Hawks Hammock Preserve

Hawks Hammock Preserve is a 432-acre nature area in Palm City managed by Martin County. It sits west of Stuart between the Green Ridge and Interstate 95, where developed land gives way to rural flatlands between the coast and Lake Okeechobee.

The preserve has about 264 acres of uplands and 168 acres of wetlands and deepwater habitat. The uplands are pine flatwoods of mature second-growth slash pine over saw palmetto, wax myrtle, and wiregrass. In the transition zones around the wetlands, look for dahoon holly, cabbage palm, and redbay. Near the center, scattered pines stand in an open savannah of saw palmetto, gallberry, and fetterbush lyonia.

The trail system is a main oval loop of roughly 4.5 miles with three shorter side loops. The trails are multi-use, so hikers, cyclists, and horseback riders share them. The preserve is also used by dog walkers and fishing groups, and freshwater canals run through the property.

Alligators and otters live on the property, and the preserve is recognized as a wildlife hotspot on the Great Florida Birding Trail. Wildflowers bloom along the trails in season.

The preserve has two entrances. The north entrance has the main trailhead, a parking area with spaces for horse trailers, and a covered chickee hut with a picnic area. The south entrance is at the end of a long dirt road. Admission is free, and there are no restrooms on site.

Dogs are welcome, and owners are asked to follow the rules of Martin County’s BARK Ranger program. Bring water, insect repellent, and sun protection, because much of the loop runs through open flatwoods with little shade.

Martin County and the Florida Forest Service use prescribed burns to reduce wildfire risk and keep the flatwoods healthy. A December 2025 burn covered about 140 acres south of I-95 and closed the preserve for the burn and one to two days afterward. Closures like this are announced in advance.

Delaplane Preserve, also in Palm City, has a shorter trail through pine flatwoods and mangrove marsh that ends at an overlook. For more nearby options, see things to do in Palm City and pet-friendly places across the Treasure Coast.