The Loxahatchee River, located around Jupiter and Hobe Sound, Florida, is the only designated Wild and Scenic River in Florida. Whether in a canoe or kayak this is a unique paddling experience even for Florida. The upper half of this trip is rather narrow and filled with lush vegetation as well as clear waters. The lower half is tidal and opens up quite a bit. One navigating this initially tight and winding river while either kayaking or canoeing is likely to encounter alligators, otters, manatees, dams, downed trees, and many other obstacles along the way.
Length and Access Points
The Loxahatchee River is about a 7 mile paddling trip. It has been reported as everything from 5 miles to 8.5 miles. The reason for this wide variation is due to the terrain by which it is measured as well as once the paddle opens up there are a couple of detours one can take en route to the take-out. The entire trip will take anywhere from 4 to 6 hours.
The Put-in and Take-out are both located at parks and are approximately 10 miles apart. Both are accessed from either I-95's Exit 87A or the Florida Turnpike's Exit 116.
Put-in: Riverbend Park (Palm Beach County Riverbend Park
4 miles from Jupiter, On State Road 706, 1.5 miles west of the Florida Turnpike
Head west off of both I-95 or the Florida Turnpike.
Take-out: Jonathan Dickinson State Park
5 miles from Hobe Sound and 12 miles south of Stuart on US1.
From the put-in, take SR 706 east. Go north on US-1 to the park entrance.
Head east off of both I-95 or the Florida Turnpike.
