Jupiter Ridge Natural Area

April is a beautiful time of year in South Florida, especially this year, and we enjoyed our morning exploring the Jupiter Ridge Natural Area.

First we took the Little Blue Heron Trail to the observation platform overlooking Old Lake Worth Creek, then the Pawpaw Trail and finally the Scrub Lizard Trail. Aren't those wonderful names? Much better than the plebian (although descriptive) names in the trail guide - Nature, North and South.

The nature trail had seven stops, and we found all of the posts! The 1/4 mile trail ends at a peaceful observation overlook.

On our way to the end of the paved path, we noticed the turn off to Ski Beach, but before taking that trail, we took the shorter "red" trail (also called Pawpaw or North), which started between Post 7 and the observation platform. It's much easier hiking on grass or pine needles compared to sand.

We're assuming this turn-off takes you to the Jupiter Riverwalk.

The trail ends at one end of the parking area. Another one, the South or Scrub Lizard Trail, starts at the other end.

We made it to Ski Beach. This would be a wonderful place to rest, eat some lunch, and watch the boats go by.

However, we continued on our way back to the car and drove home to eat lunch.

We still think our county's natural areas are some of its best kept secrets.