J: Treasure Coast
J: Treasure Coast
As you head north through this region along the circumnavigational trail, the narrow Intracoastal Waterway begins to open up into the Indian River. The River widens as the North and South forks of the St. Lucie River enters through the middle estuary. The southern end of the South fork meanders through an old Florida habitat along the banks of Halpatiokee Regional Park.
20: Port Salerno / Fort Pierce
This segment features three state parks on Florida's Treasure Coast: St. Lucie Inlet Preserve, Seabranch Preserve and Ft. Pierce Inlet. Jupiter Island provides unique paddling adventures as many water trails are entered from the ICW. These trails traverse through dense mangrove forests with such unique locations as the “Hole in the Wall.” All are accessible from the ICW and good spots to explore. Only Jonathan Dickinson has a regular campground that is available to solo or small groups of paddlers. The park provides paddling trails in the North Fork of the Loxahachee extending into the Gold Coast Region.
Heading west from St Lucie Inlet, paddlers will be treated to the Manatee Pocket enabling exploration of a unique area of pleasure boats, canals and mangrove habitats. Pull your kayak up to a waterfront restaurant for an enjoyable lunch.
Continuing west the South Fork of the St. Lucie River becomes a gentle stream that flows through a brackish oak hammock. The upper reaches are undeveloped and paddlers often spot manatees, otters, osprey, alligators, turtles and a host of wading birds. An outfitter is conveniently situated on the river.
Day two of this segment is a 21-mile stretch along the Indian River between the mainland and Hutchinson Island. Here the river is up to two miles wide, far different from the narrow ICW paddled in earlier east coast segments. The North Fork of the St. Lucie River offers a wide variety of paddling trails in very diverse environments. The Oxbow Ecocenter provides educational information on the area and must be visited. Fort Pierce Inlet State Park marks the end of this segment.
44.5 miles of the Circumnavigational Trail
Florida Cities: Fort Pierce, Stuart, Port Salerno
Local Paddle Clubs: 27-80 Paddlers Club of Stuart
Contact: Contact our Region J Director or Trailkeeper for more information by clicking here.
Launch Sites
Day Paddles and Overnight Camping Trip Maps
Areas
Multiday Trail Maps
Environmental Considerations
Special precautions should be taken in the narrow portions of the Intracoastal Waterway (ICW) regarding boat traffic.
Lack of camping opportunities and the erosion of some spoil islands are the reasons for the 20-plus miles that need to be covered each day.
Emergency Contacts
Police, Fire and Medical Emergencies: 911
Martin County Sheriff: 772-220-7000
St. Lucie County Sheriff: 772-462-7300
Okeechobee County Sheriff: 863-763-3117
Glades County Sheriff: 863-946-1600
Florida Fish & Wildlife Commission Hotline: 1-888-404-3922
21: Vero Beach / St Lucie
Covering the middle section of the Indian River Lagoon, considered to be North America's most diverse estuary, this segment incorporates premier state and county parks, federal land, side rivers and streams, numerous spoil islands and a traditional fish camp. Paddlers are almost guaranteed to spot sea turtles, manatees, dolphins and a wide variety of bird life.
On the circumnavigational trail, you can start this segment from the sandy Dynamite Point beaches at Ft. Pierce Inlet State Park. Here U.S. Navy Frogmen trained for the D-Day invasion in World War II. Immediately north of the park is the 1A bridge and Pepper Beach State Recreation Area. While there are numerous spoil islands on this stretch, the best camping is near Gifford Point, 14 miles away.
Day two starts by heading north along the ICW toward Vero Beach. Round Island Riverside Park is the first stop and is the mating grounds for the manatee. You are certain to see manatees playing in the area around the many spoil islands. This park does have nice bathroom facilities and a large parking area. Spoil islands are prolific heading north and provide shelter and resting areas.
47 miles of Circumnavigational Trail
3 River Trails
Florida Cities: Vero Beach, St Lucie, North Ft Pierce, Okeechobee
Local Paddle Clubs: 27-80 Paddlers Club of Stuart
Contact: Contact our Region J Director or Trailkeeper for more information by clicking here.
Launch Sites
Day Paddles and Overnight Camping Trip Maps
Areas
Multiday Trail Maps
Environmental Considerations
Boat traffic can be heavy along the Intracoastal Waterway (ICW), especially on weekends and holidays.
Paddling along the high energy East Coast Atlantic shoreline is not recommended due to safety considerations. Conditions can change abruptly and few inlets allow paddlers to move to sheltered waters.
Paddling the Sebastian Inlet is HIGHLY DISCOURAGED as the current has been measured up to 9.1 feet per second at maximum ebb! Stay far away from the Inlet.
Emergency Contacts
Police, Fire and Medical Emergencies: 911
Indian River County Sheriff: 772-569-6700
Brevard County Sheriff: 321-264-5100, 321-633-7162
Okeechobee County Sheriff: 863-763-3117
Highlands County Sheriff: 863-402-7200
Florida Fish & Wildlife Commission Hotline: 1-888-404-3922