Pondhawk Natural Area — Attraction in Boca Raton

I have been to so many natural areas lately looking for the right one for me and I have finally found it! It's Pondhawk Natural Area. I just wish I lived closer. This area provides the size that I need to get a work out in. Located behind the magnificent Spanish River Library and Community Center you cross a bridge to enter the natural area of Pondhawk. The area is divided into three walking/ jogging trails.

The first area I explored to the right of the bridge was the natural scrub area. You cross over a small boardwalk into the area where there is a wide paved path that loops around the area. It looks pretty much like every other scrub area I have been in lately. There is a lookout pavilion that looks out onto basically nothing. The path is easy to traverse and impossible to get lost on.

Once you leave the scrub area the path continues on the left around the lake. I really enjoyed the lake path. I saw so many wading birds diving for fish. I also met the friendliest pelican. He let me come so close to take his picture. I loved meeting him. On the back side of the lake path I met the friendliest black cat. The ear was notched so I knew it was fixed. I had so much fun petting my new friend. The cat was well fed so it looks like it is enjoying it's life at Pondhawk guarding the path and greeting all the walkers and bikers. This trail let's out behind the Spanish River library.

I had to cross the bridge again and this time turn left to reach the final path. You go down a paved path that takes you under the roadway and around another large lake. There are benches for sitting provided around both lakes. Again I saw an assortment of wading birds.

Everyone in Boca seems to know about this place as I saw all kinds of people walking, running, biking, and inline skating. If you visit when the library is open you can use their restrooms and they even have a cafe inside the library if you want a snack or a drink. I didn't wear my exercise clothes the first day I came so I came back the next day properly dressed and with my daughter for company. Between all of the paths I got 5 miles in on my fitbit. The area is so beautiful. I highly...

Beautiful example of endangered scrub habitat right in the middle of the city of Boca Raton. Handicap accessible and rough walking/hiking trails provide a couple miles to stroll through the wildlife area by lovely Blue Lake, where waterfowl such as ibises, great blue heron, tricolour heron, ducks, and more can be seen. Lots of wildflowers and butterflies can be seen in the wilderness area. The trails have limited shade, particularly in the areas with more scrub and fewer pine trees, so be prepared for a hot walk especially in the middle of a summer day. There are no water fountains of restrooms in the wildlife area, so bring water bottles. The nearby library has parking, restrooms, and water fountains for filling reusable bottles. You can also walk around the scenic lake beside the library. Keep an eye out...

An amazing place to walk, run or bike both for exercise and for leisure. Great place for viewing wildlife and enjoying great weather. Also, even though I don't have children, the "Story Walk" is awesome! It's a storybook in sections all along the boardwalk and it helps to educate and engage children in both nature and in having confidence in themselves. Even though I'm a grown up, I do enjoy the "Story Walk" and the awesome way it engages kids! This is truly a great place for everyone, families, couples and singles all just looking for a beautiful place to relax and connect with both nature and each other 😀 and there's plenty of places for a picnic, there's 2 different canals that have plenty of room for a blanket and a cooler for a...