Hiking Jonathan Dickinson State Park

December 31, 12:12 PMMiami Outdoor Recreation ExaminerArt Brockway

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The ocean-to-lake spur of the Florida Trail at Jonathan Dickinson State Park is an anomaly among hiking trails in South Florida – there are actual elevation changes, as the path traverses a series of vegetated dunes.  Sure, the highest climb is 86 feet above sea level, but these are grand vistas for Floridians used to a 3-6 feet elevation.  As the trails are largely sand, the climb is actually a minor labor for me and my hiking companions, my brother Kevin and my friend Rob. It’s an extra effort to gain traction when your boots sink into three inches of soft powder.

This is why I recommend you start northwards if you are going to hike the 9.4 mile loop that begins at the first parking lot to the right of the park entrance.  Most of the hike is through costal sand pine scrub, and the rest is through pine flatlands, so there is little cover from the brutal Florida sun.  Hydrate yourself beforehand, and carry at least 34 ounces of water.

The sand pine scrub is a fascinating ecosystem.  It’s an endangered landscape – imagine how much of Florida would look if the dunes behind the beach had not been plowed over for condos and other modern monstrosities.  Rolling dunes are covered with hardy vegetation: sand pine, prickly pear cactus, rosemary and saw palmetto.

The midpoint of our hike is the Scrub Jay camp.  Here there are tenting areas, benches, a waste box and a fire ring. If you plan on camping, bring your own water or a water purification system.  Another four mile hike can bring you to the Kitching Creek Camp, but we are heading back on the loop through pine flatlands.

Jonathan Dickinson has more to offer than hiking trails.  There are an interactive exhibit hall, two family campgrounds with restroom facilities, cabin rentals, canoe, kayak and motorboat rentals, picnic areas, swimming and fishing opportunities, bicycle and horse trails, and even a water tour of the Loxahatchee River aboard the Loxahatchee Queen II.

Jonathan Dickinson State Park is located in Hobe Sound, and is easily reached by taking the Florida turnpike or I-95 to Jupiter and driving north on US 1.  The entire park is operated with a leave no trace ethic.  Take only pictures, leave only footprints.