The Loxahatchee River is a 8.5 mile cypress lined waterway that offers paddlers an unparalled experience of tropical vegetation and temperate flora. The narrow and meandering waterway is canopied a good portion of the run by majestic cypress trees offering shade and a challenging experience.   I have run the river with friends, co-workers and kin through the years.  All enjoyed the stunning subtropical forests, wetlands, meadows and wildlife.  

Within the past 6 years (unbeknownst to me),  the South Florida Water Management District and the County purchased hundreds of acreage and developed the new jewel in the park system– Riverbend Park under the State’s Save Our Rivers Land Acquisition Program.  You can still canoe and/or kayak in the area but they also carved over 15 miles of bike trails in the marsh and terrain.  Whether you pedal or paddle, the area is pristine.  

We arrived at 7:30 am with bikes, met friends and began our adventure.  Within the first five minutes, we spotted a peacock (in Florida?).  They have been living in the park since 2008.  We rode passed a gaggle of wild turkey, spotted an owl and a deer.  It was a perfect way to spend a Sunday morning– enjoying the park’s diverse natural resources.  Did I mention it is easy to access (a 20 minute drive)? Thank you, Norma & Ken!