About ten miles north of me is a county park in Jupiter called Riverbend Park. I had been there only once b
efore to run a 5K race but wanted to go back when there were less people and I could appreciate my surroundings a little more. It's a place to unwind, to get some exercise, or breathe some fresh air. You make your own fun, do what you want to do, but overall just experience nature and enjoy what undeveloped Florida has to offer. Over 10 miles of compacted shell rock make up its wide, winding trails which are perfect for biking. There are also concrete sidewalks for a lot of the way which were enjoyed by walkers, many of them moms pushing baby strollers. There are also approximately 7 miles of equestrian trails of varying length if you’d rather ride a horse than a bike. I wish they had horse rentals there, but they don’t. What you can rent are bicycles, canoes, or kayaks to cruise down the Loxahatchee River.
efore to run a 5K race but wanted to go back when there were less people and I could appreciate my surroundings a little more. It's a place to unwind, to get some exercise, or breathe some fresh air. You make your own fun, do what you want to do, but overall just experience nature and enjoy what undeveloped Florida has to offer. Over 10 miles of compacted shell rock make up its wide, winding trails which are perfect for biking. There are also concrete sidewalks for a lot of the way which were enjoyed by walkers, many of them moms pushing baby strollers. There are also approximately 7 miles of equestrian trails of varying length if you’d rather ride a horse than a bike. I wish they had horse rentals there, but they don’t. What you can rent are bicycles, canoes, or kayaks to cruise down the Loxahatchee River.
There are several picnic areas to enjoy dotted along the trails. All but one are on a first come, first serve basis. They are designed as “chickees”, which is the Seminole Indian term for house or shelter. Except for one area called Picnic Island, which can be reser
ved, there is no vehicular access to them, so you need to plan to either hike or bike to them. There are three large pavilions that seat over 20 people and have grills. Eight others are available with a table or two and a grill.
ved, there is no vehicular access to them, so you need to plan to either hike or bike to them. There are three large pavilions that seat over 20 people and have grills. Eight others are available with a table or two and a grill.
The trails I followed are clearly labeled and have chickees along the way with maps in case you feel you’re headed down a longer path than you want to go. Along the trails are signs with directions to stay on your path or head for the exit. I stopped several times along my journey to take pictures, rest in the shade, watch the ripples in the glassy water preserves, and enjoy the beauty of the shaded trees and birds I saw along the way. I am always on the lookout for alligators, but unfortunately didn’t see one on this trip. I know they are out there though, they are everywhere in the swamp lands of Florida!
Overall, I am so glad I took the time to visit Riverbend Park again. The scrub oaks, banyan trees, and canopied trails were just what the doctor ordered for an otherwise gloomy weekend. Not a lot of people were there this morning so I could hear the sounds of nature and just get lost in my thoughts.
Let me just leave you with some quick notes, links, and some pictures I took:
- The park is about 680 acres, open seven days a week (including holidays), open sunrise to sunset and is FREE.
- No pets allowed except service animals.
- Great for: Bike riding, hiking, fresh water fishing, bird watching, canoeing, kayaking, picnicking, or horseback riding (BYOH – bring your own horse). Basically, you’re getting one with nature!
- Bug repellent recommended!
- Canoe Outfitters’ website: http://www.canoeoutfittersofflorida.com/
- Plan to spend 2 hours or the day, depending on your activities.
