North Jupiter Flatwoods Natural Area

Jupiter, Palm Beach County


Northern Mockingbird
3377 Church Street
Jupiter

Website

Overview: North Jupiter Flatwoods Natural Area is one of those places that "plays" bigger than it really is. It is only 160 acres but it has nearly two miles of trails laid out in a way that maximizes the space. The stands of slash pines seem endless and make the surrounding neighborhoods disappear. Peaceful. Civilization rarely encroaches. The flora is diverse and birding ain't bad, either. All in all, it's a fun morning, afternoon or evening hike.

North Jupiter Flatwoods has both hard-surfaced and natural trails winding through a cypress swamps, pine flatwoods and open meadow. The natural surface trail, 1.44 miles long, is an easy hike; along the way you'll find places where moisture-loving plants like yellow hatpins, orange and yellow milkworts and yellow-eyed grasses grow. There is a .55-mile boardwalk and concrete trail leading from the parking lot into natural area. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission added North Jupiter Flatwoods to the Great Florida Birding Trail in 2023. It is a part of the Florida Greenways and Trails system and the first natural area in Florida to be deemed autism-friendly.

The natural area is situated at the north end of the Jupiter Community Center, where there is plenty of parking. A bridge leads into the natural area itself. Drinking water and toilets are available at the community center. Other facilities include observation platforms, kiosks and a fishing pier. There are maps along the trail showing where you are, which we found particularly helpful. Palm Beach County manages the area.

History: North Jupiter Flatwoods Natural Area was one of the properties deemed environmentally sensitive and significant enough to warrant preservation during the 1999 bond referendum. Palm Beach County bought the land from Watermark Communities in 2000. North Jupiter Flatwoods opened to the public in 2014.

grassland and flatwoods

What You'll See: Flatwoods and more flatwoods. This place is appropriately named. But first, you'll cross a bridge over a small lake where you might find ducks, like the pair of mottled ducks in our gallery, or wading birds like the little blue heron, also pictured beblow. Once you've crossed and made your way through the boardwalk and hard-surfaced trail, you'll start seeing flatwoods, well-maintained with an open understory.

Amenities: There is plenty of parking plus restrooms and drinking water at the Jupiter. As noted, there is a 1.44-mile natural surface trail and a .55-mile accessible trail A covered observation platorm near the north end of the trail is a perfect place to sit for a minute and enjoy the peace that North Jupiter Flatwoods Natural Area has to offer.

Nearby: North Jupiter Flatwoods Natural Area is within a half-hour's drive of some the best, most pristine nature preserves that South Florida has to offer. Limestone Creek Natural Area is a few minutes away. To the east, lies Delaware Scrub Natural Area along Indiantown Road in the heart of Jupiter. To the west of I95 and Florida's Turnpike, you'll find River Bend Park and Cypress Creek Natural Area North and South. Go Farther west still and you'll find Pine Glades Natural Area and the George and Mariann Jones Hungryland Wildlife Management Area. Jonathan Dickinson State Park is 15-20 minutes to the north; not far away from Jonathan Dickinson is Hobe Sound National Wildlife Refuge. Along U.S. 1 to the east, there is Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse Outstanding Natural Area, Jupiter Ridge Natural Area and Juno Dunes Natural Area, both the Oceanfront Tract and the West Tract.

Links: The Great Florida Birding Trail's take on North Jupiter Flatwoods Natural Area is here .

Of Note: North Jupiter Flatwoods Natural Area is reachable through the Jupiter Community Park. The natural area is on the north end. Admission is free. Hours are sunrise to sunset everyday of the year.

Cover Photo: This northern mockingbird perched on the charred trunk of a tree just a few feet away from me. Second photo: a sweeping view of the grasslands and flatwoods that make North Jupiter Flatwood Natural Area a fun place to hike.
Virtual Tour

Click on the photos below for full-sized images and detailed descriptions.

  • An Approprite Name
    Flatwoods
  • Defined by Water
    cypress swamp
  • Mysterious Cypress Knees
    cypress swamp
  • Fire! A Key to Health
    charred palms
Getting There ...
DIRECTIONS: From the north or south, exit I95 or Florida's Turnpike at Indiantown Road and head east to Central Boulevard. Make a left turn (north) and follow. You'll pass the canoe and kayak launch for Limestone Creek Natural Area on the left. Continue on Central Boulevard over the Southwest Fork of the Loxahatchee River to Church Street. Turn left and follow past Limestone Creek Natural Area and continue until you see signs for Jupiter Community Park. Turn into the park and follow to the north end of the parking lot. From U.S. 1, turn onto Indiantown Road heading east. At Central Boulevard, turn right and follow the above directions.

Photo Gallery for North Jupiter Flatwoods Natural Area

Click on the photograph to see an enlarged image. Click on the name to read more about the species.



Published by Wild South Florida, PO Box 7241, Delray Beach, FL 33482.
Photographs by David Sedore. Photographs are property of the publishers and may not be used without permission.