The 0.8 mile hike on the Joe Kenner Path at this oceanfront state park in Flagler Seaside is an immersion into the deep shade of a coastal hammock.
To spherical this trek to a mile, add a visit throughout A1A to an overlook for a panorama of the weird orange sands that make up the shoreline.
Tunneling by means of the coastal hammockSources
Overview
Location: Flagler BeachLength: 1 mileTrailhead: 29.437572, -81.109340Address: 3100 S. Oceanshore Blvd, Flagler BeachFees: $5 per vehicleRestroom: Close to parking areasLand supervisor: Florida State ParksPhone: 386-517-2086
Open 8 AM to sundown. Use insect repellent; mosquitoes are fierce within the shade.
Leashed canine permitted on the path however not on the seashore. No bicycles allowed on the character path.
Instructions
Hike
Regardless of whether or not you park by the doorway station or within the unpaved parking by the Intracoastal, head for the central sidewalk connecting the 2.
A butterfly backyard and restrooms are on the Intracoastal finish of the sidewalk; the trailhead for the Joe Kenner Path close to the doorway station finish.
Joe Kenner Path trailheadChoose up an interpretive brochure and enter the immersive coastal hammock, deeply shaded by a cover of sand stay oaks.
A bench sits beneath one massive oak, the place the cover opens up briefly and grass prospers within the sunshine.
First bench alongside the trailA wood fence separates woodland and the park entrance street a tenth of a mile in. The hole in it results in the doorway sidewalk. Keep on the footpath.
In entrance of mature noticed palmettos, a bench in a small shaded area of interest gives one other resting spot.
Area of interest with a benchWind by means of a showy tunnel of coastal hammock with dappled shade, slight twists and turns alongside it.
At 0.3 miles, come to the beginning of a loop within the path, marked by two hiker indicators. Bear proper.
Begin of the loopAscend by means of the coastal hammock on a ridge of historical dune beneath the forest cover, curving previous a sinkhole despair.
Descend throughout the lush forest, curving between and round squiggly-trunked sand stay oaks.
Showy sand stay oaksReaching a grassy, slim entry street carved by means of this forest, cross it and re-enter the woods on the hiker image.
Sand stay oak trunks proceed to border the define of the footpath, with cabbage palms rising between them.
Cross this grassy streetMove a bench in entrance of a noticed palmetto and enter a curve the place the tree branches overhead are curved, too, from prevailing winds.
Curve previous historical noticed palmetto with sprawling trunks amid a grove of cedar bushes.
Noticed palmetto among the many cedarsCabbage palms change into extra prevalent, as this a part of the forest is nearer to the Intracoastal and far damper.
Previous a bench beneath a cedar, attain a junction with a path that emerges into the campground at 0.4 miles. Make a left to remain on the loop.
Exit level to riverside campgroundObserve a broad hall of darkish earth earlier than a pointy left flip right into a tunnel of palm fronds.
Ferns emerge from the damp forest ground, which can have oozing mud or puddles by means of this part.
Palm frond hallEmerge from the palm hall on the entry street, which is sandy at this finish. Cross it to the hiker image and to re-enter the hammock.
It’s a riot of textures and shades of inexperienced, and far drier alongside the stretch that completes the loop after 0.6 miles.
Sealing the loopBear proper to retrace your journey by means of the doorway tunnel of bushes, reaching the grassy stretch with the fence at 0.7 miles.
Exit to the sidewalk and switch left. Stroll out to the park entrance alongside A1A.
Sidewalk to seashore crosswalkBe cautious utilizing the crosswalk. Flags are offered however motorists aren’t eager on stopping for pedestrians regardless of state legislation.
Proceed in direction of the parking space and restrooms and take the boardwalk to the fitting of them to an impressive overlook above the Atlantic Ocean.
Trying south alongside the seashoreA memorial to Gamble Rogers is on the alternative aspect of the restrooms, and the oceanfront campground lies instantly south.
Return throughout A1A and slip again into the woods on the hole within the fence at 0.9 miles.
Fence hole to renew footpathMake a left to proceed. Emerge on the Joe Kenner Path signal alongside the sidewalk within the hammock.
Relying on the place you parked, flip both left or proper to exit, finishing a mile hike.
Finish of the sidewalk by the IntracoastalPath Map
Discover Extra!
Study extra about Gamble Rogers Memorial State Recreation Space
Video
A stroll by means of the Joe Kenner Path
Slideshow
See our photographs from the Joe Kenner Path
Close by Adventures
Extra price exploring on this space
Path Map (PDF) Reserve Campsite Official Web site
Creator of 45 books, Sandra Buddy established FloridaHikes.com in 2006 to broaden on the sector analysis she’d accomplished for her first six climbing guides. She has been honored with lifetime achievement awards from the Florida Path Affiliation and the Florida Out of doors Writers Affiliation.
