I: The Gold Coast
I: The Gold Coast
As you head north through this region along the circumnavigational trail, the narrow Intracoastal Waterway begins to open up into the Lake Worth Lagoon and the Indian River. A huge draw is Florida's first wild and scenic river - the Loxahatchee - with its virgin cypress and historic trapper's cabin.
18: Pompano Beach / Lake Worth
Starting at the Hugh Taylor Birch State Park, paddlers have the option of paddling the Intracoastal Waterway (ICW) or the Atlantic shore, depending on wind, weather and preference. In calm weather, the Atlantic may be safer until the ICW begins to widen north of the Boynton Inlet.
ICW paddlers will pass through many popular areas including Lauderdale by the Sea, Hillsboro Beach and Lake Boca Raton. Along the way are some great local parks including the Gumbo Limbo Nature Center (at Red Reef Park) and the Spanish River Park. Before landing at the nature center beach, you must first obtain permission by calling 561-338-1473.
The Red Reef Park (Atlantic side of Gumbo Limbo) features a man-made reef about 10 feet offshore, where even beginning snorkelers can catch sight of tropical fish, turtles, eels and stingrays.
This segment ends near the Hwy 802 bridge in Lake Worth. Local parks with take-outs can be found on both sides of the bridge or those seeking overnight lodging can find a room at local motels.
34 miles of circumnavigational trail
Florida Cities: Pompano Beach, Boca Raton, Lake Worth, Coral Springs
Contact: Contact our Region I Director or Trailkeeper for more information by clicking here.
Environmental Considerations
Where the ICW is narrow and lined with seawalls, paddlers must be wary of large boats. In addition to motorboat operators not paying attention, resulting in possible collision, boat wakes often rebound off sea walls causing difficult paddling conditions.
Campsites are not available and staying at a hotel or motel may be required for those paddling the entire length of the segment.
Most hotels and motels have docks constructed for sail and motorboats and not paddlecraft. At low tide expect the distance to be 3 to 4 feet from the water to the platform, making entry and exit challenging.
Paddlers on the Atlantic shore will need to access the ICW at Boynton Inlet in order to reach the motel for day two.
Emergency Contacts
Police, Fire and Medical Emergencies: 911
Broward County Sheriff: 954-831-8900, 954-765-4321
Palm Beach County Sheriff: 561-995-2800
Florida Fish & Wildlife Commission Hotline: 1-888-404-3922
19: Palm Beach / Loxahatchee
This segment on the Gold Coast may only be 29 miles in length but covers tremendous ground in historical sites, wonderful state parks and aquatic preserves. Paddlers completing the entire trail will start by going south to north, along the Intracoastal Waterway (ICW). The put-in is near the Highway 802 bridge in Lake Worth.
After eleven miles of paddling through Lake Worth and past developments, golf courses and marinas is Peanut Island. The 86-acre site offers camping (make reservations early!), nature trails, a maritime museum and best of all, the John F Kennedy Bunker, constructed as a temporary command post during the Cuban Missile Crisis of 1962.
Three miles north of Peanut Island is the John D. MacArthur Beach State Park, featuring a unique mixture of coastal and tropical hammock and mangrove forest on a barrier island.
Here the ICW bears left and narrows for a long stretch before opening up into the Loxahatchee River and eventually into the Jupiter Inlet. The segment terminates at the Jonathan Dickinson State Park and River Campground. It's about 5 miles up the Loxahatchee River from the inlet.
The Loxahatchee was Florida's first federally designated wild and scenic and one of only two currently in the state. After embarking from Riverbend Park, one can quickly see why. Massive cypress trees form a scenic canopy. Alligators, wading birds and turtles are commonly seen. And besides the twisting tannin-tined waterway, there is a fascinating historical stopover spot at the Trapper Nelson's cabin.
29 miles of Circumnavigational Trail
1 state designated river trail
Florida Cities: West Palm Beach, Jupiter
Contact: Contact our Region I Director or Trailkeeper for more information by clicking here.
Day Paddles and Overnight Camping Trip Maps
Multiday Trail Maps
Environmental Considerations
Be wary of large boats and their wakes while in the Intracoastal Waterway (ICW). Boat wakes often rebound off sea walls, making paddling difficult.
Boat traffic is higher on weekends and holidays.
Do not tie kayaks to docks along the ICW as boat wakes may cause swamping or damage; always lift them out of the water.
There can be snags in the upper Loxahatchee River, so some careful negotiations and pullovers are necessary. Contact the state park or local outfitters to check on conditions.
Emergency Contacts
Police, Fire and Medical Emergencies: 911
Palm Beach County Sheriff: 561-995-2800 (south), 561-688-3000 (north and central)
Martin County Sheriff: 772-220-7000
Florida Fish & Wildlife Commission Hotline: 1-888-404-3922