brevardcounty

Hatbill Park

Brevard County features a unique site known as Hatbill Park, an excellent place for boating. Situated on the edge of St. Johns River, the park is a beautiful spot for bird-watching. This conservation area is home to waterbirds, eagles, and even the lovely Crested Caracara. At night, the park hosts several nocturnal birds, such as Great Horned Owls and Chuck-will’s-widows.

A 24-hour boat ramp allows kayaks and canoes to traverse the waterways and get a closer look at the local flora and fauna. Additionally, overnight camping is permitted but must be cleared by special request at the Sandrift Community Center Site. There are 5 campsites to choose from within the 15-acre park. There are no bathrooms or hookups for RVs so make sure you have everything you need. Most visitors say most visitors the weekends are hectic at Hatbill Park, so plan for a weekday if possible!

Photo Credit: Dan Kon

Author Sarina Pennington

Canova Beach Park AKA Canova Dog Park

Does your dog love playing in the ocean and on a sandy beach? Canova Beach Park is a beach in Southern Brevard County where dogs are allowed.

Your furry friend must be leashed with tags with an updated license and proof of current rabies vaccination. Please clean up after your dog.

Canova Beach Park is located on Indian Harbor Beach. This pet-friendly 9.1-acre community park offers a picnic pavilion, barbecue grills, a restroom, and outdoor showers. Disposal materials and receptacles for dog waste are provided to keep the beach clean.

For more information: https://brevardfl.gov/…/ParksInIndianHarbourBeach/Canova

Photo Credit: Ray Myers

Pioneer Trail at Kings Park on Merritt Island

The Pioneer Trail, inside of Kings Park, could be the trail that you have been missing. Located in north Merritt Island, this 240-acre community park is largely a wetlands preserve. The paved, well-maintained trail is suitable for walkers, runners, or cyclists (mountain, hybrid, cruisers, or road bikes will all work here), perfect for your whole family to enjoy. If you go later in the afternoon or evening, you will find portions of the trail are shaded.

The Pioneer Trail is a straight 1.1-mile trail connecting E. Hall Road and Chase Hammock Road. A straight line without looping makes it not only impossible to get lost but safe and easy for even the most novice trail enthusiasts to use! You will likely cover 2.2 miles round trip unless you turn back early or take a side trail. The trail takes you along two ponds and other water features, with plenty of native Florida vegetation including wildflowers, grasses, palm trees, and more. Keep an eye out for alligators. With the opportunity to see more of this natural Florida scenery, you might want to wander down a side trail.

The small developed area at the northeast corner of the park features a multi-use field and paved parking that accommodates practice games and neighborhood play. A deep freshwater lake adjacent to the parking area offers a natural ramp for non-motorized boats. Another small lake, a canoe trail, and rustic nature trails invite exploration for the adventurous. Don’t forget your sun protection, extra water, and bug spray. There are restrooms, a pavilion, and picnic tables at either end of the trail.

Amenities:

Restroom

1.4-mile Pioneer trail.

Picnic area

1 Multi-use field

Canoe Launch,

Freshwater,

Non-motorized Access

Photo Credit and Author: Director Bobby Putnam

Enchanted Forest Sanctuary

The moment you start your walk into the Enchanted Forest Sanctuary you know that there is something special about this place. The first property that was purchased by the Brevard County EEL Program and at 470 acres is the “Flagship” in a series of sanctuaries that the EEL program has been working to establish through Brevard County

Located in the southern limits of the City of Titusville, in the shadow of NASA and Kennedy Space Center Visitor Center, the Enchanted Forest Sanctuary preserves a wonderful diversity of natural habitats. Five basic habitat types are found within the Sanctuary: Oak scrub, mesic and hydric hammock, wet prairie, and pine flatwood. Wildlife species found here include the Eastern indigo snake, Florida scrub lizard, gopher tortoise, white-tailed deer, and bobcat. A diversity of temperate and subtropical plant life includes Red Mulberry, Hercules club, orchids, magnolia, wild coffee, wind oranges, and pig nut hickory.

Several miles of diverse hiking and walking trails allow visitors of all ages and abilities to enjoy the natural beauty of the unique natural and historical features. There are massive trees, gardens, and diverse habitats along its trail system, with the spine of the Atlantic Coastal Ridge a prominent landform down the middle.

There’s a nature center filled with information and interactive exhibits about the habitats and history of this corner of Titusville. The nature center has a nice gift shop inside, restrooms, and a water fountain. They can even provide guided tours available for persons of limited mobility.

Universal accessible amenities include an exterior covered porch, the Ancient Oak amphitheater, an outdoor Butterfly Garden, and a trail to a scenic overlook over the Addison Canal.

The Enchanted Forest is a must-stop for those who love the outdoors and are visiting the Space Coast. So the next time you visit the Space Coast for the beach or rocket launch, make sure you schedule some nature time in The Enchanted Forest.

Length: 2.5-mile loop

Trailhead: 28.533350, -80.802283

For more information: https://www.brevardfl.gov/…/EnchantedForestSanctuary

Photo Credit: Bobby Putnam – Brevard County Lead Education Coordinator