3 or 6 Mile Hike - Fern Forest, Coconut Creek

This is a moderate paced exercise walk through Fern Forest in Coconut Creek. We will walk two 3 mile loops. There are opportunities to depart early but please let your host know.

This walk will take place on the board walk, on grass, and through sand. There may be moisture on the grass depending on the weather. There may also be roots and rocks on some trails so watch your footing. We will not be going down the Mud Trail.

Fern Forest is a 247-acre Designated Urban Wilderness Area that has over 30 species of ferns. It is located on the corner of Atlantic Boulevard and Lyons road in Coconut Creek. There are several trails including the Cypress Creek Trail which is a half mile accessible boardwalk through a tropical hardwood hammock and a cypress-maple swamp and the Prairie Overlook Trail which is a one mile loop that runs through open prairie and an oak/cabbage palm community.

We meet at 9:00 AM. We will start walking at 9:15 AM. The gate opens at 9:00AM so no need to be early.

Please bring at least one bottle of water to this walk. I am going to bring two. This time of year can be warm and humid so wear light colored clothing that is appropriate for a summer morning walk. Hat, sunscreen, and bug repellent are advisable also and anything else that might keep you comfortable.

Park admission is FREE. Directions are listed below.

Jennifer

561-703-1698

Directions:

From I-95, take Atlantic Boulevard west to Lyons Road South. You will need to go south on Lyons Road but must be in the right lane on Atlantic Boulevard because after passing through the intersection you will veer to the right to circle around to head south on Lyons Road. Once you pass through the intersection again, the nature center is the first right turn off Lyons Road. It comes up very quickly and if you blink you will miss it. There is a small turn lane.

From Florida's Turnpike going north, exit at Atlantic Boulevard exit to the west. You will need to go south on Lyons Road but must be in the right lane on Atlantic Boulevard because after passing through the intersection you will veer to the right to circle around to head south on Lyons Road. Once you pass through the intersection again, the nature center is at the first right turn off Lyons Road. It comes up very quickly and if you blink you will miss it. There is a small turn lane.

From Florida's Turnpike going south, exit at Coconut Creek and head west to Lyons Road. Take a left at Lyons Road (now heading south) and the nature center is the first right after the Atlantic Boulevard intersection. It comes up very quickly and if you blink you will miss it. There is a small turn lane.