110 Nature's Way
Royal Palm Beach

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Royal Palm Beach Pines Natural Area is a place of rare things. If you're lucky, you might catch a glimpse of bald eagle or see a redheaded woodpecker foraging for lunch, offspring in tow, so to speak. Hike deep into it at the right time of year and might find a catesby's lily. More common things abound — large-flowered pink marsh, Carolina bloodroot, pale meadowbeauty and alligator lilies hint at the transformation that takes place here as dry winter and spring give way to summer rains.

Royal Palm is 773 acres of mostly pine flatwoods,, cypress dome swamp and wet meadows that come and go with the seasons. The pines can be a birder's paradise fall through spring, attracting large numbers of migratory species and year-round residents like northern flicker and pileated woodpeckers. The Great Florida Birding Trail recommends visiting during the cooler months, but it's worthwhile even in summer.

There are two entrances to Royal Palm Pines; we've mapped the south, which is the one we used and most likely the easier of the two to access if you're coming from the south or east. The north entrance is 13500 40th Street North, Royal Palm Beach. Both have ample parking and connect to the trails. The route from the south is well-marked with Great Florida Birding Trail signs from the turn off Southern Boulevard onto Royal Palm Beach Boulevard all the way to the final turn onto Nature's Way. There is one short accessible trail leading to an covered observation platform. One trail is open to horseback riding but a permit is required. There is no drinking water or toilets. TAKE OUR VIRTUAL TOUR