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A balloon loop through the old palm hammocks and cabbage palms of the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge (MINWR).


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Map Key

1.3

Miles

2.0

KM

Point to Point

4' 1 m

High

1' 0 m

Low

4' 1 m

Up

6' 2 m

Down

0%

Avg Grade (0°)

1%

Max Grade (0°)

Dogs Unknown

Features Birding · Views · Wildlife

Description

The trail begins under a canopy of oaks by the informational kiosk. Crossing a short footbridge into a red maple swamp—very colorful in winter—the trail then climbs slightly into an oak hammock. From there, you cross another short footbridge and arrive at the tracks of the former NASA Railroad. Crossing the railroad tracks, you move deeper into the forest, where a canopy of dense oaks crowns the lanky saw palmettos. As you continue, the trail opens up and runs along a passage surrounded by saw palmettos and live oaks.

About a half-mile into the trail, a boardwalk begins and winds through the marsh filled with red maple and Virginia willow before ending in a palm hammock. The trail then swings right and loops through the palm hammock before returning to the boardwalk, where you backtrack back to the trailhead.

Flora & Fauna

Cabbage palm, saw palmetto, live oak, wax myrtle, gallberry. Yellow-rumped Warbler (seasonal), Pileated woodpecker, raptors, wading birds. Armadillo, Feral hog, gray squirrel, bobcat, raccoon, and other woodland wildlife.

Contacts

Shared By:

Ryan Spr

Trail Ratings

  3.0 from 1 vote

#30595

Overall
  3.0 from 1 vote
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Trail Rankings

#314

in Florida

#30,595

Overall
9 Views Last Month
538 Since Jan 23, 2017
Intermediate Intermediate

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Photos

Palm Hammock Trail
Dec 8, 2018 near Titusville, FL
The boardwalk (about a half-mile in) leads through red maple and Virginia willow.
Jan 23, 2017 near Titusville, FL
Interestingly, the Palm Hammock Trail treads right across the recently retired NASA Railroad (NLAX).
Jan 23, 2017 near Titusville, FL
Damage from Hurricane Matthew is readily visible along the Palm Hammock Trail.
Jan 23, 2017 near Titusville, FL
The Palm Hammock Trail travels under the oak canopy.
Jan 23, 2017 near Titusville, FL
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