Story and Photos by Hannah Deadman-Arnst
With a new year before us, resolutions abound—from eating healthier to getting more sleep or exercise. This year, why not make hiking outside with your pup a priority? Palm Beach County is home to an amazing array of nature trails and paved paths to explore.
Depending on what type of trails you (and your pup) like, there are plenty of great options across the region. And with good weather all year, you and your dog can get outside, blaze new trails and make fun memories together now through December!
Before you hit the trail, don’t forget to:
- Bring plenty of water for you and your fur baby
- Always keep your dog leashed
- Avoid hiking during the hottest part of the day to protect your dog’s paws (and avoid dehydration!)
- Remember the Leave No Trace (LNT) rules—including scooping your dog’s poop, throwing away trash, and respecting wildlife and other people
Palm Beach Lake Trail (Palm Beach, Florida)
Difficulty: Easy | Cost: Free | Type: Out and back
Nestled along the Intracoastal Waterway, the Palm Beach Lake Trail is a great place for those who prefer a more manicured experience. This 5.5-mile paved trail begins at South Lake Drive and ends at the Sailfish Club. Along the way, you’ll see iconic viewpoints—including the Henry Morrison Flagler Museum, the Royal Poinciana Chapel, the Society of the Four Arts, and much more. There’s also plenty of shade and benches along the way so you can stay cool, take in the view, and hydrate! *Bonus: You can also bike or rollerblade this trail with your furry friend.
John Prince Park (Lake Worth Beach, Florida)
Difficulty: Easy | Cost: Free | Type: Loop
This county park is a great choice if you love to choose your own adventure. With 4.5 miles of various paths, you can tailor your walk based on the distance you want to conquer. Many of the walking paths follow nearby canals, ponds, and Lake Osborne. There’s also Custard Apple Trail, which was the first nature trail created in Palm Beach County’s park system. The unpaved, half-mile interpretive trail winds through maritime hammocks and along marshes, giving you and your dog plenty of shade! Don’t forget to stop at Lake Woof Dog Park if you want to let your pup run off-leash and play with other dogs.
Arthur R. Marshall Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge (Boynton Beach, Florida)
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate | Cost: $10/daily | Type: Loop
Did you know this national wildlife refuge is one of the largest urban wildlife refuges in the nation? While dogs are not permitted on the Cypress swamp boardwalk, Lee Road, or the impoundments, you can take them on the Perimeter Levee Trail, which spans 36 miles total (although you don’t have to hike the whole thing)! The refuge conserves a small remnant of the northern Everglades, making it a fantastic place to spot wildlife like deer, turtles, alligators, and wading birds. Be sure to give wildlife their space! This trail is best in the cooler months, as there’s very little shade.
Jonathan Dickinson State Park (Hobe Sound and Tequesta, Florida)
Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging | Cost: $6 per vehicle (two to eight people) | Type: Various
Craving a taste of wild Florida? Look no further than Jonathan Dickinson State Park. There are several great trails to try, including Kitching Creek Nature Trail (1.5 miles) and the Green Loop Trail (5 miles). At this state park, you can hike through unique Florida ecosystems like pine flats, scrub and ancient dunes, and cypress swamps, giving you and your dog plenty of interesting views as you hike. Be sure to bring water, sunscreen, and a hat. As always, be mindful of wildlife—there are great opportunities to spot unique species like Florida scrub jays—during your hike. Don’t forget to check out the Hobe Mountain Trail—a short boardwalk that leads to an observation tower with a fantastic, birds-eye view of the park.
***
A creative thinker with a passion for storytelling, Hannah Deadman-Arnst is a full-time writer, communications professional and traveler. While she calls South Florida home, Hannah travels and works remotely in her camper with her husband, Ryan, and huskies, Buddy and Sapphire. She has explored 42 states, visited 36 national parks and, since 2021, has driven 20,000 miles with her RV. Born and raised in Chicagoland, her love for travel and the outdoors began at a young age—boating Lake Huron, exploring the woods, taking road trips, and having fun outside. She left her full time communications job in 2022 to pursue a freelance career and life on the road. With a background in journalism, arts & sciences communications, and tourism marketing, Hannah loves using stories to drive impact for people and organizations that enrich their communities. She is also a trained dancer and singer. When she’s not creating, she loves to photograph her travels, hike with her dogs, find really good coffee, and read. Follow her adventures at @hannaharnst!