Throughout the western reaches of Port St Lucie because it stretches into rural landscapes bordering Lake Okeechobee, McCarty Ranch Protect is a quiet nature retreat.
Serving the twin function of land conservation and water retention, a good portion of the property incorporates giant synthetic lakes.
This open water and the encompassing pinelands are nice for birding, catching a glimpse of an alligator, and watching the solar set a number of steps away from a primitive campground.
Sundown on the reservoirSources
Overview
Location: Port St. LucieLength: 4.5 miles in two loopsTrailhead: 27.236194, -80.511667Address: 12525 Vary Line Rd, Port St. LucieFees: Free, Charge for campingRestroom: Close to trailheadLand supervisor: Metropolis of Port St. LuciePhone: 772-871-1775
Open 8:00 AM to sundown. Leashed canines welcome.
Instructions
In regards to the Park
Within the flatlands between the Orlando and Inexperienced Ridges east of Lake Okeechobee, there was as soon as an expanse of wetlands referred to as the Al-Pat-ti-o-kee Swamp.
Within the mid 1900s, canals have been dug to empty the land for agriculture use. The world is now generally known as Allapattah Flats.
Islands of pine flatwoods dot the Allapattah FlatsOver time, these canals brought on points with water high quality within the St. Lucie River and the Indian River Lagoon.
In 2012, the Metropolis of St. Lucie bought over 3,100 acres of Allapattah Flats for water storage.
Former mines on the property have been repurposed as reservoirs and to forestall agriculturally polluted water from getting into the river.
Lake JohnWhereas the water retention mission is an ongoing endeavor, the secondary function of the property is to supply an outside recreation vacation spot.
On the japanese facet of the protect, a brief set of mountain climbing trails discover current pine flatwoods habitat. The town plans to broaden this path community to a number of miles.
Gopher Tortoise PathA system of dust roads encircling the lakes serves as a multi-use path practically 3 miles lengthy, with spur loops designated for off-road biking and equestrian use.
The street could be pushed on as properly, though it is rather tough in spots and finest fitted to four-wheel drive automobiles.
Multi-use loop pathOn the northern finish of the loop, an 18-hole disc golf course provides a difficult spherical of golf with water hazards.
Though there is no such thing as a devoted launch, canoes, kayaks, and small boats with electrical motors are welcome on the 2 southernmost lakes.
The lakes are additionally widespread for fishing.
Disc golf courseMountain climbing
Two mountain climbing trails traverse pine flatwoods, passing prairie lakes on the southern finish of the protect.
One trailhead is on the entrance parking space, and one other subsequent to the tent campground.
Trailhead close to the doorwayThe Gopher Tortoise Path is a well-marked, 0.8 mile linear route winding via pine forest, passing a scenic prairie pond alongside the way in which.
The path could be became a 1.5 mile loop by utilizing a portion of the multi-use lake path and the street to the campground.
Pine flatwoodsAt a tenth of a mile, the Palmetto Path serves as a connector to the Gopher Path, in shut proximity to tent tenting.
Beginning and ending on the campground ends in a one-mile loop with a glimpse of the marshy pond.
Prairie pondTenting
The park has two separate campgrounds, one designated for tent solely, and one other alongside the lake for RV use.
The primitive tent campground provides 13 websites with picnic tables and hearth rings comfortably nestled in a pine forest close to the doorway.
No water or electrical are offered, however a bathhouse with sizzling showers is a little bit over tenth of a mile away.
Moveable restrooms are situated inside the campground.
Automobiles are allowed on the campsites for loading or unloading solely, with designated in a single day parking situated on the entrance close to the bathhouse.
Campsite 1The RV campground has six primitive spots (no hookups) alongside the multi-use path.
Overlooking the lake, every is roughly 40’ lengthy and features a picnic desk and hearth ring.
RV campgroundPath Map
Discover Extra!
Video
Exploring McCarty Ranch Protect
Close by Adventures
Bluefield Ranch Protect Atop an historic ridge between Lake Okeechobee and the Atlantic Ocean, Bluefield Ranch Protect hosts a shocking variety of habitats.
DuPuis WMA Discover practically 22,000 acres of public land close to Lake Okeechobee on in depth networks of trails for hikers, cyclists, and equestrians.Path Map (PDF) Official Web site
