Delaplane Preserve Park — Attraction in Stuart

Delaplane Preserve is a 51 acre preserve located along the south fork of the St. Lucie River. Although it is large only a small part of it is accessible. There is a 6 car parking lot. From there you hike a 1/4 mile hard packed gravel trail through live oaks and cabbage palms before you get to the river where there is a fishing dock, canoe and kayak launch, and picnic tables. Adjacent to the dock is a tree with a rope swing. According to the Florida Oceanographic Coastal Center, the river is pretty polluted so I don't know if it's advisable to swim. The Martin County Public Works Department has restored the wetlands and native plants and are working to remove the exotic plants although I did see quite a few of them.

The preserve is home to the threatened gopher tortoise and while I didn't spot any I did come across two rabbits by the river. There are a number of nature preserves in the area. While this preserve isn't a destination by itself, when combined with the other natural areas nearby it can become a wonderful afternoon visiting the nature of...

I walked the trail it was pretty quick it's only a quarter mile. I saw a black snake (I knew I would), and there was a small raccoon down by the river doing something. I always keep my distance when I see a raccoon during the daytime. Yes, there is a kayak launch, but I don't have a dolly and I'm not carrying my kayak a quarter mile. There is a road, Linden Road, that goes to the kayak launch, but there's signs all over that it's a private road. It would be nice if we could drive down and launch our boats from the launch site. Can Martin County get access to that...

Pretty walk. It's a short one. Pet friendly. Nice dock at the end. Bet it would be great to fish off. Lots of fish jumping all over and a big tree with a rope swing. Reminded me of something you would read from Robert Frost. Small little alligator swimming near by. Great ramp for launching Kayak or a canoe from. It's only ¼ mile from parking lot to end of the trail, but its a nice clean,...