Maritime Hammock Sanctuary

This aptly-named sanctuary protects the largest, intact maritime hammock in Brevard County. The site has a 3.5-mile foot path (no bikes) with two trailheads (350 yards apart) on SR A1A, both with bicycle racks. Start at either end and hike westward towards the Indian River Lagoon, watching the gnarled oaks for White-eyed Vireo, Worm-eating Warbler, Ovenbird and Gray Catbird in spring and fall. In May 2010, North America’s first mainland record of Red-legged Thrush was found at the site. On the north side, a new trail extension leads west, then northward, to ponds with Anhinga, Black-crowned Night-Heron, Tricolored Heron, Roseate Spoonbill and White Ibis. Mangroves along the lagoon are regenerating thanks to the county’s extensive habitat restoration efforts. The lagoon is home to hunting Osprey, Atlantic Bottle-nosed Dolphin and West Indian Manatee. Other wildlife species on the property include Giant Land Crab, Northern River Otter, American Alligator and Bobcat. On the south side of the sanctuary, a shaded pond overlook has a diversity of wading birds when water levels are suitable. The beach can be accessed from the north trailhead by crossing SR A1A.