Meet the Land Trust's Flagship Trail
If the Lagoon Greenway has been on your radar for years, it's time to give it another look. Just last year, IRLT added a 1.5-mile loop to the north, stretching the whole trail system past four miles.
Tucked on the northeast corner of 8th Street and Indian River Boulevard, Lagoon Greenway has long been one of the Indian River Land Trust's flagship trail systems, a joint effort between IRLT, Indian River County, the Mosquito Control District, and the Florida Inland Navigation District (F.I.N.D.) that's anchored this stretch of the lagoon since 2012.
Start under the broad canopy of live oaks draped in Spanish moss at the trailhead, then wind through an oak hammock and a forest of cabbage palms. The noise of the boulevard fades fast here, and by the time the boardwalk carries you into a full mangrove immersion, you're somewhere else entirely, ending at a Lagoon overlook so serene you'll find yourself lowering your voice to take in the scenery and listen for a wading bird or two.
The one-mile out-and-back is the classic route, and the south loop stretches that to 2.5 miles for a more immersive hike. There's also a short Mini-Adventure trail for a more intimate, single-lane walk through the shaded hammock.
Bikes and leashed dogs are welcome, and the trail is open daily, dawn to dusk.
To learn more about the Indian River Land Trust, visit their website here. And don't forget to lock down your tickets for the annual benefit November 12 at Rock City Gardens. More info here.
