomes visitors to 90 acres of beach, maritime forest, and quiet trails. The 1.2-mile Matanzas Hammock Loop winds through oak and scrub habitat, while shorter loops of about half a mile offer quick outings. Soft sand and occasional roots require steady footing, but elevation changes are minimal.
A paved boardwalk runs along the beachfront, providing wheelchair access and a stable surface for strollers. Observation decks overlook a freshwater pond and coastal marshes. Wildlife sightings include wood storks, egrets, and if you are lucky, a bald eagle or tiny Eastern Pygmy-Blue butterflies.
Parking is free and restrooms remain clean. Picnic pavilions under large oaks offer shade for a midday break. A canoe launch on the river enables paddlers to explore inland waterways. Dogs on leashes enjoy the paths alongside their owners, and crowds rarely build here even on weekends.
The mix of forest, marsh, and shoreline creates varied scenery in a compact area. The boardwalk is also popular for birdwatching at sunrise or sunset. Most trails sit under a tree canopy, offering relief from midday sun. Clear signage guides you at every intersection.
Washington Oaks Gardens State Park
Washington Oaks Gardens State Park blends formal gardens and coastal scenery on Florida’s Atlantic shore. Its centerpiece is a row of neatly trimmed rose beds set against live oaks draped in Spanish moss. Brick walkways lead visitors past camellias and magnolias that bloom through winter and spring.
Beyond the rose gardens, the 1.8-mile Bella Vista Trail loops through shaded hammock forests, with benches beneath oak canopies. Close to the river, you may spot herons or egrets on the Matanzas River.
The Mala Compra Trail runs 0.5 mile over flat terrain to a marsh overlook and connects with the paved Old A1A trail, ideal for wheelchairs and strollers. Along this route, river and garden views alternate with hardwood forest shade.
Just across from the garden area, a shore walk on Coquina Beach reveals rocky outcroppings and tidal pools at low tide. The sand here combines coquina shell fragments and fine grains. Restrooms, picnic tables, and free parking make it easy to spend a full day exploring both gardens and shoreline.
St. Joe Walkway/Palm Coast Linear Park
Stretching across 57 acres, St. Joe Walkway and Palm Coast Linear Park delivers about 10 miles of flat, easy-going loops. The two-mile St. Joe Walkway links the Palm Coast Community Center to Ocean Hammock Resort. Paths alternate between smooth pavement and friendly shell or dirt sections, all shaded by cabbage palms and hardwoods. These trails work well for strollers, wheelchairs, and anyone who forgot hiking boots.
Benches dot the route alongside covered picnic areas, restrooms, and even shuffleboard and bocce courts. Winter brings birdwatchers spotting egrets, while dog-walkers, cyclists, and families enjoy the space without feeling crowded. Early mornings and weekdays remain especially quiet. With clear signage and well-maintained surfaces, this park serves up a straightforward outdoor experience set against the Intracoastal’s gentle backdrop.
MalaCompra Park
Tucked away in Flagler County, MalaCompra Park offers a rugged slice of coastal Florida. A 1.5-mile sandy trail threads through a coastal hammock and leads toward the Atlantic’s coquina rock formations. The unpaved surface and lack of benches or restrooms mean you’ll want to leave the stroller at home and pack water. Parking is available across A1A at Bings Landing, where you’ll also find the nearest bathroom.
Mountain bikers can tackle a 5.5-mile single-track loop that shifts from easy rolling terrain to short climbs, tight turns, and occasional switchbacks—enough challenge to keep things interesting without a crowd. Well-marked and seldom busy, the route appeals to anyone seeking solitude. Open from dawn until 11 pm, the park hosts native wildlife and a variety of birds. With minimal amenities, MalaCompra Park remains a no-frills destination where old-Florida peace meets a bit of unpolished adventure.
Long Creek Nature Preserve
Long Creek Nature Preserve spans nine acres of flat, accessible shell-trail and boardwalk loops. Walking here feels effortless as the paths wind through dense hammock forests and over oyster beds. Bench seating appears at intervals, offering shady spots to rest under the canopy.
A dedicated parking lot sits just off the entrance, so there’s no need for off-road parking. Wide boardwalks cross salt marshes where birders gather to watch shorebirds and mullet jumps. Fishing and kayaking are also options for those who bring gear. Early visits tend to be quiet, although summer evenings can draw mosquitoes. With its compact size and easy trails, Long Creek serves up a quick, peaceful glimpse of coastal ecosystems.
Central Park
Located in Town Center, Central Park features a half-mile loop of bricked path encircling an ornamental fountain. The smooth, level trail accommodates strollers, wheelchairs, joggers, and leashed dogs. Wide lawns invite frisbee games or quiet lounging, while water fountains and public restrooms add real convenience.
Benches are plentiful, and an ambient sound system provides light background music. A concrete amphitheater hosts community performances, drawing larger crowds on event days. When no events are scheduled, visitors can enjoy local birdlife around the small lake. The City of Palm Coast keeps trails clean and clearly marked. Open daily from 7 am to 7 pm, Central Park offers an effortless blend of green space and urban amenities.
Pellicer Creek Conservation Area
Pellicer Creek Conservation Area offers a mix of sandy trails, creek views, and forested scenery. The Red and White Loop stretches 5.7 miles with only 78 feet of elevation gain. This unpaved route winds through pine and hardwood stands alongside creek banks. Wildlife sightings may include deer, wild turkey, and plenty of trail-friendly dogs—just be ready for soft sand underfoot and no restrooms on site.
For a shorter outing, the Pellicer Pond Trail covers about half a mile in shaded surroundings. Two fishing docks and an accessible platform look out over the pond, giving anglers and birdwatchers a chance to pause. Trail upkeep is solid, but stroller and wheelchair users might struggle in sandy sections. Bring your own snacks and bug spray—this conservation area thrives on its natural, low-amenity setting.
Indian Trails Sports Complex
Indian Trails Sports Complex spans 35 acres in Palm Coast and features lighted baseball, softball, and soccer fields with well-maintained Bermuda grass. A paved loop pathway circles the entire facility, offering a completely flat route ideal for wheelchairs and strollers. Elevation changes are minimal, so visitors of any age or mobility level can complete the circuit without effort.
Parking is plentiful, and clear curb cuts lead directly to two restroom buildings and several water fountains. Concession stands near the main fields ensure snacks and drinks are always within easy reach. During tournament weekends, foot traffic picks up, but on quieter days the atmosphere remains calm. Scattered native oaks provide occasional shade, and a playground adjacent to the main complex keeps younger children entertained. The City of Palm Coast maintains the grounds regularly, ensuring fields, paths, and facilities stay in top condition. Open daily, this sports complex accommodates both serious athletes and casual walkers who don’t mind the Florida sun after midday.
